Heat waves are becoming more frequent and intense. While we’re reaching for a cold drink and some shade, our plants don’t have that luxury. But with a few simple strategies, you can help your garden stay strong and survive even the hottest days.
How to give your garden the best care when temperatures rise:
1. Timing is everything: water at the right time
During a heat wave, water evaporates very quickly. The best time to water is early in the morning, when the soil can absorb moisture well before the sun gets bright. Watering in the evening is also possible, but avoid wet leaves at night, as this can cause mold. Tip: Water deeply and less often to encourage deep root growth.
2. Provide natural shade
Temporary shade can be a real lifesaver. Use old sheets, fleece, shade cloth or even cardboard to protect delicate plants during the hottest part of the day. Potted plants and young seedlings are particularly sensitive, place them in the shade or group them so that they protect each other.
3. Mulching like a pro
A generous layer of organic mulch (such as bark, compost, leaves or straw) insulates the soil, keeps it cooler and reduces evaporation. Mulch also prevents weeds from taking moisture. Bonus: In the long run, mulch also improves soil quality.
4. Know your plants
Not all plants suffer equally from the heat. Mediterranean plants such as lavender, sage, thyme and succulents do well in dry conditions. Other plants, such as hydrangeas or ferns, need more attention. During a heat wave, focus on the most vulnerable or valuable plants and leave the stronger varieties alone for a while.
5. Wait with fertilizing and pruning
Fertilizers stimulate growth, but new shoots are vulnerable and can burn quickly in the heat. Pruning also causes stress. Avoid fertilizing and pruning during extremely hot weather, wait until it has cooled down.
6. Leave the lawn alone
A brown lawn may not look pretty, but it is not dead, it is dormant. Set your lawnmower a little higher so that the grass stays longer. This protects the soil from drying out. And don't worry: when it rains again, the grass will turn green again.
7. Use water wisely
Is water scarce? Set priorities: young plants, vegetable plants and seedlings have priority. Use a watering can or drip system to moisten the roots. Collect rainwater in barrels and reuse any lightly used household water (such as rinsing water from vegetables) for ornamental plants.
Keep calm and keep gardening
A heatwave can really put your garden to the test, but plants are often more resilient than you think. With a little planning and attention, they can survive the hot days and bloom again when the weather cools down.
With the right care, your garden will remain healthy and vibrant, even when temperatures rise.
