Proper maintenance when it is hot outside will require greater attention to diagnosing the water needs of our landscapes and knowing how and when to water so that plants and gardeners alike avoid stress.

Preparing for the Heat 

Mulch, mulch, mulch. A three-to-four-inch blanket of a shredded bark mulch will protect most plants from losing moisture too quickly and guard against competition from weeds and heating and freezing of the soil. No feeding. Fertilizers won't help as much this time of year and could induce new growth at a time when it would be most stressful.

Watering Well

1. It's usually best to water in the mornings, when temperatures are at their coolest and before any heat sets in.

2. Watering plants consistently will always be the key. Additionally, spot watering or surface watering with smaller amounts of moisture is okay if necessary, it, but it can set up a watering imbalance if done repeatedly. Be sure to fully water the plant at the next opportunity.

3. Water whenever the plant needs it. Review the diagnosis symptoms. In a prolonged heatwave, it may mean watering every day, especially for containers.

4. During the growing season, most landscapes will need an average of  one inch of water per week. Deep, infrequent watering is preferred over shallow watering, which conserves water and helps the plant grow more efficient roots that can hang on until their next watering.

5. A good washing off helps to discourage pests and increases humidity. Do a final watering of the leaves and stems, getting the entirety of the plant wet (except roses and vegetables). Or, use a hose-end sprayer or misting bottle set to a coarse shower and spray plants in the morning.

6. With containers, give much greater attention to watering needs. The container's material can make a big difference, too: terracotta pots and unglazed earthenware construction means that water will evaporate much quicker than non-porous, glazed ceramics or plastics. Water over its full surface diameter, filling up the water space up to its edge.

Protection from the Burn

Biostimulant products such as seaweed, Garrett Juice, and Agrispon can be used to improve plant vigor, lower the impact of heat, drought and cold, and deter insects.

Locate containers temporarily to an east or north side, so no afternoon sun (or reflected heat sources from a porch, patio, sidewalk or fence) adds additional stress.

Light fabrics such as frost cloth and floating row cover can provide plants with welcome relief from the worst sun. Usually, it's best to cover only the uppermost areas.

Come mid-September, most landscapes will be ready for a good feeding with a fertilizer geared toward their needs. This will help revitalize the entire landscape, setting it up for their one last period of growth and preparing them for their next stressful period: the cold of winter.

Rusty Allen is Education Director at North Haven Gardens Nursery located at 7700 Northaven Rd, Dallas. He can be reached at 214-363-5316.