July Heatwave Gardening Guide: Protect and Nurture Your Garden

July brings intense heatwaves that can stress your garden, but with a few smart steps, you can help your plants handle soaring temperatures. Knowing how to adjust your gardening habits during a heatwave will keep your plants healthy and your vegetables growing strong. From special watering times to easy shade tricks, even small actions can make a big difference.

You might be worried about your plants wilting, burning, or drying out faster than usual. Luckily, simple changes—like watering at dusk, using mulch, and setting up quick shade—can protect your garden from heat stress. With a little planning and care, you can keep your garden thriving, even during the hottest part of the summer.

Key Takeaways

• Simple changes help your garden survive July heatwaves.
• Shading and mulch protect plants from sun and moisture loss.
• Smart watering keeps soil cool and roots healthy.

Understanding July Heatwaves

July heatwaves can stress gardens, causing plant problems and rapid soil moisture loss. Learning how heatwaves form, their effects on gardens, and the warning signs of heat stress helps you keep your plants healthy.

Defining Heatwaves and Summer Weather Patterns

A heatwave is a period of unusually high temperatures that lasts for several days or more. In July, daily highs often stay above 91°F (33°C) with hot nights that rarely fall below 68°F (20°C).

These events may follow dry spells or be paired with sudden downpours that don’t soak into the soil. High pressure systems usually drive these conditions. Heatwaves are becoming more common due to shifting climate patterns. Extended heat, with few breaks, makes gardening during a heatwave extra challenging.

Repeated hot, dry days in July speed up evaporation. Soil dries out, and nighttime temperatures stay warm, giving little relief for plants or gardeners. July’s changing weather means you must adjust your routine quickly to protect your garden during long hot spells. For more on defining heatwaves, visit this guide about gardening during a heatwave.

Key Challenges for Gardens in July

July brings a set of problems even experienced gardeners have to manage. Intense sunlight scorches leaves, and heat-stressed soil stops holding moisture well. Even if you water, heat makes water evaporate faster, sometimes before roots can absorb it.

Many plants stop growing during a heatwave. Pollination and fruit set drop, with some flowers and fruits falling off before they mature. Crops like tomatoes, beans, and cucumbers often struggle with blossom drop and sunscald.

Young or shallow-rooted plants wilt quickly. Containers and raised beds heat up the fastest, needing extra care. Extra watering, mulching, and shading become vital steps when gardening during a heatwave. Protecting young trees and shrubs with shade can prevent long-term damage.

Recognizing Signs of Heat Stress in Plants

Heat stress in plants shows up in several noticeable ways. Wilting is common, but not all wilting means the plant is dry. Sometimes, plants wilt to protect themselves from losing too much water and may recover overnight.

Other signs include leaves curling, turning yellow or brown at the edges, or developing dry, crispy patches. Fruit and flowers may drop early, and some plants may stop flowering completely. Sunscald, which looks like pale, bleached, or burned spots, often appears on stems and fruits left uncovered.

If you see these warning signs, check the soil moisture before watering again. Immediate steps like adding mulch, supplying shade, and watering deeply can help reverse early symptoms and prevent lasting damage during a heatwave.

Preparing Your Garden for Extreme Heat

Protecting your garden from a heatwave starts with knowing what areas suffer most, getting your soil ready, and planning the right time to take action. Careful steps at this stage can make a big difference in how well your plants survive high temperatures.

Assessing Vulnerable Areas

Begin by walking through your garden during the hottest part of the day. Notice which spots get full sun and which have some shade. Young seedlings, shallow-rooted plants, and containers are usually most at risk.

Use a simple map or table to mark these key points:

Look for signs of heat stress like wilting or leaves changing color. Prioritize these areas for extra protection such as shade cloth or moving potted plants. Focusing your attention here ensures your most vulnerable plants get care first.

Soil Preparation and Conditioning

Healthy soil is key to holding water and providing nutrients when it’s hot. Add 2-3 inches of organic mulch, like compost or shredded bark, around the base of your plants to reduce evaporation and keep roots cool.

Before a heatwave hits, check the soil moisture level. Stick your finger into the ground about 2 inches deep. If it feels dry, water deeply in the early morning or evening. Deep watering encourages plants to grow roots farther down, which helps them withstand more heat.

