Many places across the Southwest are experiencing record drought and heat waves. Not only can it be a huge stress to your plants, but we can deplete our finite water resources very quickly. Let’s look at 6 ways to help our plants during heat waves AND be waterwise! 

1. Water Deeply in the AM

Watering your plants very deeply in the morning can help your plants absorb enough water to combat heat stress during the day. It gives them a nice head start so they’re ready to photosynthesize to their hearts’ desires! Make sure to water before 9 AM (or after 5 PM)--this allows for much less evaporation of water and makes for a more water-conscious garden. 

Watering in the morning also helps keep the soil cooler during the day, which is very important for root health. Which brings us to the next tip: 

2. Use Organic Mulch 

Make sure to place about a 2-3” layer of organic mulch around your plants. Organic mulch simply means anything that will eventually break down like straw, wood chips, shredded leaves, and even pine needles (my personal fav). Organic mulch keeps the soil moist and the temperature regulated for root health, also helping you with your watering bill! 

3. Protect Plants During the Hottest Part of the Day 

High altitude sun is especially tough on plants, because we’re literally closer to the sun’s rays. And the afternoon sun is even harsher. Try to give your plants morning sun and afternoon shade. If your plants are exposed to direct sun in the afternoon, you can use a shade cloth or row covers. These filter the sun’s rays, making it less intense for your plants. 

4. Move Pots to Shade in PM

If your plants are in pots, move them to a shadier area in the afternoons. This helps them avoid direct sun during the hottest part of the day. One reason pots are great for gardening! Keep in mind your pots will dry out quicker than your in-ground plants and will probably need more frequent watering. 

5. Wait to Transplant Seedlings 

Still have plants waiting to go out in your garden? Wait to transplant them until after the heat wave. It will be much less stressful on them when the weather is not so harsh, giving them a better start to life. 

6. Provide Extra Water for Pollinators

And don’t forget about our pollinator friends that keep our gardens growing! Bees, butterflies, wasps, flies, and other pollinator insects all get thirsty, especially during intense heat waves. Try to have a shallow dish with small rocks or marbles so they have a place to land and avoid drowning. Fill the dish part way up so the rocks are partially exposed, like my pollinator water feature here. 

There you have it! Still need some extra help? I just had two Virtual Garden Coaching sessions with clients in Albuquerque who experienced issues with their blueberry plants due to the recent heat waves, so we worked out solutions to help them bounce back. You can book your short 30 or 60 minute Virtual Garden Coaching session here. 

Stay hydrated out there, folks--and make sure your pollinators are too!