Beat the Heat: A Gentle Guide to Helping Your Garden Thrive in Hot Weather
Summer brings long days, buzzing pollinators, and plenty of sun — but it also brings heatwaves, dry soil, and plants that start to wilt before noon. Whether you’re growing in raised beds, containers, or a cozy kitchen garden, the good news is: there are simple, natural ways to help your garden handle the heat.
Here’s how I protect and support my garden (and myself) when the temps climb and the sun won’t quit.
☀️ 1. Water Deeply — and Early
Watering is the most important summer habit, and timing makes all the difference.
Water early in the morning, before the sun is strong. This gives plants a chance to absorb moisture before heat causes it to evaporate.
Water at the base of your plants — not overhead. Wet leaves in hot sun can scorch or invite disease.
Aim for long, slow watering sessions 2–3 times a week instead of shallow watering daily. Deep watering encourages roots to grow down into the cooler soil.
💧 Bonus Tip: Use a watering wand or drip line if possible to save time and reduce waste.
🪴 2. Care for Containers Differently
Containers dry out faster than garden beds, especially in heat. They need special attention:
Check moisture daily — especially if it’s over 85°F.
Double-potting can help insulate the soil (place your container inside a larger, decorative pot).
Consider grouping pots together to create a microclimate with shared humidity and partial shade.
🌞 Choose light-colored containers when possible — dark pots absorb and hold heat.
Container gardening
🌿 3. Choose Plants That Love the Heat
Some crops love hot weather and will give you a gorgeous harvest when others struggle.
Here are some of my go-to heat-loving herbs, veggies, and flowers:
Basil (thrives in heat — just keep it watered and pinch often)
Peppers & eggplant
Okra
Sweet potatoes
Zinnias, cosmos, sunflowers, marigolds
Lemongrass & Thai basil
🌼 These plants are not only beautiful — they’re resilient. And they’ll keep producing even during a heatwave.
Zinnias
⛱️ 4. Add Some Shade (Yes, Even for Sun-Lovers)
Even full-sun plants can benefit from a little break during the harshest part of the day (usually 1–5pm). You can create temporary shade with:
Shade cloth (available at garden centers)
Old bedsheets or fabric tied between stakes
A patio umbrella, trellis, or tomato cage draped with burlap
Tall plants like sunflowers or corn can also serve as natural shade providers
🌤️ Think of it like giving your garden a little parasol.
Adding a shade cloth over flowers in the heat
🐝 5. Support Pollinators and Beneficial Insects
Hot weather can stress pollinators, too. Keep shallow dishes of water out with small rocks inside for bees and butterflies to land on. Keep planting flowers like:
Calendula
Cosmos
Marigolds
Bee balm
Yarrow
These not only support the ecosystem — they also help your veggies get pollinated and thrive.
Nest & Bloom Final Thought
Hot weather doesn’t have to mean the end of your garden’s beauty or productivity. With a few small shifts in care, your plants will adjust and so will you. Don’t aim for perfection — just pay attention, make small changes, and stay connected to your space.
Summer gardening is sweaty, messy, and so worth it.
💌 P.S. Don’t forget to sign up for the Nest & Bloom newsletter for more seasonal tips, beginner-friendly guides, and small garden inspiration.