How to Keep Your Container Garden Alive in Summer’s Heat

I live in the Mojave Desert and in 2020 my container garden experienced over 30 days where the temperature was above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. There were many more days above 90 degrees. As I am writing this, it’s the third week of June 2021 and we are in the middle of a record-breaking triple digit heat wave. Summers here are brutal and the constant heat takes a toll on my plants. Over the years I have developed several strategies for keeping my container garden alive in the heat of summer.

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Provide Consistent Water

You can’t keep a container garden alive in summer in an arid climate like mine without lots of water. Plan to check your container garden’s moisture level every day in the heat of summer. Setting up an automatic watering system is ideal.  You will be so glad that you did and your plants will thank you.  I have too many pots to count and they are spread over a large area so I water by hand (and some days it takes almost two hours!).  In the heat of summer I have to water my plants every day, sometimes twice a day, for certain varieties. The goal is to keep your plants evenly moist (except for those plants that need to dry out such as succulents). I prefer to water in the morning so the plants have lots of water to draw on all day. In the evening, I will go back and add water to any plant that is starting to look dry. 

A Note about Wilting

Just because a plant is wilting in the heat of summer does not mean that you should water it.  Some plants will wilt in the heat and direct sun even though the soil is moist.  Always finger test your plant’s soil to see if is moist or dry, and only add water if the soil is starting to dry out (you don’t ever want to let it get bone dry!) In the photo above, this dahlia was wilting on a 98 degree day.  I knew it was moist because I had watered it earlier that morning.  A quick finger in the soil confirmed that it was still moist. I did not add water and the plant bounced back when the sun was no longer shining on it.  Dahlias are especially prone to rotting when given too much water so it is a balancing act.

Choose Large Containers

Choosing large containers can help keep your container garden alive in summer.  It is much easier to maintain an even level of moisture in large containers. Large containers also allow your plants to grow large root systems which will help support the plant. Small pots are cute, but make sure to pay extra attention to them and ensure they do not completely dry out. You may have to water them twice a day if not more.  Container material is also a consideration.  Terra cotta and wood, while lovely, will dry out much faster than plastic and ceramic. I reserve terra cotta and wood for those plants that are much more resistant to summer’s heat such as salvia, lavender, and geraniums.

Shade and Garden Location

Maximize your shade. If you experience hot summers, and you have the option, choose a morning sun afternoon shade location for your most sun sensitive plants.  If you can, avoid putting your container garden on pavement or hot cement, or next to a hot wall.  Don’t worry if you can’t do these things- my garden is on concrete and receives afternoon sun and it still does fine. I have also successfully sited my containers next to hot southern walls.  What you can do, no matter the site, is set your pots so the larger ones will shade the smaller (or more sun sensitive) ones in the afternoon.  I love to group my pots together to shade the root balls as much as possible.

For the first time ever, I am utilizing a pop up shade in my garden. The heat wave is so early and harsh this year that I wanted to do everything I could think of to protect the garden. It is installed in a spot that receives all day full sun.  The plants are really appreciating a break from the intense sun!

Some Other Ideas

You can try mulching your plants with straw or bark.  Another idea for small containers that tend to dry out quickly is incorporating moisture holding crystals at the time of planting. This year I am trialing moisture holding crystals in my dahlia pots and so far it has been a success! Lastly, don’t forget about your seedlings! I am having success with shading my late summer garden seedlings with window screen. Please remember to go easy on yourself; some plants just don’t make it despite our best efforts.  Some plants are cool weather lovers and just won’t be happy no matter what you do. 

I hope that I have given you some ideas on how to keep your container garden alive in the heat of summer. Remember, the beauty of a container garden is that it is movable! If a plant is suffering it is easy to just move it to a more protected spot.  To read my article on heat loving geraniums click HERE! And as always, don’t forget to join me over on Instagram and Facebook

Happy Gardening,

Heather