“Dull and yellow leafy plants, dried soil conditions, and no escape from the sun's scorching heat - that’s summer for plants!” 

Sure, we cannot control nature, but we can adjust our plant care routine in summer to help our garden thrive and stay as lush and green as we imagine. These days, I’ve noticed that plants in the parks and gardens around my neighbourhood are covered in shade. Some of my friends have also started watering their plants more frequently to keep their gardens alive. While these are great steps, there are even more tips we can add to the list.

We’re all learning little things about gardening every day, so today, let’s break the cycle of summer heat = dying garden.

Before I dive further into the article, don’t forget to drop a comment below if you have any questions or if there’s something you’d like to share about your garden! 

Summer Plant Care Tips You Can Implement Today

• Watering in the Morning

Now, here’s a little story to it. Every morning, I would spot my neighbour watering her plants. Besides the fact that it was wholesome to see plants dancing in the early morning shower, did you know that morning watering is beneficial to our greens, especially in the summer season? 

With regards to the rest of the day, the temperature in the morning is much cooler, which gives plenty of time to the plants placed in well-draining soil to absorb water, and less water is lost during the evaporation process, helping the plant get through the day easily.

• It’s time for Mulch!

While cleaning your yard or balcony area, save some dried leaves to prepare mulch. It’s basically a mix of tree bark, shredded leaves, and compost, which is added as a layer on top of the soil to help the plant retain moisture. It is one of the important steps in plant care, and you can even benefit from it when you’re on vacation.

• Shade is Their New Home

Shade is another relief for your plant against the scorching sun. Yes, plants survive in the sun, but they need balance too. Shade acts as a barrier, offering plants some respite from the heat. You can use a green shade net, which you can easily spot on balconies. It cools down the environment and offers filtered sunlight, which also keeps them thriving while reducing heat stress for the plants. 

• Recognise Signs of Stress

It’s summer, and even though your plant loves full exposure to the sun, it’s time to observe it closely. Some common signs of heat stress include wilted flowers, yellowing leaves, scorched foliage, and fruit drop. These signs are often mistaken for a need for fertilisers, but in reality, your plant might just need watering. You can help revive your plant from heat stress by moving it to a shaded area or by meeting its water requirements through deep hydration. 

• Avoid Fertilizers

When the sun is intense, adding fertilizers may be another risky step, but we can never say no to it. It is recommended to always check your soil, whether it's dry or not. You should never fertilize when the soil is in a dry condition. This is because, first, the nutrients will not be able to reach the plants, and secondly, it may damage your plant as well. Also, choosing a slow-releasing fertiliser can benefit the health of your plant. 

• Pruning Can be a Relief

Hey, Plant lover, I say pull out the scissors and be a hairdresser (or leaf-dresser) for a day. Look at it this way, as in the summer season, you might want to cut the extra hair off. Similarly, plants need it too. This way, you will be able to maintain them and your garden will have a neat look. You can avoid wild growth, do the needful deadheading, and help your plant look bushier and lively. When it comes to the care of plants in summer, a regular trim is one of the easiest and most satisfying ways to help them stay vibrant and full of life.

• Water them deeply

In these sizzling summer months, plants get just as thirsty as we do. Here, shallow watering is like giving them a quick sip when what they really need is a long, refreshing drink. Deep watering is a way to ensure that water reaches the roots of the plants before it’s lost to evaporation. So, when you water your plants deeply, you’re also training them to be strong and resilient. 

Tip: If there’s water pooled in the saucer, it can quickly turn into a mosquito breeding ground, inviting diseases into your home. Always emptying out excess water is a crucial step. 

• Remove weeds ASAP!

Weeds might seem harmless at first, but trust me, don’t grow them like other greens! They steal water, nutrients, and space from your beloved plants, especially during the summer when every drop counts. So, as soon as you spot a weed popping up, pull it out right away. Keeping your garden or pots weed-free not only helps your plants stay healthy but also makes everything look tidy. A quick five-minute weed check once a week can make a big difference!

• Don’t Repot

Thinking of giving your plant a new pot this summer? I say hold that thought! Repotting in the heat can stress your plant even more. Plus, repotting requires you to trim some root mass, and it has an impact on the leaves of the plant, too. It’s already working hard to survive the sun, so wait for cooler weather. For now, just focus on keeping it hydrated, shaded, and happy where it is!

• Time for a Planned Rearrangement

• Tall plants as shade: Tall plants play the role of the cool older siblings, offering shade to their smaller buddies. In hot summer months, strategically placing taller plants near smaller, shade-loving plants can help protect them from the scorching midday sun. Believe me, with this setup you will notice fewer signs of heat stress, retain moisture longer, and have happier greens the entire summer. 
• Rotate the plants: Often, one side of the plant is quite  exposed to the heat, leaving it all scorched. So, you can give your plants a little spin every few days. Rotating them helps all sides get equal sunlight, so they grow evenly and don’t lean too much in one direction. It’s a simple trick, but it makes a difference, plus, it gives you an excuse to admire them more often!

• Brush off the dust

This step is not just to make your plant Insta-worthy. Checking your plant for dust and grime is super important for its health, especially during the dusty, dry summer months. They can clog up these tiny pores called stoma, which makes it tough for them to carry on with the process of photosynthesis. I use a soft, damp cloth or a gentle spritz of water to wipe away dust. You can do this once in a few days, which also gives you an excuse to check for pests like spider mites or aphids, who love to throw a surprise when you're not looking.

Conclusion

With these simple steps, your plants will have a better chance of surviving and even flourishing in the summer heat. As home gardeners, we’re always learning and adjusting to the needs of our plants, and I think that’s what makes this journey so exciting. Remember, it’s all about balance, patience, and a bit of love. So, if you’ve been wondering how to take care of plants in summer, this is your gentle guide. Let’s make this summer one where our plants thrive, not just survive.

Frequently Asked Questions on Essential Tips for Plant Care in the Summer Season

• What is one of the best ways to water your plants in the Summer Season?

One of the best ways to water your plants is to make a little change in watering timings to mornings. The calming and pleasant weather before the sun helps the plant absorb water, losing less in the process of evaporation. If you’re not an early riser, then late afternoon can also work well. You can also install a drip irrigation system and schedule it accordingly. 

• What is the best plant for the summer season?

Some of the plants that not only combat the summer heat but also thrive in it are marigolds, bougainvillaeas, hibiscus, sunflowers, and snapdragons. There are plenty of other indoor plant options like Snake Plant, Peace Lily, and Rubber Plant, etc. 

• Is it best to water plants every day during summer?

In the summer season, the frequency of watering the plants increases as compared to the winter months. It is better to water the plant deeply. We also suggest checking the soil of the plant before watering again. 

• Should we fertilize plants in the summer season?

Yes, fertilizing in the summer is good, but be mindful as excess fertilisation can also turn the green leaves brown. In summer, the plants also battle summer heat. You can apply a slow-release fertilizer and maintain a proper balance of water and sunlight. 

• What is the best Indian website to get gardening-related tips and tricks?

Thriving plants are a dream of every gardener. If you are looking for some amazing tips and tricks for your garden, then Urvann is the right place to Google. We give the best gardening solution that not only suits the requirements of the plant but is also beginner-friendly.