For added benefit, enrich your soil with a slow-release fertilizer or natural sources like kelp meal, which supplies gentle nutrients and trace minerals. Avoid heavy fertilizing, as pushing too much new growth can stress plants during very hot weather. Mulching also helps suppress weeds, cutting down on competition for water.

Timing Essential Garden Tasks

Plan your gardening activities for cooler parts of the day. Early mornings and late evenings are best for watering and tending to plants. Doing this prevents water from quickly evaporating and lowers stress on your plants.

Hold off on pruning or transplanting during a heatwave. Removing too much foliage exposes plants to more sun, making them more likely to burn. Deadhead faded flowers and remove only completely brown or dead leaves.

Give special attention to newly planted or young plants. They dry out faster than established ones. Water them first, and provide extra shade if possible. For more practical tips, see the guide on how to prepare your garden for a heatwave.

Watering Strategies for July Heatwaves

Keeping your garden hydrated during a July heatwave is vital to plant health. Correct watering methods help plants survive high temperatures and prevent water waste.

Optimal Watering Techniques

Water your plants early in the morning, before the sun gets too strong. This allows the roots to absorb moisture with less evaporation. If mornings do not work, late evening also works, but be careful not to wet the leaves, as this can lead to disease.

Focus water at the base of each plant so more reaches the roots. Spread mulch across exposed soil. Mulch keeps the moisture in, lowers soil temperature, and shields roots from harsh sun.

Check moisture often with your finger or a soil tester. Water when the soil feels dry about two inches deep. Avoid letting plants wilt for long before watering, as this can cause lasting damage. More tips are at this July heatwave gardening guide.

Deep Versus Frequent Watering

Rather than watering lightly every day, give your plants a deep soak. Deep watering pushes moisture several inches into the soil, which encourages roots to grow downward toward cooler, wetter soil layers. This helps make plants stronger and better able to tolerate heat.

Shallow, frequent watering encourages roots to stay near the surface, where soil dries out quickly during a heatwave. For most garden beds, aim for watering deeply two to three times per week, adjusting for very sandy or clay soils as needed.

Container plants dry faster and may need to be checked daily, but avoid letting containers sit in water as this causes root rot. Always aim to let the top inch or two dry a bit before watering again. Learn more about how deep watering can help plants through heat at this heatwave watering guide.

Efficient Irrigation Systems

Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation to deliver water right to the plant roots. These systems minimize evaporation and ensure even coverage, making them ideal for conserving water during extreme heat.

Drip lines can be set up with timers so your garden gets watered early in the morning even if you are busy or away. You can also add mulch on top of hoses or drip lines to further cut water loss.

Automatic systems are helpful, but always check that everything works and adjust timers as needed for changes in weather. Manual watering may be necessary for new or delicate plants, but irrigation systems save labor and improve consistency in large or busy gardens. For more advice, see this list of efficient watering strategies.

Soil Moisture Retention and Mulching Methods

Keeping soil moist during a July heatwave will protect plants from stress. Proper mulching lowers water loss, keeps roots cool, and stops weeds from stealing water.

Choosing the Right Mulch

Your mulch choice will affect how much water your soil can hold. Organic mulches like straw, wood chips, shredded bark, and leaves work well because they break down slowly, protect roots, and add nutrients. Inorganic mulches like gravel or rubber can block weeds, but they don’t help soil health or moisture much.

For vegetable gardens, try straw, grass clippings, or compost. Flower beds do well with bark or shredded leaves. For trees and shrubs, choose wood chips or pine bark, but keep them away from the trunk. Using the right mulch makes your garden more resilient in hot weather.

Here’s a quick table to compare some choices:

Application Tips for Maximum Effectiveness

Spread mulch in a thick, even layer to get the best results. Use 2–4 inches for most organic mulches. Make sure the mulch covers the soil but leaves space around plant stems and tree trunks to avoid rot and disease.

Water the soil before adding mulch so you lock in moisture. If using grass clippings or leaves, dry them out a bit first to stop them from matting. In windy spots, use heavier mulch like bark or wood chips that won’t blow away easily.

A good mulch layer will cut evaporation, keep soil temperature steady, and reduce watering needs by up to 70%. Replenish mulch as it breaks down or thins out.

Mulching Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid piling mulch against plant stems or tree trunks. This mistake, called “volcano mulching,” traps moisture and causes root rot, pests, and disease. Keep mulch a few inches away from bases to protect plants.

