Summer can sometimes feel like it stretches on forever, especially when temperatures soar and humidity rises. On the dog days of summer, when the last thing we want to do is sweat over difficult yard care, a few clever hacks, can keep your garden looking cool – and keep you feeling even cooler as you beat the heat!
1. Be an early bird: Ditch the midday sun. Water your plants deeply early in the morning, when the cooler temperatures allow for better absorption and less evaporation. Watering a few hours before sunset is the second best option, however you’ll want to avoid watering after sunset; if you do water in the latter half of the day, keep a close eye out for signs of mold and fungal diseases among your plants; these conditions thrive in dark, moist environments.
2. Keep plant roots cool: A layer of organic (light-colored) mulch around your plants helps retain moisture in the soil, keeping those roots nice and cool and helping reduce the need for ultra-frequent waterings during the summer.
3. Cool down your landscape: Give your plants a break from the beating afternoon sun if the forecast is predicting a spell of atypically hot weather for your region. Shade sails, umbrellas, or strategically planted trees provide dappled light during the hottest part of the day to prevent scorching.
4. Group therapy: Use plants strategically by grouping plants that can provide benefits to one another such as shade, moisture retention, or pest deterrence. Taller plants, such as Red Sky™ Ilex, can create a mini oasis of cool for their shorter neighbors.
5. Container climate control: Move potted plants to shady areas of your porch or patio. Group containers together to create a humid microclimate that helps retain moisture. Purple Pixie® Dwarf Weeping Loropetalum and Baby Gem™ Boxwood are low-maintenance beauties that thrive in containers and create a striking visual contrast.
6. Water-wise and worry-free: Reduce watering frequency by planting heat-loving, drought-resistant shrubs. Resilient evergreens like Obsession™ Nandina, ‘Sunshine’ Ligustrum, and ‘Orange Rocket’ Barberry are tough as nails and continue to radiate vivid shades while requiring minimal watering and care.
By following these simple tips and taking advantage of problem-solving plants, you can keep cool and still have a flourishing garden all summer long. So grab a hat and a cool drink, and get ready to enjoy your thriving oasis, even when the temperatures soar!
