As summer hits its peak, landscapes across the region face the toughest tests of the year: prolonged heat, dry soil, and scorching sun. Whether you’re caring for a lawn, pollinator garden, raised vegetable bed, or potted plants on a porch, August requires a different approach—one focused on preservation, observation, and personal safety.

Here are strategies to help your landscape and you survive the heat.

Watering Smart: It’s All About Timing and Technique

When summer heat kicks in, watering is one of your most important tools for plant health—but how and when you water makes all the difference.

Water in the early morning
This allows plants to absorb moisture before the heat sets in and helps reduce evaporation. Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day—it wastes water and can even scorch leaves.

Water deeply, not frequently
Shallow watering encourages shallow roots, making plants more vulnerable to heat and drought. Aim to soak the soil to about 8 inches deep. A good way to check: use a trowel to dig into the soil after watering. If the soil is moist at 8 inches, you’ve watered well.

Check before you water
Dig down about 4 inches with a trowel and feel the soil. If it’s only slightly moist at that depth, it’s time to water again.

Water at the base
Focus water at the base of the plant, not the leaves. Drip irrigation and soaker hoses are ideal because they target roots and reduce water loss. Overhead watering can promote fungal disease and weeds by increasing surface moisture.

Know your soil
Sandy soils drain quickly and may need to be watered more often. Clay soils hold water longer but are prone to compaction. Not sure what kind of soil you have? Try this simple soil jar test at home.

Container Care in Hot Weather

Potted plants and raised beds dry out much faster than in-ground landscapes due to limited soil volume and increased evaporation. Here’s how to keep them thriving:

Check soil moisture daily. In high temperatures, containers may need watering once or even twice a day depending on sun exposure. But don’t rely on how the surface looks—stick your finger an inch into the soil. If it’s dry at that depth, it’s time to water. 

Mulch helps a lot. Adding a 1–2 inch layer of mulch helps insulate the soil, regulate temperature, and reduce moisture loss. Even in small pots, it can make a noticeable difference. 

Provide afternoon shade. Move containers to spots that get cooler morning sun and shade later in the day. If natural shade isn’t available, consider adding a shade cloth or grouping containers together to create a cooler microclimate. 

Fertilize with care. Container plants need more frequent fertilizing because nutrients are quickly used up or leached out with frequent watering. But be cautious—high heat can amplify the effects of fertilizer and may cause burn or stress. 

If your plants show signs of low fertility (like pale leaves), go gently. Choose a mild organic fertilizer, apply sparingly, and always water before and after. A top dressing of mature compost is also a great option—it slowly releases nutrients, protects roots from heat, and helps retain moisture.

Reduce Plant Stress

During extreme heat, plants are focused on survival. Avoid activities that force them to expend extra energy or put out new growth.

Don’t prune or transplant. These actions trigger regrowth and root disturbance, both of which stress plants when they’re already struggling with heat and drought.

Skip fertilizing most landscape plants. Fertilizer encourages tender new growth that’s easily scorched and more attractive to pests. Many fertilizers also contain salts that can cause fertilizer burn—especially when soil is dry or evaporation is high. Wait until cooler weather returns to feed your plants.

Use shade cloth for sensitive plants. Temporary shade can protect vulnerable plants like lettuce, seedlings, or young perennials. A bit of cover during the hottest part of the day can prevent wilting and sun damage.

Protecting Yourself While Working Outdoors

It’s easy to focus on your plants and forget about your own well-being. But you matter just as much.

Hydrate frequently. Drink water before, during, and after your time outside. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty.  

Avoid peak sun hours. Embrace the dawn and work in the early morning. Or dilly dally in the garden during the evening. But remember, watering tasks are best taken care of in the morning. 

Dress for protection. Wear lightweight long sleeves, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen. And don’t forget your sunglasses! They not only reduce glare and eye strain, they can help prevent or slow the progression of age-related eye conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration.  

Take breaks in the shade. Especially during sustained tasks like weeding or planting. Listen to your body and don’t push it. 

Know the signs. It’s important to recognize the signs of heat-related illnesses—both for your safety and the safety of those around you. Symptoms like dizziness, excessive sweating, headache, nausea, and confusion can be early indicators of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Knowing when to rest, hydrate, and seek medical attention can make all the difference during hot summer workdays or gardening sessions. For a detailed guide on recognizing and responding to heat-related illnesses, visit the CDC’s resource. 

Build a Resilient Landscape for the Future

If you’re constantly battling heat stress, it may be time to make long-term changes that work with your climate, not against it. 

Go native. Select plants that are native to our region. Native plants tend to be more drought-tolerant than non-native plants as they have evolved to thrive in the specific local climate and conditions, including rainfall patterns, of their region. Not sure where to start? Check out this Native Garden Guide for Southwestern Idaho for inspiration.  

Group plants by thirst level (aka hydrozoning)! Hydrozoning means placing plants with similar water needs together—and giving each group its own irrigation zone. That way, drought-tolerant plants don’t get overwatered, and thirsty ones don’t dry out. It’s a smart way to save water, simplify your system, and keep every plant happy! 

Improve soil with organic matter. Utilizing mulch and compost will help the soil retain moisture and support healthy roots with its slow release of nutrients. 

Stay on top of the weeds. Weeds compete with plants for precious water during dry spells. 

Update your irrigation. Consider installing drip irrigation wherever possible or switching to weather-based timers that adjust with the season and daily weather conditions.  

Final Thoughts

Heatwaves are hard on plants, but with the right techniques, your landscape can stay healthy and resilient all summer long. Focus on smart watering, avoid unnecessary stressors, and take care of yourself while you care for your space. 

And remember: a thriving garden in August isn’t about pushing growth – it’s about getting your plants (and yourself) safely through to fall.