Don’t use thick layers of fresh grass clippings or leaves without letting them dry. Wet clippings mat down, block air, and may start to rot. For safe use, mix them with other materials or let them dry before spreading.

Never use mulch that smells sour or rotten. This can mean the mulch is breaking down without enough air and may hurt plants. Check mulch before you use it, and learn more about mulching mistakes to keep your garden safe.

Using Shade Solutions and Sun Protection

Shielding your garden from the intense July sun is one of the most effective ways to keep plants healthy. Simple actions can lower plant stress, prevent wilting, and help your crops handle high temperatures.

Installing Shade Cloth and Shade Sails

Shade cloth is a practical way to block harsh sunlight while still letting air and some light reach your plants. It comes in different densities, usually ranging from 30% to 70% shade. For most vegetables and flowers, a 40% to 50% density works well, but you can use higher densities for delicate, shade-loving plants.

You can stretch shade cloth over simple frames, trellises, or between posts using zip ties or clips. Make sure the material is secure, especially if it gets windy. Remove the shade cloth once the heatwave has passed, so plants don’t miss out on normal sunlight.

Shade sails function in a similar way but usually cover larger spaces and attach at fixed points above your garden. They offer reliable protection over beds or patios and are suitable for areas where you need consistent coverage for several days. Learn more practical steps for using shade cloth and canopies in the garden.

Temporary and DIY Shade Structures

You don’t need expensive supplies to make quick shade. Old bed sheets, lightweight tarps, or even large patio umbrellas can shield sensitive plants from direct sun. Stretch a sheet over a stake frame for an easy row cover, or drape it across garden chairs to shade taller crops.

For moveable plants, try grouping pots under a table, bench, or pop-up canopy when the sun is strongest. Focus on shading your most delicate plants, like leafy greens, cucumbers, or new seedlings. Use what you have on hand and be creative—moving portable items makes it easy to follow the shifting sunlight. Find more simple ideas for temporary plant protection during heatwaves.

Natural Plant Shading Techniques

Some shade can come from the plants in your own garden. Tall or bushy species, such as sunflowers or corn, can create a shield for smaller, shade-loving crops nearby. You can use trellises with fast-growing vines like beans or morning glories to make a living shade wall.

Planting dense clusters or using companion layouts helps leaves and stems shield soil and neighboring plants. Putting water features nearby can also create cooler microclimates and reduce heat stress for sensitive spots. Arranging your layout with taller plants on the west or south side of beds uses the sun’s movement for the most protection. See more strategies for natural shading and microclimate gardening.

Protecting Plants from Wind and Heat

Strong sun and dry winds can quickly dry out garden soil, damage leaves, and make plants wilt. Using good wind protection and the right care methods helps your plants survive the worst summer heatwaves.

Windbreak Installation and Placement

Windbreaks are barriers that block or slow down the wind to protect your garden. You can use different materials for windbreaks, such as wooden fences, trellises with climbing vines, or even rows of tall bushes or trees.

Place your windbreaks on the side of your garden where the wind hits the hardest, usually facing prevailing summer winds. For small gardens, even simple shade cloth or mesh can help reduce wind speed. Make sure the barrier is tall enough to shield tender plants but does not block all sunlight, especially in areas with intense sun exposure.

A windbreak should be slightly open, not solid, so that it reduces wind without creating too much pressure on one side. For example, a lattice fence or a row of thick shrubs works better than a solid wall. Windbreaks also help trap moisture in the soil and prevent it from drying out too quickly. For more ideas on using barriers and shade, visit this Epic Gardening guide to extreme heat.

Preventing Leaf Scorch and Damage

Leaves can scorch or dry out quickly under hot sun and strong wind. To keep leaves healthy, water your plants deeply and early in the day. Deep watering encourages roots to grow further down where it’s cooler and more moist.

Lay down a thick layer of mulch around your plants. Mulch holds in water and keeps the soil cooler, which helps prevent leaf burn.

Using light shade covers like white fabric or shade cloth can also block out some sun, reducing heat stress. Avoid using clear plastic, as this can trap heat and make things worse. Moving potted plants to sheltered areas or using temporary barriers are easy fixes during bad weather.

