Should I water during a heatwave?
Written by
Paul Reynolds
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Watering during heatwaves is helpful, but it requires intelligent changes to your garden routine. Plants can be stressed by intense temperatures very quickly. Knowing how to water correctly can help your plants prevent wilting and death. I successfully saved my vegetable garden during the week, despite the 100-degree weather, using these methods. When the mercury rises, your plants need all the extra love and care they can get.
Timing Adjustments
- Water container plants at dawn and dusk only
- Pre-cool hoses by running water for 90 seconds first
- Avoid 10 AM-4 PM when evaporation exceeds 60%
Priority Protection
- Focus on seedlings and fruiting vegetables first
- Install 40% shade cloth over sensitive plants
- Use straw mulch immediately after watering
Pre-cooling hoses help to avoid root shock. Always run water until it's cool before using. This has been the simplest thing that saved my peppers last summer. When watering, always water at the soil level and avoid getting water on the leaves. Droplets act as magnifying glasses for sunlight and can burn leaves. Focus your energy on the root zones for soil ingestion.
Shade cloth makes a HUGE difference. Place it at least 2 feet above plants to allow for air circulation. Use light colored fabric to reflect the heat. Even in the heat, my tomato yield increased twofold with this method. Add straw mulch to conserve valuable moisture.
Check plants for heat stress every hour during extreme heat. Look for curled leaves or droopy plants. These are signs of an immediate need for water. Water plants slowly so they can soak deep into the soil. If water is applied quickly to the surface, it will evaporate before it can reach your plant roots. By watching your plants, you can prevent irreversible heat stress damage.
After the heat wave, gradually return to normal routines. Use extra shade for an additional 3 days while plants recover. Continue deep watering, but reduce the frequency of watering. My plants bounced back faster using this transition method. Healthy plants can better withstand future stresses.
Read the full article: 10 Essential Tips: When to Water Plants
