As the thermometer climbs past 90°F and into the triple digits, summer gardening becomes a test of both strategy and soil. According to Uriah Israel of Texas Small Farmers and Ranchers–CBO, the difference between surviving and thriving in high heat lies in preparation, not guesswork.
Choose Heat-Ready Plants
It starts with choosing the right plants. Select crops that are designed to withstand extreme heat and suit your specific growing region. A tomato variety that thrives in North Carolina might collapse under the Texas sun. Know your zone, your soil and your sun exposure.
Mulch Is Your First Line of Defense
Mulching isn’t optional—it’s essential. Use what you have: wood chips, wheat straw, pine straw, or even biodegradable mulch materials. The goal is simple—retain moisture, suppress weeds, and shield the soil surface from direct sunlight.
For commercial-scale growers, plastic mulch may be more efficient. But for backyard gardens, organic matter does the job. Apply it after your plants are established to lock in hydration and reduce surface evaporation.
Early Morning Watering
The best time to water your garden? Before the sun rises. Between 5:30 AM and 6:00 AM, your plants can absorb water without the risk of midday evaporation. This gives them the strength to endure the stress of the coming heat. Skipping this step could leave your crops dry, weak, and vulnerable to failure.
Build Soil That Holds Water
Healthy soil isn’t just fertile—it’s sponge-like. A soil rich in organic material holds moisture longer, reducing the need for frequent watering. Add compost, composted manure, and biodegradable matter like coco coir. You can also use vermiculite and perlite, which help retain water in the root zone.
Don’t forget: perennials with deep, wide roots can withstand heat better than shallow-rooted annuals.
Plant Defensively
Learn how to use—and create—shade. Strategically plant shrubs and companion crops that offer natural protection. Install shade cloths when the sun becomes unrelenting. Choose materials with varying sun-block percentages to dial in the right level of light diffusion.
The idea is not just to grow, but to grow smart. Give your plants a fighting chance to thrive, not just survive.
By adapting your practices to the heat, you transform summer gardening into a season of abundance rather than burnout. Start early. Stay hydrated. Build your soil. And don’t be afraid to shade.
