Summer brings with it long days, plenty of sunshine, and a relaxing atmosphere, but also serious challenges for amateur and professional gardeners. When temperatures exceed 30°C, the plants in your garden, yard, or balcony can suffer if they are not properly protected. Thermal stress, dehydration, and sunburn affect both ornamental and edible plants.
Fortunately, there are effective methods you can use to keep your garden healthy and vibrant even in the middle of summer.
Watering correctly – the key to survival in the heat
One of the most common mistakes is shallow watering or watering during the day when water evaporation is at its maximum.
When to water: Ideally, water early in the morning (between 6:00 and 8:00) or in the evening after sunset. This allows the soil time to retain moisture, and the leaves will dry before nightfall, preventing fungal diseases.
How to water: Water abundantly and infrequently so that the water penetrates deep into the soil and encourages deep root development.
What to avoid: Do not water the leaves in full sun – the droplets act like a magnifying glass and can cause sunburn on the leaves.
Mulching the soil
Mulch is a protective layer placed on the surface of the soil, which reduces water evaporation, maintains a constant temperature, and prevents weed growth.
What materials you can use: straw, dry leaves, bark chips, sawdust, or even wet newspapers.
How much mulch: A layer of 5-10 cm is ideal for perennial plants and shrubs.
Where it's useful: around garden plants, in large pots, or in vegetable beds.
Temporary shade
Even though many plants love sunlight, prolonged exposure to intense sun on scorching days can be harmful.
Using shade netting: You can find them at gardening stores and mount them above sensitive plants.
Rearranging pots: If you have plants in pots, move them to semi-shaded areas during the hottest hours.
Protective plants: Plant sunflowers, corn, or other tall plants that can provide natural shade for more delicate ones.
Strategic leaf pruning
During heat waves, it's a good idea to reduce the foliage mass so that the plant loses less water through transpiration.