Trim any dead or damaged leaves so your plant can focus energy on healthy growth. Keep an eye on your plants for signs like wilting or yellow spots, which means they may need extra care. Learn more about keeping plants safe in high heat and wind at this Extreme Heat Gardening article.

Maintaining a Healthy Vegetable Garden in July

Keeping your vegetable garden productive during the July heat means choosing the right plants, adjusting your care for temperature stress, and knowing when and how to harvest. These steps help you keep your crops healthy, prevent wilting, and extend your harvest into late summer.

Selecting Heat-Resistant Vegetable Varieties

Focus on growing vegetables that excel in hot weather. Heat-tolerant crops like okra, eggplant, cherry tomatoes, hot peppers, sweet potatoes, black-eyed peas, New Zealand spinach, and amaranth can handle July’s intense sun and drying winds.

Okra and eggplant thrive in consistent heat and give steady harvests when watered deeply. If you need drought-tolerant produce, choose cherry tomato varieties like ‘Sun Gold’ and ‘Juliet’. New Zealand spinach and black-eyed peas are reliable choices for greens and legumes when traditional crops wilt.

Planting these vegetables lets you take advantage of July’s heat for healthy summer harvests. Mixing in native or adapted varieties also strengthens your garden against local temperature spikes.

Caring for Cool-Season Crops

Cool-season vegetables such as lettuce, broccoli, and spinach can easily wilt and bolt in hot weather. Use shade cloth, garden umbrellas, or even old sheets to block the worst afternoon sun. This will lower temperatures near your most fragile plants and reduce stress.

Water these crops early in the morning to keep their roots cool and moist all day. A thick layer of mulch helps slow evaporation and protects shallow roots. When temperatures stay above 85°F, harvest cool-weather crops young and often, rather than leaving them in the ground to grow larger.

If your cool-season plants look wilted by midday, misting their leaves briefly can add temporary relief. For very hot climates, consider pulling up bolting plants to free up space for heat-lovers.

Harvesting Techniques During Heatwaves

Picking vegetables in July takes some strategy. Always harvest early in the day when temperatures are lower, as morning-picked produce will last longer and taste sweeter.

Don’t wait for the perfect size—picking veggies slightly small during a heatwave helps the plant recover and direct energy to new growth. If you leave ripe vegetables on the plant too long, it causes stress and can reduce overall yield quality.

Use clean, sharp tools and handle crops with care to prevent bruising. Harvesting every 2-3 days keeps production steady, especially for tomatoes, peppers, and beans. For root vegetables, check the soil before digging; dry ground can damage the crop or make harvesting harder. Learn more about smart harvesting tips for July heatwaves.

Caring for Container and Raised Bed Plants

Plants in containers and raised beds dry out more quickly than those planted in the ground. Hot weather can stress roots and damage plants if you don’t take extra steps to protect them.

Preventing Overheating in Pots

Place your pots where they get morning sunlight but are shaded from the harsh afternoon sun. Surfaces like pavement or decks can reflect heat, so try raising containers on pot feet, bricks, or wooden slats for airflow underneath.

Check pots for heat buildup by touching the sides—if they feel too hot, it’s time to move them or offer more shade using a patio umbrella or shade cloth. Choose light-colored containers when possible, as dark pots absorb more heat.

Water deeply and regularly, as pots lose moisture faster in hot weather. Mulch the surface of the soil with bark, straw, or even small stones to slow down evaporation. Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day; early morning is best.

Grouping and Relocating Containers

Grouping your containers closely together creates a microclimate that helps retain humidity and reduce moisture loss. Plants will shade each other’s pots, protecting roots from direct sun.

If your containers are portable, move them to locations that get shelter from strong afternoon sunlight or wind, such as next to a wall or under partial tree cover. Sheltered spots also offer more stable temperatures.

For delicate or drought-sensitive plants, prioritize the coolest, shadiest corners for placement. If you have hanging baskets or window boxes, remember that they dry out faster and may need to be watered more than once daily during extreme heat. Get more details and tips for keeping your container plants thriving in the heat.

Special Tips for Raised Beds

Raised beds can get much hotter and dryer than in-ground beds, so cover soil with a thick mulch layer. Choices like shredded leaves, straw, or composted wood chips insulate the soil and protect roots.

Water raised beds early in the morning and focus on deep soaking at the base of the plants. Drip lines or soaker hoses are better than sprinklers, as they save water and reduce evaporation. Secure temporary shade—like old sheets, burlap, or commercial shade cloth—over plants for very hot days.

