Knowing how to take care of your plants in the summer can mean the difference between wow and wilt, especially during this year’s record heat wave. Luckily, we’re experts in keeping things growing in whatever our Albertan weather throws at us, and we have all of the tips and strategies you’ll need to keep your plants hydrated and protected from heat stress this summer. So, if you’re ready to beat the heat in your garden this summer, let’s dig in!

Understanding Heat Stress in Plants

We’re not the only ones to feel the heat on those scorching summer days; heat stress is a real thing for your plants, too. When temperatures soar, your plants will likely start to show obvious signs of distress, like wilting, yellowing leaves, and slowed growth. Recognizing these heat stress symptoms early is crucial for preventing long-term damage to your garden. 

Hydrating Plants in Hot Weather

Keeping your plants well-watered is essential for a healthy garden, but it’s especially important during peak summer heat. The best time to water your plants is when temperatures are cooler to prevent evaporation, typically in the early morning or late evening. Watering deeply during these times will help ensure your plants’ roots get sufficient moisture. It is best practice to water right at soil level to allow the water to enter the soil immediately, guaranteed to lessen evaporation as well as ensuring that precious water goes right to the roots. Choose soaker hoses over sprinklers. When hydrating container plants, make sure you water until it pours from the drainage holes and be prepared to increase watering during periods of elevated heat.  

To conserve water as part of your eco-friendly lifestyle, consider using rain barrels to collect and store rainwater for your garden during droughts and water restrictions. You can also reuse household water, like leftover cooking water, as a sustainable way to keep your plants hydrated. 

The Importance of Mulching

Mulching is a gardener’s best friend when it comes to managing heat stress, and is something we highly recommend as a part of everyday Edmonton gardening. This simple step makes a significant difference in how well your garden copes with high temperatures, as applying a layer of mulch around your plants will retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed growth. 

There are tons of mulch options you can use, from organic varieties like straw and wood chips to inorganic materials like stones. Premium mulch options not only provide practical benefits but can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of your garden, so get creative with how you incorporate mulch into your garden design to make it both functional and beautiful!

Using Shade to Protect Plants

Creating shade in your garden is another effective way to protect your plants from the harsh sun and take the edge off its scorching rays during midday and afternoon peaks. Try using shade cloth, strategically planted shade trees, or garden structures like pergolas to provide both much-needed relief for your plants and a cool oasis for the whole family. 

Additional Tips for Heat-Resistant Gardening

Choosing heat-tolerant plants is a smart move for maintaining a vibrant garden in high temperatures, so when revamping your garden layout, look for hardy varieties that bask happily in the heat and sun. Here are some of our favourites: not only are they some of the best plants for the Edmonton heat, but they also require less water, making them ideal for low maintenance, hot-weather gardening!

• Sedum
• Salvia
• Gaillardia
• Echinacea
• Viburnum
• Lavender
• Rosemary
• Succulents
• ˜Summerific’ Hardy Hibiscus

Soil health is another critical factor for managing heat stress, as healthy soil helps plants withstand extreme conditions and promotes better growth. Regularly adding organic matter to your soil and using appropriate fertilization techniques is a simple yet effective way to support plant health during heat waves. 

Effectively managing heat stress in your garden involves a combination of hydration, mulching, shading, and choosing the right plants. By putting these strategies into action, you can create a resilient and thriving garden in even the hottest weather Alberta can throw at us! 

To learn more about how to take care of your plants in summer, drop by Salisbury Greenhouse today for the best products, top-of-the-line services, and unbeatable expert advice to grow your gardening experience right here in Edmonton!