When it's Too Hot

Gardening is always the most fun when you're doing spring planting. The days are cool, you're more likely to see rain so you don't have to water much, and the weeds haven't tried to take over the world yet.

A heavy layer of mulch can suppress a lot of weeds. And it looks nice too!

So how do you manage when the outdoor temperatures start to go through the roof?

1. Mulch

   A layer or two of cardboard, topped off with a nice thick layer of straw, pine needles or wood chips will help to keep the soil cooler, reduce weeds, and keep moisture in the ground longer. All of that means your garden will need less input from you.

   
   

2. Time Management

   Mornings and evenings are usually the coolest part of the day. Use that time to do what you absolutely have to in the garden. Weeds pulled in the morning should be good and crispy by late afternoon, and watering during the cooler part of the day puts less stress on your plants. Set a reasonable limit on your time in the garden. Whatever you don't get done today will be there waiting for you tomorrow.

3. Shade Cloth

   Plants like cilantro, lettuce, radish, spinach and broccoli will "bolt" or send up a flower stalk and go to seed when the daytime temperatures start to climb. Shade cloth comes in a wide variety of shapes and sizes,and offers anywhere between 40% and 90% shade. It can lower the air temperature around heat-sensitive plants and give you a little more time to harvest before it's time to pull them out and plant a warm-season crop. Alternatively, you can use a greenhouse frame with shade cloth instead of plastic, and grow some of your plants in containers under it. I use it on the fence around my outdoor chicken pens too.

4. Watering

   Installing soaker hoses or drip line around plants that require supplemental watering will reduce the amount of time you have to spend standing out in the heat, and since they put the water right at the roots of the plant, they'll need less water, which is great for your water bill.

5. Heat-Tolerant Plants

   Some plants tolerate the heat better than others, and some actually prefer it.

   Tomatoes, peppers, squash, sweet potatoes, melons, cucumbers, green beans, corn, black-eyed peas, okra and eggplant all either tolerate or love the heat. But they will still need plenty of water. Many of the herbs that tend to become woody (lavender, rosemary, thyme, mint, oregano) also tolerate the heat well. Ironically, most of the flowers that I don't love (marigolds, petunias, cannas, daylilies) are all heat-tolerant too.

6. Break for Summer

   While we usually think of summer as prime vegetable gardening season, it doesn't have to be. Many gardeners choose to grow only cool-season crops in the spring and fall, and do little or no active growing during the heat of summer.

7. Protect Yourself

   Sweat-wicking or quick-dry clothing, wide-brimmed hats and sunblock will keep you more comfortable when you're working in the garden. Bring some cool water (cold or iced water can cause the dreaded brain freeze) or an electrolyte drink out to the garden with you, and drink it!

   
   

Write it down! Take notes on the methods you try, and whether or not you are satisfied with the results. Hot summer is sure to come around next year too, so it pays to learn from this year's garden so you can be prepared.

These are my best tips for managing the garden when it's just too hot. Do you have tops I've missed?