Consider growing heat-tolerant varieties and spacing plants further apart for better airflow. For more advice, see practical heatwave survival tips for raised bed gardens.

Seasonal Garden Maintenance and Timing

Getting your garden through a July heatwave means careful timing and smart maintenance. You need to adjust your regular routine for feeding, pruning, moving plants, and keeping pests under control to prevent stress during extreme conditions.

When to Fertilize and Prune

Avoid fertilizing during a heatwave, as nutrients can burn roots and force plants to use energy they should be saving. High temperatures already put stress on your garden, and fertilizers—especially those high in nitrogen—can make things worse. Hold off on feeding until temperatures return to normal and plants start showing active growth again.

Pruning during intense heat is also risky. Trimming encourages new growth, which is easily damaged by high temperatures and strong sun. Instead, only remove dead or seriously damaged branches. For most lush trimming, wait until weather cools. This timing helps plants recover without extra strain. See more tips for handling heat waves in the garden.

Delaying Transplanting and Major Changes

Postpone any transplanting, dividing, or major landscaping work while temperatures are high. Moving plants exposes roots and can cause shock or even death in the heat. Even healthy plants will struggle to adjust during hot stretches. Wait for a cooler spell before starting major work.

If you must move something, try doing it very early in the morning and keep the root ball as intact as possible. Water deeply right after planting and add mulch to help insulate roots from heat. For now, keep beds stable and let your plants focus on survival.

Managing Common Summer Pests

Pests are very active in July heat, and plants already stressed by high temperatures are more likely to suffer from bug damage. Check your plants daily for signs of aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Look for chewed leaves, sticky residue, or fine webs, especially on the undersides.

Use a mix of methods for control. Spray pests off with water in the mornings, use insecticidal soap when needed, and remove badly affected leaves. Encourage natural helpers like ladybugs if you see them. Good pest management keeps plants healthy even when the weather is tough. Read about more heatwave pest solutions at Garden Tabs.

Composting and Soil Health During Heatwaves

High temperatures can speed up composting, but can also dry out piles and stress soil microbes. Good composting practices and the right use of finished compost can help plants withstand extreme summer heat.

Hot Composting in High Temperatures

During a heatwave, your compost pile heats up quickly. This is useful for hot composting because higher temperatures help break down materials faster and kill off weed seeds and some plant diseases. But if it gets too hot or dries out, composting can stop.

Keep your pile moist like a wrung-out sponge. Water it whenever the pile feels dry. Place your compost in a shaded spot or cover it with a tarp during the hottest part of the day to prevent rapid drying.

Turn the pile once a week for airflow and check the temperature if possible. If your pile gets much hotter than 160°F, turn it to cool things down. Layering browns and greens and using a compost aerator can help maintain good temperature and air balance.

To avoid pests or odors, always bury food scraps under dry browns. Covering your pile or using bins with secure lids can limit animal and insect problems, especially when heat speeds decomposition. For more details, read about effective composting methods during hot weather.

Maintaining Microbial Activity

Good soil microbes are sensitive to heat and drought. When it gets too dry, microbe activity drops and the breakdown of organic matter slows down. Moisture is essential—not enough, and microbes go dormant; too much, and they suffocate.

Check your compost and garden soil often. Add water if compost or soil starts to dry out; mulch heavily around both compost and plants to slow water loss. Mix in shredded cardboard or paper to help the pile retain moisture longer.

Shade helps keep soil and compost cooler for microbes. You can use plants, shade cloths, or even place mulch right on the pile. Consistent moisture, shade, and regular turning will keep your compost and soil health at their best even in intense heat. Learn more about keeping microbial life going in summer in this summer composting tips guide.

Using Compost to Improve Resilience

Finished compost acts like a sponge in your soil. It stores water, improves drainage, and makes nutrients more available to plants. Adding a layer of compost to your soil before a heatwave helps your garden hold moisture for longer periods.

Compost can also lower soil temperature and protect plant roots from heat. Spread 1-2 inches of compost on bare soil, then cover it with mulch. The combo slows evaporation and shields roots from extreme heat.

Healthy compost increases soil organic matter, helping gardens recover faster from stress. Over time, your soil becomes naturally more resistant to drought and fluctuations in temperature, making your plants stronger and healthier year after year. For more ideas on resilient gardening, check out these heatwave gardening strategies.

