Beat the Heat: A Summer Survival Guide for You & Your Garden

Summer is what we wait for all year, but when temperatures climb, our gardens need a little extra attention.

Heat waves don't just affect people. Lawns, annuals, vegetables, trees and shrubs all respond differently to prolonged periods of hot, dry weather.

Fortunately, helping your landscape through summer doesn't require more work—it simply requires making a few smart adjustments.

Here's how to help both you and your garden beat the heat.

– Matt

 

Matt's Heat Wave Checklist

Before heading outside, run through this simple checklist:

• Lawn: ☐ Raise your mower to 3–4 inches.
• Gardens: ☐ Water deeply early in the morning.
• Mulch: ☐ Check that garden beds have a 5-8cm  (2–3 inch) layer.
• Containers: ☐ Inspect hanging baskets and patio pots.
• Feeding: ☐ Keep flowering plants and vegetables on a regular feeding schedule.
  
• You: ☐ Wide-brimmed hat ✔️ ☐ Sunscreen ✔️ ☐ Water bottle ✔️ ☐ Gardening planned for morning or evening ✔️
  

Small changes today can make a big difference during tomorrow's heat.

 

Raise Your Lawn Mower

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make during hot weather is mowing too short.
Longer grass naturally shades the soil, reducing moisture loss while encouraging deeper root growth.

Benefits include:

• Greener lawns
• Better drought tolerance
• Fewer weeds
• Reduced watering
• Stronger root systems

Garden Tip

Set your mower to approximately 7.5–10 cm (3–4 inches) during summer.

 

Water Deeply, Not Daily

Frequent shallow watering encourages shallow roots.

Instead:

• Water early in the morning.
• Water slowly.
• Soak the root zone.
• Allow soil to dry slightly between watering.
  

Morning watering also reduces evaporation and helps prevent disease.

 

Mulch: Your Garden's Best Defence Against Heat

Mulch may be one of the best investments you can make during summer.

A layer of mulch:

• Conserves moisture
• Keeps soil cooler
• Suppresses weeds
• Protects plant roots
• Improves soil over time
  

Apply 5–8 cm (2–3 inches) around trees, shrubs and perennial gardens while keeping mulch away from trunks and plant crowns.

Garden Tip

A well-mulched garden often requires significantly less watering during extended periods of hot weather.

 

Why Feeding Still Matters

Many gardeners stop fertilizing once summer arrives.

In reality, your plants are working harder than ever.

Flowers continue blooming.

Vegetables are producing fruit.

Trees and shrubs are building energy reserves.

A balanced fertilizer helps support:

• Healthy roots
• Strong foliage
• Better flowering
• Improved fruit production
• Recovery after heat stress
  

Garden Tip

Always water plants before applying fertilizer.

 

Understanding Heat Delay

Have your flowers stopped blooming?

Have your tomatoes slowed down?

That's often perfectly normal.

During prolonged periods of extreme heat, many plants enter heat delay. Instead of putting energy into flowers, fruit or new growth, they shift into survival mode.

You may notice:

• Slower growth
• Fewer flowers
• Reduced fruit production
• Smaller harvests
• Temporary wilting

The good news?

Once temperatures moderate and moisture levels improve, many plants return to normal growth and flowering.

Garden Tip

Don't give up on your garden during a heat wave. Continue watering deeply, feeding regularly and allow plants time to recover naturally.

 

Containers Need Extra Attention

Containers dry out much faster than garden beds.

During prolonged hot weather:

• Check containers every day.
• Hanging baskets may require watering twice daily.
• Water thoroughly until moisture drains through the bottom.
• Larger containers retain moisture longer than smaller pots.
  

 

Plants That Thrive in the Heat

Some plants don't just survive the heat—they thrive in it.

• Coneflowers (Echinacea) – Native, drought tolerant and loved by pollinators.
• Angelonia (Summer Snapdragon) – Continuous blooms throughout the hottest months.
• Lantana – Butterfly favourite with exceptional heat tolerance.
• Annual Vinca – One of the toughest annuals for sunny gardens.
• Sedum (Stonecrop) – Succulent foliage stores water and thrives in dry conditions.
  

Garden Tip

Plant heat-tolerant varieties together to create beautiful gardens that require less watering throughout summer.

 

Listen to Your Body

Your garden isn't the only thing that can suffer during extreme heat.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious conditions that require attention.

Watch for these warning signs:

• Heavy sweating followed by hot, dry skin
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Muscle cramps
• Weakness or unusual fatigue
• Confusion or difficulty concentrating
• Rapid heartbeat
  

If you experience these symptoms:

• Move into a cool or shaded area immediately.
• Drink cool water if you're able.
• Loosen or remove excess clothing.
• Rest until you feel better.
  

If symptoms become severe—such as confusion, fainting, loss of consciousness, or a body temperature that remains very high—seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Garden Tip

The best gardeners know when it's time to head indoors. Listen to your body. The garden will still be there when the temperature drops.

 

Garden Tip: Enjoy Summer

Your garden doesn't have to be perfect.

Take time to slow down, sit under a tree, enjoy a cool drink and appreciate everything you've grown.

Sometimes the best thing you can do for your garden is simply spend time in it.

Happy Gardening!

– The Bradford Greenhouses Team