Keeping potted plants happy is a bit of an art regardless of the time of year, but scorching summer heat makes it especially challenging. So how to make sure your plant babies are surviving and thriving as temps soar and the sun beats down on them? To find out, we turned to the pros for some expert watering tips. Happy gardening!
Water Thoroughly and Deeply
Ward Dilmore, founder and head landscaper at Petrus Landscaping, says that watering thoroughly and deeply is better than watering frequently and briefly. "Deep watering—meaning allowing water to soak through the container several times—will help allow your plants to develop deeper root structures, which will help with some resilience to extreme heat," he says. So next time you reach for the hose or watering can, don't just give your container plants a quick spritz—really let that H2O seep in!
Use a Wine Bottle as a Watering Bulb
"This old-school trick is simple and effective," says Kate Schneider, founder and CEO of Ibis Coastal Landscapes. "Fill an empty wine bottle with water, flip it upside down, and place the neck into the soil of your potted plant. The water will slowly release into the soil, helping keep the plant hydrated while you're away." She says to keep in mind that this is a short-term solution. "Check the bottle daily to make sure it still contains water. It's also a great way to gauge how quickly your pot is drying out and whether your plant needs more frequent watering."
Group Planters Together
How cool is this: Dilmore says that grouping containers together can help create a small microclimate of slightly higher humidity and wind protection. "This can also help shade the surface of your pots from direct sun," he says.
Set Small Pots in a Kiddie Pool
If you're heading out of town for a few days, Schneider suggests this easy, genius hack. "A simple kiddie pool can be a lifesaver for your container plants. Place your smaller pots in the pool, add a few inches of water, and thoroughly water them from above before you leave," she says. "As the soil dries, the plants will draw water up through the drainage holes in the bottom of the pots, helping them stay hydrated while you're away." She says for best results, you should move the pots into a shady location before you leave to reduce evaporation and prevent them from drying out too quickly. "It's an inexpensive, easy solution that works surprisingly well for short trips!"
Water in the Early Morning
"Watering in the early morning when temperatures are at their coolest is best for efficient watering," explains Dilmore. "Cooler temperatures mean that water will soak into containers/soil without the extreme heat of the day, causing less evapotranspiration."
Mulch the Topsoil
Halina Shamshur, resident botany expert at Plantum, says that mulching the topsoil with small pebbles, straw, or bark helps the plants retain moisture longer, reduces evaporation, and protects roots from overheating.
Only Use Room-Temperature Water
Shamshur says to always water plants with room-temperature water and allow it to settle for at least a couple of hours in advance. "Watering with very cold water during hot weather can stress the root system."
