Don't Give Up on Your Garden During The Summer Heat

July and August can be some of the toughest months for gardeners in the Treasure Valley. With temperatures climbing into the triple digits, it’s easy to look at your flowers, vegetables, and shrubs and think something is terribly wrong. In most cases, however, your plants are simply responding to the heat.

Many plants naturally slow their growth during extended periods of extreme temperatures. Leaves may droop in the afternoon, blossoms may fade more quickly, and vegetables like tomatoes and peppers may temporarily stop setting fruit. This is completely normal. As temperatures begin to cool later in the season, many plants will resume vigorous growth.

Water Wisely

One of the biggest mistakes gardeners make during a heat wave is watering too often with too little water. Frequent, shallow watering encourages roots to stay near the soil surface, making plants even more susceptible to heat stress.

Instead, water deeply and less frequently. Soak the soil thoroughly so moisture reaches the deeper root system. Early morning is the best time to water, allowing plants to absorb moisture before the afternoon heat arrives.

Mulch Is Your Best Friend

Adding 2 to 3 inches of mulch around trees, shrubs, flowers, and vegetables helps keep the soil cooler, reduces water evaporation, and minimizes weed growth. Organic mulches such as bark, compost such as Ferti-lome Ultimate, or bark chips are excellent choices for Idaho gardens.

Masses of annuals in the garden

Skip the Heavy Fertilizing

Plants under heat stress are working hard just to survive. Applying high amounts of fertilizer during extreme heat can encourage tender new growth that struggles in hot weather. Wait until temperatures moderate before applying heavier feedings that have large amounts of ammoniacal nitrogen. At Aloha Home and Garden, we almost always recommend Ferti-lome “Classic” fertilizer, and there is a good reason why. Ferti-lome Classic contains sulfur-coated nitrogen, which relies on naturally occurring soil microorganisms to gradually release nitrogen over time. This slow-release process provides plants with a steady supply of nutrients, helping promote healthier growth while reducing the chance of nutrient loss. Instead of giving plants a quick burst of nitrogen that can be used up quickly, Ferti-lome Classic feeds plants gradually, helping them grow stronger and more consistently throughout the season.

Harvest Often

If you’re growing vegetables, don’t let produce stay on the plant too long. Picking beans, zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers regularly encourages many plants to continue producing throughout the season.

Watch for Signs of Stress

Afternoon wilting that disappears by evening is usually normal during hot weather. However, if plants remain wilted overnight or early the next morning, they likely need additional water. Yellowing leaves, scorched leaf edges, or dropping fruit may also indicate heat stress.

We’re Here to Help

At Aloha Home and Garden, we understand the unique challenges of gardening in the Treasure Valley. Whether you’re looking for mulch, fertilizers, irrigation supplies, or simply advice on keeping your landscape healthy through the hottest part of the summer, our knowledgeable team is always happy to help.

Don’t let a few hot weeks discourage you. With proper watering and a little patience, your garden can continue to thrive well into fall.

Stop by Aloha Home and Garden—we’re always happy to answer your gardening questions and help you get the most from your landscape!