“June” by John Updike
The sun is rich
And gladly pays
In golden hours,
Silver days,
And long green weeks
That never end.
School’s out.
The time is ours to spend.
Beating the heat: summer gardening tips for success
As the calendar flips to June and summer settles in for good, gardens across our region are entering their most challenging season. In Zone 8a and other southern climates, early June often brings the first true heatwaves — and with them come thirsty plants, stubborn weeds, and the ever-present threat of garden burnout (for both plants and people).
But summer doesn’t have to be a season of struggle. With a few thoughtful strategies, you can keep your garden thriving through the hottest months — and enjoy the beauty and bounty that summer has to offer. Here are time-tested tips to help your garden beat the heat.
1. Mulch: the gardener’s secret weapon
If you do just one thing to prepare your garden for summer heat, make it mulching.
A thick layer of mulch — two to four inches — is like a sun hat and water bottle for your soil. It keeps the root zone cooler, conserves moisture, and suppresses weeds. Organic mulches like pine straw, shredded bark, composted leaves, and straw are excellent choices. Mulch not only helps retain moisture, but also slowly breaks down, adding nutrients and improving soil structure over time. Avoid inorganic mulches like gravel. These store heat and can be a lot more harmful than helpful. This link has some more in-depth information.
2. Water smart, not hard
When the mercury rises, it’s tempting to water every day, but more water isn’t always better; better watering is better.
Focus on deep, infrequent watering to encourage strong root systems. Shallow, frequent watering leads to shallow roots, which are more vulnerable to heat and drought stress.
- Best time to water: Early morning, between 5 – 9 a.m. This allows water to soak in before evaporation picks up and gives leaves time to dry, reducing disease risk.
- How much: Established plants typically need about one inch of water per week, more during extreme heat.
- How to tell: Use your finger to check moisture two to four inches deep. If it’s dry, it’s time to water.
Drip irrigation and soaker hoses are excellent tools—they deliver water where it’s needed, reduce evaporation, and free up your time. Remember, plants in containers lose moisture much more rapidly than those planted in the ground. Some may even require watering as often as twice a day.
3. Choose plants that laugh at the heat
If your garden tends to wilt by late June, you may be planting the wrong plants. Some flowers and vegetables thrive in heat once they’re established.
Heat-tolerant vegetables:
- Okra – Practically bulletproof in Southern heat.
- Sweet potatoes – Love warm soil and sprawl with ease.
- Southern peas (cowpeas) – Drought-hardy and nutrient-rich.
- Hot peppers – Thrive in heat and produce into fall.
Heat-tolerant flowers:
- Zinnias – Reliable summer color in all shapes and sizes.
- Cosmos – Airy and tough with minimal water needs.
- Lantana – A magnet for butterflies and blooms nonstop.
- Salvia – Perennial or annual varieties available; both love heat.
Native plants are often your best bet—they evolved to handle our exact climate conditions with minimal fuss.
4. Watch for heat stress and know what to do
Just like people, plants show signs when they’re overheating. Here’s what to watch for:
- Wilting in the afternoon (even when the soil is moist): A sign of temporary heat stress; the plant may recover in the evening.
- Leaf scorch (brown or crispy edges): Often caused by heat + wind + low humidity.
- Flower drop: Tomatoes, beans, and peppers will often stop setting fruit if nighttime temps stay above 75°F.
What to do:
- Make sure mulch is in place.
- Adjust watering schedule if soil is dry deeper down.
- Consider providing temporary shade (see next tip).
- Hold off on heavy pruning or fertilizing during peak heat.
5. Provide a little shade where needed
Not everything can thrive in full sun at 95°F. If you notice certain plants struggling, don’t be afraid to create temporary shade. This can be as simple as:
- Floating row cover draped over hoops
- Shade cloth stretched between stakes (30–50% shade is ideal)
- An old patio umbrella or beach umbrella
In vegetable gardens, young transplants and leafy greens especially benefit from a break from the hottest afternoon sun. Even one or two hours of shade can help reduce stress.
6. Feed lightly and wisely
Heat-stressed plants don’t need a full buffet—they need targeted nutrition. Fertilizing heavily in summer can actually do more harm than good, especially if plants are already under duress.
- Use slow-release fertilizers to avoid salt buildup in hot weather.
- For containers, try diluted liquid fertilizer every few weeks (e.g., fish emulsion or compost tea). As a famous Extension Agent taught us; “Feed weakly, weekly”.
- Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which promote lush foliage but can make plants more susceptible to pests and heat stress.
7. Container plants need extra love
Potted plants dry out faster and heat up more quickly than those in the ground. In summer, they may need daily watering, especially if the containers are small or in full sun.
Tips:
- Use larger pots whenever possible — they hold moisture longer.
- Add water-retaining materials to potting soil (like coconut coir or water-holding crystals).
- Consider grouping containers together to reduce evaporation and shade each other’s root zones.
- Choose light-colored containers, which reflect heat instead of absorbing it.
8. Take care of the gardener
The most important plant in your garden might be you. I warned you last month about this. Get acclimated slowly!
- Garden early or late in the day.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and light, breathable clothing.
- Take breaks in the shade and drink more water than you think you need.
- Set a timer — overheating can creep up on you without warning.
Remember: heatstroke isn’t worth a weed-free border.
9. Plan ahead for the fall garden
Yes, it’s hot—but June is also the perfect time to start thinking about your fall vegetable garden. Seeds for broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage should be ordered now and started indoors in mid-to-late July. By the time summer is winding down, you’ll be ready to tuck cool-season crops into the same spaces that are now growing beans or squash.
A little planning now means fresh produce right through Thanksgiving.
10. Embrace a more relaxed summer garden
Lastly, remember that your garden doesn’t have to be picture-perfect in summer. Let the lawn go a little brown. Let a few flowers go to seed. Leave the clover patch for the bees. Not everything needs to be manicured—sometimes the most beautiful summer garden is one that’s healthy, resilient, and slightly wild.
Let your garden work with the season, not against it.
Final thoughts
June marks the true start of the summer gardening season, and with the right preparation, it can also mark the start of your garden’s most abundant months. By mulching deeply, watering wisely, choosing heat-hardy plants, and giving yourself grace during the hottest stretches, you can enjoy a vibrant, sustainable garden all summer long.
So, grab that wide-brimmed hat, fill up your watering can, and step into the season — your summer garden is waiting
