Summer Watering Tips: Keeping Plants Healthy & Happy During Dry Spells

• Aug 09, 2025
• by Julia Stygar

Summer in places like Pittsburgh can bring periods of intense heat and little rain, leaving your garden vulnerable to stress. When dry spells hit, knowing how and when to water can mean the difference between thriving plants and sun-scorched struggles. Here are practical tips to keep your garden hydrated, healthy, and productive during the hottest months.

1. Water Deeply and Less Frequently

Instead of shallow daily watering, aim for deep, thorough soakings two to three times a week. This encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil, where moisture lasts longer. Shallow watering causes roots to stay near the surface, making plants more vulnerable to drying out. For containerized plants, soil usually dries out quicker, but always check the soil's moisture to ensure it needs it!

For most vegetables and annuals, aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall.

2. Water Early in the Morning

The best time to water is early morning, ideally before 9 a.m. At this time, temperatures are cooler, allowing water to soak in, rather than evaporate. Morning watering also gives the plant's leaves time to dry out during the day, which helps prevent fungal diseases.

If you must water in the evening, try to do so early enough that foliage has time to dry before nightfall.

3. Mulch to Lock in Moisture

Mulching is one of the best defenses against summer drought. A 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch—like shredded bark, straw, leaves, or grass clippings—helps retain soil moisture, keeps roots cooler, and suppresses weed growth. Be careful not to pile mulch directly against the plant stems, as this can cause rot.

4. Focus on the Root Zone

Water the base of the plant rather than spraying the leaves. Drip irrigation, soaker hoses, or a watering wand aimed at the soil deliver moisture exactly where it’s needed—at the roots. Feel free to sprinkle or 'make it rain' on top of your plants leaves to help them cool off if the sun is especially intense that day.

5. Group Plants by Water Needs

If possible, cluster plants with similar water requirements together. This allows you to water efficiently without over- or under-watering certain areas. Drought-tolerant herbs like thyme and sage, for example, don't need as much moisture as some other water-loving produce, ferns, perennials, etc.

6. Monitor Soil Moisture

Don't rely on surface appearance alone! Use your finger or a soil moisture meter to check how wet the soil is several inches below the surface. Sometimes soil can look dry on top but still be moist below—or vice versa. We sell moisture meters at the garden center and other watering tools at the garden center!

7. Protect Plants from Intense Sun

If your garden is baking in the sun, consider temporary shade cloth or garden fabric during the hottest part of the day. Even a patio umbrella can offer some relief and prevent plants from wilting or getting bleached/ burned by the sun.

In Conclusion...

During summer dry spells, water wisely—early in the day, deeply, and directly at the roots. Use mulch to retain moisture, group plants with similar needs, and give your garden occasional shade when necessary. With the right care, your plants can survive the heat and still produce beautifully all season long.