Record-Breaking Temperatures Will Hit Western States This Weekend – Here's How to Prepare Your Yard
From deep watering to shade cover, these are the very best ways to help your plants survive the sudden heat
Spring might have barely started, but it seems we're skipping ahead to summer: a huge heatwave is set to sweep across the west of America this weekend.
Primarily affecting western and southwestern states including Nevada, California, Arizona and Utah, the heatwave has already broken records. Las Vegas, Phoenix and Sacramento all experienced staggering temperatures this week – with some cities recording figures higher than 100 degrees – and the sweltering heat is set to continue.
Article continues below1. Water Your Plants Early
As your plants get thirstier, you'll want to prioritize soil moisture – and this means planning out exactly when to water your plants during the hot weather.
'Water plants deeply, early in the morning – before 9am,' advises Drew Swainston, Content Editor at Homes & Gardens. 'This will allow them to take in that moisture before the temperatures rise, when it can be lost to evaporation.' (A soil moisture meter, like this one from Walmart, is a particularly good investment during extreme weather.)
After early watering, your plants will be grateful for the water boost before the heat gets more intense, and you'll be more than happy to spend the rest of the day in the shade rather than laboring over your lawn.
2. Remember That Deep Watering is Key
It's only natural to want to retreat from your garden to the safety of the air conditioning, but it's critical to spend some time deep watering your plants and protecting your lawn from the heatwave before it worsens.
'When a heatwave is incoming, your attention needs to be on keeping soil moist and preventing plants from undue stress,' explains Drew. 'Deep watering allows that moisture to penetrate down into the soil, reaching the root zone where the plants need it.'
Upgrading your setup using a sprinkler hose (like this one from Amazon) and a programmable watering timer (like this one from Walmart) will help you take the stress out of watering, especially over longer periods.
3. Use Mulch For Extra Protection
Deep watering doesn't just provide extra hydration; it's also the key to ensuring that your plants won't overheat.
'Hydrated plants can cope better with warm temperatures, and they don’t run the risk of getting stressed or wilting in the heat,' says Drew.
Yet water isn't the only tool at your disposal – and with temperatures at record-breaking highs, now is the time to double down on protection to keep your plants as cool as possible.
'I recommend adding a layer of straw to the soil surface,' says Drew. 'This retains moisture in the soil and keeps the ground cooler to prevent the roots from overheating.'
You can stock up on wheat straw at Walmart and use this to cover soil.
4. Invest in Shade Cloth to Prevent Scorching
Shade cloth is another wise investment during a heatwave. When temperatures peak, it will provide some much-needed relief to your plants and prevent their leaves from being scorched.
'Used properly, shade cloth can reduce temperatures by up to 15°F, which can be crucial during the hottest parts of the day,' says Drew.
However, proper installation is essential: rather than draping the cloth over your plants, you'll need to create adequate air flow.
'Pick a shade cloth with a density of 30-50%,' advises Drew. 'Lay it over hoops or stakes so it sits a foot or two above your plants. If you place it directly on top of plants, it can transfer the heat it absorbs onto the leaves and scorch them. Air movement is key.'
To perfect your setup, Drew recommends this 50%-density shade cloth from Amazon paired with these fiberglass garden hoops, also from Amazon.
5. Move Container Plants into the Shade
Container plants often feel easier to manage during a heatwave, as you can simply move them away from direct sunlight. (But if they're too heavy, shade cloth will also come in handy here.)
'To protect container plants from hot weather, move them into cooler, shaded corners of your yard to prevent them from overheating,' says Drew.
Once your planters are out of the way, however, you'll need to remember to water them frequently.
'These containers will need lots of regular watering to prevent them from drying out,' Drew warns.
Shop Heatwave Essentials
A drip irrigation kit is a real lifesaver during a heatwave; it will both automate your watering and help provide deep moisture to your plants.
Watering the base of your plants is key to avoiding leaf scorch, and a long watering wand like this one will help you reach tricky areas without any fuss.
Light-colored mulch will help reflect sunlight and retain soil moisture during extreme weather. These pink bark nuggets are a bestseller.
Looking for more hot-weather gardening advice? We asked experts about the biggest mistakes gardeners make in a heatwave – and how to fix them.
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