It’s 91° here in Chickamauga today, but it feels like 101—and my garden is feeling it too. I’ve done what I can and now I’m just hoping everything pulls through these extreme temps forecasted for the next few days.
Last night I gave everything a deep drink—vegetables, herbs in containers, flowers, even the in-ground plants. I also added a layer of leaf mulch in the raised beds where the vegetables haven’t filled in yet. It’s not pretty, but it works.
When your garden’s in survival mode, every little thing helps. If you’re dealing with this heat too, here’s what you can do to protect your plants and give them a fighting chance.
What Happens to Your Garden in a Heat Wave: When temperatures reach 85-90 consistently.
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Tomatoes dropping blossoms? It’s normal in high temps.
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Slow or stunted growth? Plants pause to survive.
- Misshapen fruit? Often seen on peppers.
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Wilting even after watering? The soil can’t hold moisture long enough.
What You Can Do:
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Water Early & Possibly Twice a Day
Water in the early morning. If plants look droopy in the afternoon, a second round may be needed—especially in containers and raised beds. -
Mulch, Mulch, Mulch
A thick layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture and keeps roots cool. -
Provide Temporary Shade
Use shade cloth, old sheets, or even a patio umbrella to protect plants during the hottest part of the day. -
Do Not Fertilize During Heat Stress
Fertilizer can burn stressed plants. Hold off until temps drop. -
Harvest in the Morning
Pick herbs and vegetables in the cooler hours to preserve flavor and shelf life. Go ahead and harvest tomatoes that have started to “blush” or turn red and ripen in window.
Your plants are resilient—but they could use a hand during a heat wave. With a few smart moves, you can help them ride out the hottest days and keep producing.
Stay Cool!
Karen