Planning Ahead for Future Heatwaves

Keeping your garden healthy during future heatwaves begins with the right setup and choices. Preparing now helps your plants handle high temperatures and dry spells better.

Adjusting Garden Design for Heat Resilience

Choosing heat-tolerant plants is key. Look for vegetables like okra, sweet potatoes, and herbs such as thyme or oregano. Native and drought-resistant plants survive hot periods with less water.

Group plants with similar needs together. Placing thirsty plants away from drought-tolerant varieties helps prevent overwatering and waste. Arrange containers in clusters to create small pockets of humidity and reduce drying from wind.

Add shade options like lightweight shade cloth or temporary covers. Tall plants and trellises can offer natural shade for more delicate crops. Use mulch—such as straw or wood chips—around all plants. Mulch keeps soil cool, limits evaporation, and slows weed growth. These design steps help your garden bounce back after hot days. For more in-depth design advice, visit this gardening in a heatwave guide.

Long-Term Water Conservation Strategies

Install drip irrigation or soaker hoses to water plants at the roots. These systems reduce water loss and help you avoid wetting leaves, which can lead to disease. Water deeply but less often so roots learn to reach deeper for moisture.

Set up rain barrels to collect water during storms. Use this stored water during dry spells to reduce your reliance on city or well water. Amend your soil with compost or coconut coir to make it hold water for longer stretches.

Use ground covers—such as low-growing herbs—to shield soil from the sun, slowing evaporation. Monitor soil moisture daily using your finger or a simple moisture meter. Timely watering based on soil needs keeps plants strong during heatwaves. More water-saving tips are listed in this garden heatwave survival guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

When July brings extreme heat, you need reliable techniques for plant protection, focused garden care, and smart watering. Understanding which plants cope best and how to provide shade can help keep your garden healthy through the worst conditions.

How can I protect my garden plants during a heatwave?

Give plants extra protection by adding mulch, providing afternoon shade, and checking soil moisture daily. Use 3–4 inches of organic mulch to keep roots cool and limit water loss. Offer temporary shade using cloth canopies, old sheets, or even garden umbrellas.

Check for signs of wilting but always test the soil before watering again. Avoid pruning, fertilizing, or planting new crops during a heatwave. Learn more about these key tips for gardening in high heat.

What garden maintenance should be prioritized during extreme heat?

Focus your energy on watering deeply in the early morning, mulching, and shading. Watch for plants in distress, especially containers and young trees. Group pots together for a cooler, more humid microclimate.

Hold off on non-essential tasks, like pruning or fertilizing, since these can add stress to plants during high temperatures.

Which plants are most heat-resistant for summer gardening?

Some vegetables and herbs naturally handle hot weather better than others. Okra, sweet potatoes, basil, amaranth, and roselle hibiscus all tolerate high temperatures. You can also rely on native or desert-adapted perennials when heat waves are frequent or severe.

Choose varieties known for heat tolerance for the best results in midsummer. See more suggestions for heat-tolerant garden plants.

How can I create effective shade for my garden in July?

Temporary shade can be made with 50% white shade cloth, old bed sheets, or even patio umbrellas. Provide a few hours of shade during the hottest part of the day.

Plant tall sunflowers along the west side of garden beds to create natural shade in the afternoon. Even heat-loving crops benefit from shade during extreme conditions. Building quick shade structures with hoops and cloth or using repurposed materials is both simple and effective.

At what temperatures should I avoid gardening activities to prevent plant heat stress?

When air temperatures reach 100°F (38°C) or higher, plants can become stressed, especially if leaf temperatures climb to 115°F (46°C) or more. Avoid garden work like transplanting, pruning, and fertilizing on those days.

Delay any planting or heavy maintenance until temperatures return to normal, since new roots and shoots are most vulnerable to heat damage.

What watering strategies are recommended for gardens in high-temperature conditions?

Water deeply and early in the morning, so roots get moisture before heat rises. For containers, consider grouping pots and using watering spikes or ollas to keep soil evenly moist. Check soil an inch or two deep before watering again to avoid root rot.

In dry climates, a gentle mist on leaves late in the afternoon can help cool plants, but let foliage dry before nightfall. For more water-saving and plant-friendly tips, see these high-heat garden watering strategies.