Summer heat waves can take a toll on even the healthiest New Hampshire gardens. Wilting flowers, dry soil, and stressed shrubs are common when temperatures climb and rainfall becomes less frequent. The good news is that a few simple maintenance habits can help your landscape stay healthy and attractive until cooler weather returns.
One of the best things you can do is water deeply instead of watering every day. A slow, thorough soaking encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil, making plants more resilient during hot weather!
Pro Tip: Before increasing your watering schedule, check the soil a few inches below the surface. If it’s still cool and moist, your plants may not need additional water yet. This simple habit can help conserve water while preventing overwatering, which can be just as harmful as letting plants dry out. Watering early in the morning also helps reduce evaporation and gives plants time to dry before evening, lowering the risk of certain fungal diseases.
Add a Fresh Layer of Mulch!
Mulch is another valuable tool during the summer months. A two to three inch layer of mulch helps the soil retain moisture, keeps plant roots cooler, and reduces weed growth that competes for water. If your mulch has thinned out since spring, refreshing it can make a noticeable difference during extended periods of heat.
Remove Dead and Damaged Branches and Leaves
Heat waves are also a good time to avoid unnecessary stress on your plants (and yourself!) Hold off on heavy pruning or fertilizing until temperatures become more moderate, as both can encourage tender new growth that struggles in extreme heat. Instead, remove only dead or damaged branches and keep an eye out for signs of drought stress, such as drooping leaves or browning around the edges.
Self Care During Summer Gardening
Just as your garden needs a little extra care during a heat wave, so do you. If you’re spending time outside pulling weeds, watering, or spreading mulch, remember to take breaks in the shade, drink plenty of water, and avoid the hottest part of the afternoon whenever possible. Your landscape will still be there when temperatures cool down.
Plan your gardening the same way you plan your watering schedule. Tackle heavier jobs like mulching, pruning, or planting early in the morning or later in the evening when both you and your plants are under less stress. It’s one of the easiest ways to stay comfortable while helping your landscape thrive.
Take Your Time
Summer landscaping projects are no joke, and its very important to remember to take it easy this season! Taking care of yourself first means you’ll have the energy to take care of your yard safely.
Interesting Statistic
According to the National Safety Council, exposure to environmental heat resulted in 48 work-related deaths in 2024, and approximately 7,100 serious workplace heat illness cases (those requiring days away from work, job restrictions, or transfers) during 2023 and 2024. Outdoor workers, including landscapers, are among the occupations at greatest risk.
One of the best reminders during a heat wave is that your landscape doesn’t expect perfection. If it’s too hot for you to safely finish a project today, it’ll still be there tomorrow morning. Healthy gardens are built over time, and so is taking care of yourself.