Summer Garden Don’ts: 3 Common Mistakes to Avoid in the Heat

It might feel logical to water your plants when you’re out and about in the afternoon, but this is actually the worst time to do it. Midday sun causes water to evaporate quickly, which means your plants don’t get the moisture they need—and the droplets on leaves can act like tiny magnifying glasses, burning foliage. The best time to water is early morning, before the heat hits. This lets the roots absorb water while also reducing mildew and fungus risk. If you must water later, aim for the base of the plant and skip the leaves.

Plants grow fast in summer, so it’s easy to assume they need more food. But too much fertilizer can burn roots, especially in the heat, and promote weak, leggy growth. Many summer-friendly plants—like tomatoes, peppers, and herbs—only need feeding every few weeks with a balanced or slow-release fertilizer. Always read the label and resist the urge to overdo it. When in doubt, less is more—especially when the soil is warm and your plants are already doing their thing.

Mulching in summer isn’t optional—it’s essential. A 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch helps your garden stay cool, retain moisture, and keeps weeds in check. But what many gardeners skip is refreshing the mulch or checking for weeds hiding beneath it. Weeds love summer and will quickly steal water and nutrients if you let them. Take a few minutes each week to inspect, weed, and fluff your mulch. It’s an easy step that saves you hours of work (and frustration) later.