Plants during a heat wave

🌿 Water deeply, not often. Water early in the morning (best) or in the evening so less water evaporates. Deep watering encourages stronger roots.

🌞 Keep plants out of the hottest afternoon sun. Move potted plants into shade or use a patio umbrella or shade cloth during the hottest part of the day.

💧 Check containers twice a day. Plants in pots dry out much faster than those in the ground and may need watering morning and evening.

🍂 Add mulch. A 2–3 inch layer of mulch around outdoor plants helps keep the soil cool and reduces evaporation.

🚫 Don't fertilize during extreme heat. Fertilizer encourages new growth, which can stress plants when temperatures are very high.

✂️ Avoid heavy pruning. Leaves provide shade for the plant. Wait until cooler weather for major trimming.

🌸 Watch for wilting. Some plants wilt temporarily in the afternoon heat and recover by evening. If they're still wilted the next morning, they need water.

🪴 Increase humidity for houseplants. Keep them away from hot windows and air-conditioning vents, and group plants together to help maintain humidity.

🌺 Skip watering the leaves. Water the soil instead. Wet foliage in hot, sunny conditions can encourage disease and wastes water through evaporation.

With a little extra care during a heat wave, most plants will bounce back once temperatures return to normal.