7 Strategies to Keep Your Plants Thriving in the Summer Heat

Think about adding a water feature, such as a fountain, on a patio or outside a window where the gentle gurgles can be enjoyed from inside your home too. The Girona Fountain by Campania International is a solid choice for a freestanding fountain. Even a soft trickling sound can make your garden feel cooler.

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If soil conditions aren’t right, plants won’t grow to their full potential. Amending may require a soil test, which can be done through your garden center or a company such as AgSource Laboratories. Proper nutrient levels will help plants survive if they become weather fatigued.

Plants in containers really feel the heat when temperatures rise—and the soil in containers will also dry out more quickly. Keep your containers well watered (often daily). It’s also a good idea to add a dose of slow-release fertilizer to the soil (note that woody plants are usually heavy feeders).

When you plant a new tree, the roots go through a lot of stress. Until the roots are established, watering rings such as a Treegator can help ease the transition period. The watering ring slowly releases water into the soil over the rootball and reduces runoff from overwatering.

Before your next trip to the garden center, walk around your garden to look for spots where you can fit in larger blocks of plants. When you inevitably fall in love with a plant at the nursery buy 5, 7, or 10 plants of the same variety. This creates a more cohesive look, and plants spaced closely together help retain moisture in the soil.

Irrigation vessels such as terra-cotta urns are handy for watering raised beds that have plants with fibrous roots (beans, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, and more). Bury vessels, such as an Oya, in one of your beds, fill it with water, and refill it every few days. They are also a great watering solution while you’re on vacation.

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Compost teas help keep plants nutrient-rich through summer. Companies such as Malibu Compost sell packets that make up to 20 gallons of compost tea. Try their Bu’s Brew Biodynamic Compost Tea.