Help Your Garden Beat the Heat

It seems that the hot, hot summer has finally arrived.  This presents a whole new range of gardening challenges, the foremost of which is how to keep your garden alive and thriving in these hot summer months.  There are a few plants, such as okra and jicama that love these long, sunny days.  Most of the garden is just crying out for mulch, water and shade though.

I was scouring the internet looking for tips on the best way to keep the garden happy and thought I’d share some of the creative things that I found.  As far as watering goes, the quick watering that is fine during the spring just won’t cut it in Texas in July and August.   The plants need a good, long, slow watering that will allow the water to soak into the ground near the roots.  A drip hose will accomplish this, as will a soaker host.  Another creative idea is to save your two liter soda bottles or gallon milk jugs, poke a very small hole in each one and bury it several inches deep in the soil right next to your plants.  If you have a row of plants, space them every few feet.  Two or three times a week, just go out and fill up all the bottles.  The water will slowly leak into the soil near the roots, giving the plant a thorough drink.   Remember to mulch heavily to help prevent evaporation and help hold the water around the plants’ roots longer.  No less than three inches is recommended.

If you have young trees, shrubs or bushes, a great idea is to put a very small hole (I used a drill and made a 3/32” hole) in a five gallon bucket.  Place the bucket near the base of the tree or shrub and fill it up.  It may take up to an hour for the water to slowly leak out – which will almost assure that the roots will be getting the water they need to keep the plant healthy.

Don’t forget one of the most important things when working out in the heat – take care of yourself too!  Make sure that you stay hydrated and shaded from the hot sun.  Try to get out before it gets too hot.  If you find yourself outside working during the hottest part of the day, just take it easy and take lots of breaks.  

As always, stay cool and happy gardening!