DIY Methods to Keep Your Garden Cool

While most plants and veggies grow better in abundant sunlight, and also during the hotter summer months - a combination of hot and dry weather can sometimes be a significant problem. Your garden soil may dry out under the summer heat, and this can limit plant growth. 

Under heat stress, some vegetables will stop bearing fruit or blossoms, and dry air combined with hot soil will speed up moisture loss from foliage. Heat-injured plants are also less resistant to pests and diseases. 

Transitioning to Fall Gardening

As we are approaching late summer, many gardeners are also transitioning to fall garden plants. Most of these plants grow optimally in cooler climate conditions, and the seeds of some plants will not germinate in temperatures beyond the 90s.

Read on below for some DIY methods to keep your garden cool and more productive, as well as maximize water use. 

Mulching 

Applying organic mulch such as compost, straw, or wood chips will help keep your garden soil cool and moist. Mulch is also effective in suppressing weed growth and provides a solid barrier against direct sunlight. Other mulch options to consider include hay, old leaves and grass, which can be combined by adding cardboard or newspaper.

Consistent Watering

While your watering schedule depends on the types of plants you have in your garden, consistent watering will encourage moist and optimal soil conditions. Do not wait for your plants to dry out and wilt before watering again, as this will endanger plant health and ultimately limit your harvest.

Watering at Optimal Times 

Apart from sticking to a consistent schedule, it is also advisable to water your garden in the morning or late evening, so as to minimize water loss from evaporation in the hottest part of the day. Consider using a garden hose or drip irrigation system to target the soil directly and reduce water wastage.

Use Trellises for Shade 

Install a trellis to support climbing plants like cucumbers, tomatoes and green beans in your garden, and plant your fall crops under the shade created bv the trellis. Trellises systems are often built so they offer maximum natural shade along with the tall plants growing on them.

Companion Planting

Similar to using trellises, planting your less heat-resistant crops next to taller plants can provide ideal natural shade, and also helps to cool down your garden in general. One technique to consider is to grow vining plants like squashes, sweet potatoes, watermelons, cucumbers, and nasturiums under taller plants such as sunflowers or corn - this can help you maximize your space and keep soil cool. 

DIY Shade Cloth 

Put shade cloth or covers over plants and areas of your garden to reduce heat and the intensity of sunlight for a cooler environment. This can be very effective to enable your fall crops like spinach and peas to stay productive longer, or plants that prefer cooler soil to germinate.