A garden is an investment of your time, money, and energy, so it can be devastating when plants are scorched by a long stretch of hot, dry weather. Fortunately, there are garden supplies and care strategies that can help prevent heat damage to plants.

5 Tips for Hot Weather Plant Care

1. Shade Cloth

Shade cloth usually comes in a variety of sizes and covers the soil while providing ventilation and access for weeding. Row covers or poly-tunnels are options that allow indirect sunlight and space for air and beneficial insects, but they are slightly less convenient for weeding. 

2. Mulch

Mulching keeps plants cool, conserves water, and provides protection for the odd chilly night in northern or high elevation zones. Alfalfa, straw, or even newspaper is reflective and will decompose into the soil.

3. Plant Transplants Under Mature Growth

Let seedlings you are planting take shelter under spring peas or greens that are already established. Small plants are more susceptible to scorching, so the partial sun allowed by a more mature “canopy” ensures a higher rate of survival and successful growth.

4. Morning & Evening Watering

Hot weather can dehydrate the shallow roots of young veggies. Giving plants a drink early in the morning, before temperatures soar, and in cool evening times, will allow the plant to hydrate before the peak sun times cause premature evaporation. Watering twice a day may be necessary in some climates; check with local experts at your garden supply center.

5. Watch for Signs of Damage

Heat damage and dehydration are the signs that plants need help—either by moving them or employing the strategies above. Yellowing leaves or veins and a droopy quality are red alerts, especially if lower or shaded leaves still look healthy and green. 

Gardening in the heat of summer can be a challenge, but give plants their best chance by using these strategies. Bethel Feed & Supply Pet & Garden Center, in Bethel, OH, offers garden supplies, bird feeders, fountains, seeds, bulbs, and annuals, as well as livestock feed and supplies, fencing, and tools. Call (513) 734-2246 if you have any questions, and visit them online to see a list of livestock and garden supplies.