Heather’s Gardening Service

Written by Heather Morren

In places like Edmonton, where cool weather  dominates for 9 months of the year, we live for the summer months. We spend all winter pining for those positive numbers but even heat lovers like me have a limit. This rash of +30, almost 40 degree weather takes a toll on our gardens and the gardeners who take care of them alike. This recent heat wave inspired me to put out my first mid month blog article. I hope some of the information within helps you and your garden to weather the heat a little better.

Helping your garden during a heatwave

1) Hydration

Obviously, it’s important to ensure that your plants are well watered during a period of hot weather. However, there are some things to keep in mind. The best times to water are in the morning or evening when the temperatures are cooler, giving your plants more time to absorb the much needed h20. Plants that will be in more direct sunlight may want more water than those in the shade. Additionally, plants that grow deep roots such as gaillardia and hollyhocks, as well as plants that are native to your area will fare better in the heat than others. 

Gaillardia, a flowering plant that grows deep roots

2) Reduce stress

People often obtain and care for plants to reduce their own stress, to be grounded and to get back to the earth but plants get stressed out too. A heatwave is one of the worst times to plant or transplant new flora (guilty!). Also, trimming and pruning gives your plants the signal to grow, forcing them to expend energy on new growth when they would really benefit from a bit of rest and relaxation.

3) Keep them cool

One of the best ways to cool your plants down is to offer them some shade. No, I’m not suggesting you pop up an umbrella for your tiger lilies. But adding some mulch, such as dead leaves, grass clippings, or wood chips to the base of your plant will help keep moisture in and their roots cooler.  

Tiger lilies with wood chip at their base to keep the moisture in

Helping your gardener during a heatwave

Your plants aren’t the only ones that could use a hand during a heatwave. Here are some tips to keep you protected from the hot weather as well:

1) Hydration

Again, this is obvious, but here are some tips on how to hydrate better. Drinking smaller amounts more frequently, say 1 cup every 20-30 minutes, will keep you more hydrated than drinking a large amount infrequently. What you drink also matters. Research says that drinking cool water has more of a hydrating effect than room temperature or warm water. In addition to water, milk, coconut milk, fruit infused water, and sports drinks that are high in electrolytes are great to keep you hydrated. Beverages that are high in sugar or caffeine and alcoholic beverages have the opposite effect and should be avoided. 

2) Reduce stress

Ideally, you shouldn’t garden in plus 30 or 40 degree weather but some of us do this for a living. When the temperature rises, it’s best to try to do as little as you can. Slow and steady wins the race. Don’t rush or over exert yourself. Take breaks often. Your health is more important than getting rid of some pesky weeds!

3) Keep yourself cool

There are many excellent ways to stay cool while out in your yard. Staying in the shade is by far the best way to avoid heat stroke. If you don’t have shade in your yard, create it. Use a beach umbrella or a towel strung between two branches to create a safe haven from the sun. Wearing a hat, particularly one with a wide brim that has been drenched in water before being put on will help immensely. You will also want to avoid dark colors, like black, which will absorb the sun’s rays. Make sure to cover your shoulders, as well, to avoid unnecessary sunburn. If you have one available, a spray bottle and a portable fan will do wonders to keep you cool. 

A makeshift sunshade, including an umbrella, plenty of water, a hat, and a portable fan.

This week promises to bring more hot weather (thankfully not as hot as last week though). Stay safe out there!

Photos in this article were taken by Heather Morren. Information was sourced from my personal experience and a wide variety of online resources. Please ask, should you wish to see a full list.