Expert strategies for the hottest months: How to keep plants alive in summer heat
When summer arrives in full force, your garden can feel the heat—literally. Intense sun and high temperatures can take a toll on even the most well-maintained landscapes. Fortunately, with the right techniques, you can keep your plants healthy, hydrated, and beautiful throughout the season.
In Bergen County and other parts of Northern New Jersey, summer heat waves are not uncommon. If you’re wondering how to keep plants alive in summer heat, the good news is that it’s all about timing, technique, and a little TLC.
Don’t Let Summer Scorch Your Garden
Need help keeping your landscape lush and healthy this summer? Call Borst Landscape & Designat (201) 822-9327 orcontact us onlineto protect your plants and preserve your curb appeal.
Understand the Stress of Summer Heat on Plants
Excessive heat causes plants to lose moisture quickly, leading to:
- Wilting leaves
- Scorched foliage
- Dropped buds or flowers
- Stunted growth
When the soil dries out and the sun beats down, plants become stressed and more vulnerable to pests and disease. But the right care plan can prevent these issues.
1. Water Smart, Not More
Timing is everything:
Water early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation and ensure water reaches the roots.
Deep watering beats frequent sprinkling:
Instead of shallow daily watering, soak the soil thoroughly 2–3 times per week. This encourages deeper root growth, which helps plants withstand heat.
Use drip irrigation or soaker hosesto deliver water directly to the root zone with minimal waste.
2. Mulch is Your Garden’s Best Friend
Apply a 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch—like shredded bark or compost—around trees, shrubs, and garden beds. Mulch helps:
- Retain soil moisture
- Regulate soil temperature
- Suppress weed growth
It’s a simple, natural way to keep the root zone cool and reduce the need for constant watering.
3. Choose Heat-Tolerant Plants
If you’re planting in summer, opt for varieties that thrive in heat. In Northern NJ, some top choices include:
- Coneflowers
- Black-eyed Susans
- Coreopsis
- Sedum
- Russian sage
These perennials not only endure the heat but also bring beautiful color to your garden.
4. Shade Sensitive Plants
Temporary shade structures can protect delicate plants during peak heat. Use garden fabric, umbrellas, or even old sheets to create shade during the hottest part of the day.
Position shade-loving plants in areas that get partial sun, such as under trees or near taller shrubs.
5. Don’t Over-Fertilize
Fertilizing during extreme heatcan backfire. While it’s tempting to feed struggling plants, this can cause more stress by pushing new growth when the plant is already under duress.
If you must fertilize, use a slow-release organic fertilizerand apply it early in the day, followed by a deep watering.
6. Prune Sparingly
Avoid heavy pruning during a heatwave. Removing too much foliage reduces the plant’s ability to shade itself and retain moisture. Focus on removing:
- Dead or damaged branches
- Spent flowers (deadheading) to encourage blooming
Hold off on shaping or cutting back greenery until temperatures cool down.
7. Container Plant Care Tips
Potted plants are especially vulnerable to heat. Follow these tips to keep them alive:
- Water daily, or even twice a day during extreme heat
- Use light-colored pots to reflect sunlight
- Move containers to shady areas during the afternoon
- Add mulch to container soil to slow evaporation
You can also group pots together to create a microclimate that retains humidity.
8. Keep Your Soil Healthy
Healthy soil acts like a sponge, retaining water and nutrients for longer periods. Boost your soil’s resilience by:
- Adding compost or organic matter regularly
- Avoiding synthetic chemicals that can disrupt soil health
- Using cover crops or green mulch in off-seasons
A strong soil foundation means your plants will be more drought-resistant and heat-tolerant.
9. Keep an Eye on Weather Trends
Pay attention to heat advisories and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. On days when temperatures spike, plants may need extra hydration or temporary shade.
If you’re planning to plant or transplant, wait until after a heatwave for best results.
10. Partner with a Professional Landscaper
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the summer heat in NJ can overwhelm your landscape. That’s where we come in.
At Borst Landscape & Design, our expert team understands how to keep plants alive in summer heat. We know our local New Jersey climate and soil conditions, and we can help design, maintain, and adjust your landscaping to ensure it stays healthy throughout every season.
Beat the Heat with Borst Landscape & Design
Need expert help keeping your garden thriving this summer? Trust the professionals at Borst Landscape & Design.
Call (201) 822-9327 orcontact us herefor expert guidance and full-service landscape care.