How to Beat the Heat with Garden Watering

The sun is so big and you are so small. Your garden veggies and fruits look seared and scorched. Do you wonder how to reverse this undesired balance of power in their favour? There’s no magic here. Both you and I know that plants need water to produce. But do you know exactly how to give them water in a sizzling summer temperature? I didn’t know either. This is why I’ve developed a set of four rules that help me keep the soil constantly moist.

How to Beat the Heat with Garden Watering

Water Your Vegetables Several Times a Week

Two or three times a week is how I do it. This step is crucial. You have to water your garden deeply. The reason is simple – water must go down in order to encourage the roots. It means that if you water only the ground level, water will not have enough time to escape the hot soil surface.

Pay Attention to Your “Signal” Plant

A “signal” plant is a plant that shows signs of wilting before your other plants. It’s usually some veggie with big leaves such as melon, cucumber or squash. When you see droopy leaves, you’ll know that things are not going well. Don’t get upset because there’s no gardener on earth who doesn’t deal with wilting plants. It is comforting to know that big-leafed plants that wilt when the sun is high in the sky usually recover during the evening.

Try Not to Wet Plant Leaves

This is a mission impossible if you use a sprinkler. Wet leaves attract pests which is why you should water early in the morning so that the leafage could dry quicker. The bottom line is try not to leave your leaves wet too long.

Do Your Best to Keep the Ground Moist

I always strive to keep the ground moist by adding organic mulch. Take leaves, grass clippings, peat moss, wood chips – just make sure it’s organic. Mulch is one of my best garden friends. It conserves moisture and improves the fertility and health of the soil. Above all, mulch prevents the sun from drying your soil. If you follow these rules there’s no reason why you shouldn’t try to grow even cold-tolerant plants in hot and humid climate. 

Don’t hesitate to ask if you need an advice on how to water your garden!