Five Tips For Looking After Plants During Hot Weather

When summer rolls around and we’re hit with hot weather, plants face many challenges. Intense sunlight, scorching heat, and dry air can quickly stress even the hardiest greenery. As a plant lover, keeping them healthy and thriving during these conditions takes extra effort and care. Here are five essential tips to help your plants weather the heat and stay vibrant throughout the summer.

Aside from planting a water-wise plant species, proper watering is one of the most obvious yet crucial aspects of plant care during hot weather. However, it’s not just about quantity—it’s about timing and technique.

*Water early or late in the day: The best time to water is early morning or late evening. During these hours, temperatures are cooler, and the water is less likely to evaporate quickly. This gives your plants ample time to absorb moisture.

*Deep watering is key: Instead of frequent, light watering, opt for deep watering sessions. This encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil, where they can access moisture during dry spells.

*Avoid overhead watering: Watering the leaves can lead to burns, as droplets act like magnifying glasses under the sun. Aim for the base of the plant to ensure the roots receive the moisture they need.

Aside from the basic rule of planting in the right spots suited to the plant’s tolerance to sun/shade, it’s also important to consider providing the same plant with a break from the blazing sun in hot weather.

The hot afternoon sun usually poses the greatest concern. Overexposure can scorch leaves and stunt growth, particularly in heat-sensitive species like ferns or lettuces.

*Use shade cloths or umbrellas: These are easy ways to create a barrier against direct sunlight. With 30–50% shade coverage, a cloth is ideal for most garden plants.

*Relocate potted plants: If you’re growing plants in containers, move them to shaded areas during the hottest parts of the day. Even partial shade can make a big difference.

*Group plants together: This technique helps to create a microclimate, reducing evaporation and keeping the surrounding air slightly cooler.  Consider creating a canopy using taller plants/trees to cast some shade over more sun-sensitive understorey plants.

Mulching is a simple yet effective way to protect plants from heat stress. Adding a layer of organic material around the base of your plants can regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, and suppress weed growth.

*Choose the right material: Mulches like straw, wood chips, or shredded bark are excellent options. They decompose over time, enriching the soil while providing protection.

*Apply correctly: Spread mulch evenly, about 50-100mm thick, but avoid piling it directly against plant stems. This can prevent air circulation and invite pests or rot.

*Bonus benefit: Mulch also helps reduce erosion, keeping valuable nutrients locked into the soil.

As a side note, use the right mulch for the right planting scheme. Consider existing pH levels before applying it; ie. pine bark will increase the acidity of the existing soil profile slightly and bush/eucalyptus mulch is generally best to use in native-oriented gardens.

Plants often communicate their needs through subtle (or not-so-subtle) changes in appearance, particularly in hot weather. Regularly inspecting your plants can help you catch issues early and adjust your care routine accordingly.

Try to head out into your garden spaces at least every couple of days during hot weather to keep an eye on this.

*Wilting leaves: This can indicate dehydration or excessive heat exposure. If plants still look wilted after watering, consider increasing shade or moving them to a cooler location.

*Brown or scorched edges: This often results from sunburn or inconsistent watering. Trim damaged leaves and focus on providing consistent care.

*Dropping flowers or fruits: Heat stress can cause plants to abort blooms or fruit to conserve energy. Maintain a consistent watering schedule and consider using shade cloths to reduce stress.

*Bonus tip: Seasol or other seaweed based solutions are a tested remedy in managing heat stress so do apply these as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Feeding plants during hot weather can be tricky. While they need nutrients to grow, fertilisation during heatwaves can do more harm than good.

Plants grow more slowly during hot weather as they are dealing with heat stress, so they may not need as much fertiliser. Focus on keeping them hydrated and healthy rather than pushing for growth.

Incorporating organic compost into the soil profile improves the soil’s ability to retain moisture and deliver essential minerals to plants.

Pruning during hot weather can stress the plant (especially if dehydrated) and increase its vulnerability to pests and disease. 

If pruning is required beyond any broken or dying branches it’s best to hold off to a cooler time when it’s not as hot; ie. formative pruning for fruit trees so keep them in good shape or to the required size.

Bonus Tips for Heat-Resilient Gardening

*Choose heat-tolerant plants: Opt for species like succulents, cacti, lavender, or marigolds that thrive in hot conditions.

*Install a drip irrigation system: This ensures consistent watering while minimising waste.

*Use reflective surfaces wisely: White stones or reflective materials near plants can amplify sunlight. Be mindful of their placement to avoid overheating sensitive species.

Caring for plants during hot weather might seem daunting, but with a bit of planning and attention, it’s entirely manageable. By watering wisely, providing shade, mulching, monitoring for stress, and feeding thoughtfully, you can help your plants not only survive but thrive during the hottest months.

Remember, every plant is unique, and some might need more TLC than others. Stay observant and flexible, and your garden will reward you with lush greenery and vibrant blooms all summer long. Whether you’re tending to a few potted herbs on a balcony or a sprawling backyard garden, these tips will keep your plants healthy and happy, no matter how hot the weather gets.