Hot weather isn’t just tough on people; it can take a toll on your garden, as well. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help your plants beat the heat. Garden Exchange in Hilo, HI, has provided residents in the area with expert gardening tips and top-quality supplies for over 20 years.

Here, their team of gardening specialists explains five things you can do to help your crops endure the summer weather:

• Water in the Morning: Watering in the morning is a good way to conserve water and ensure your plants are well-hydrated. If you water midday, the heat will cause much of the moisture to evaporate, necessitating more water. However, if you tend to your garden later in the day or in the evening, the leaves may not dry out before nightfall, which could cause fungus to develop. 
   
• Use Shade Netting: Shade netting is an excellent way to protect heat-sensitive plants from the sun’s rays. Shade netting is placed on top of hoops which raise up over the crops, creating a miniature greenhouse. With shade netting, you can even grow some vegetables, like salad greens, throughout the summer. You can find shade netting and hoops at your local garden store. 
   
• Trim Foliage & Spent Blossoms: Many perennials like Oriental poppies and bleeding hearts become dormant when the temperatures escalate. Most bloom only in the spring or fall and appear wilted and gangly during the summer months. To help them survive the heat, trim back the spent blossoms and cut brown or unhealthy-looking foliage.
   
• Use Mulch: Mulch is essential to gardening. It provides insulation, protecting the plant’s roots from exposure to extreme temperatures, helps the plants retain water and avoid overheating. If you’re not sure which type of mulch to use, ask a specialist at your local garden supply store or plant nursery. 

For more hot-weather gardening tips and supplies, visit Garden Exchange today. In addition to gardening essentials like organic fertilizer, mulch, and a plentiful selection of flowers, they also offer lawn mower repair and lawn care services. To speak with a helpful staff member, stop by the shop or call (808) 961-2875. You can also visit their website to view their weekly specials.