City of Portland, OR
07/03/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 07/03/2024 12:08
How to keep your plants hydrated in the heat
Blog Post
Everyone needs to stay hydrated during heat waves--including plants! Follow these eight tips to keep your plants happy when its hot while using water wisely.
Published
July 3, 2024 9:00 am
Water the base of your plants early in the morning.
Hot weather is in the forecast! Here are our top hot weather tips for keeping your yard healthy.
1. Take it slow. Deep soak your landscape so that moisture reaches the roots of your plants. Water slowly and deeply and watch for signs of plant heat stress. Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation if you can or hand water at the base of the plant below the leaves.
2. Prioritize your trees. Give your trees (especially young ones) some extra water and love during this hot weather. Follow these hot weather tree care tips from our friends at Portland Parks and Recreation.
3. Timing is everything. Water early in the morning (before 10 a.m.), when temperatures are cooler and water won't evaporate as much. But if your plants are showing signs of stress, give them an extra drink as soon as possible.
4. Don't plant or transplant. Hold off on planting or moving plants during high heat to avoid additional stress on the plant. Move potted plants into a shaded area during the heat of the day and keep them well hydrated. Potted plants need more water than plants in the ground.
Sign up for the Weekly Watering Number to get personalized watering advice.5. Get watering information for your zip code. Sign up for a weekly text or email with personalized watering recommendations based on local weather data.
6. Mulch. Add two to three inches of compost mulch to the top of garden beds to help hold moisture in the soil. Learn more about the year-round benefits of mulch!
7. Pull those weeds. Weeds compete with your plants for water and resources. When it cools down in the evening, get those pesky weeds. Doing so will leave more water for the good stuff.
8. Don't forget-you need water too! Take care of yourself and keep a water bottle close. Take breaks and keep hydrated. If you don't have access to a cool space, you can find a cooling center, splash pad, or misting station near you.
Learn more about outdoor rebates we offer and get water efficiency tips.