When the sun is blazing, and stepping outside feels like walking into a hairdryer, the last thing anyone wants is to watch their beautiful garden wilt under the pressure. If you’re anything like me, you’ve spent countless hours coaxing seedlings to life, nurturing roses into bloom, or making peace with a particularly stubborn courgette plant. So when summer rolls in with its sweltering charm, we’ve got to be just as clever as we are green-thumbed.
Hot weather doesn’t mean your garden has to suffer—or you, for that matter. With a few smart tricks up your (gardening-gloved) sleeve, you can keep everything thriving, from your petunias to your patience.
First things first: let’s talk watering. Summer doesn’t just dry out your plants; it dries out you too. So forget mid-day soakings—water early in the morning or later in the evening when the sun isn’t trying to bake your begonias. And don’t just skim the surface; give your plants a proper drink, deeply and slowly, so the roots reach down for moisture. Bonus tip? Sink a terracotta pot (with the drainage hole plugged) into your soil and fill it with water—plants will draw what they need from the moisture that seeps out. It’s like a DIY plant sippy cup.
Mulch is another summer MVP. Whether it’s wood chips, straw, dried grass clippings, or even shredded newspaper, it acts like sunscreen for your soil—locking in moisture, keeping roots cool, and giving weeds the evil eye. If your plants could talk, they’d thank you for it.
Now let’s tackle sun protection. Yes, plants can get sunburnt too. Think of shade cloths as umbrellas for your garden. They don’t have to be expensive or fancy—you can rig up old net curtains, bamboo screens, or even a well-placed parasol. For potted plants, simply shuffle them to a shadier spot during peak heat. Portable and practical.
Speaking of pots, terracotta ones are lovely but soak up water faster than you can say "heatwave." In hot climates, consider switching to glazed or plastic containers—they hold moisture better and won’t cook your plant roots like an oven dish.
And don’t forget your soil—summer is the perfect time to feed it with compost tea or seaweed tonic. Heat speeds up growth, and your plants will be hungrier than usual. Give them a nutrient boost, and they’ll reward you with colour, bloom, and flavour.
Also, consider going easy on the mowing. Let your lawn grow just a little longer—it provides shade for the roots and holds onto moisture better. Plus, it’s less work for you (which I call a win).
And here’s something you might not expect: don’t be too tidy. Those little clumps of fallen leaves or spent flowers? They actually act like natural mulch and protection. Summer is the one time of year you have full permission to embrace a bit of garden messiness.
Lastly, don’t forget to look after yourself. Wear a hat, drink loads of water, and don’t feel guilty about retreating to the shade with a cold drink and a smug look on your face while your garden quietly thrives, thanks to your clever planning.
Summer gardening doesn’t have to be a sweaty battle. With a dash of creativity and a few savvy swaps, you can outsmart the heat and keep your garden looking fresh, fabulous, and full of life. Here’s to a lush summer—even when the temperature’s sizzling!
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