How to Support Your Veggie Garden Through a Heatwave
Simple, thoughtful ways to care for what you’ve grown—without overcomplicating it
With the weather heating up, it’s time to have a quick, real-life garden chat.High temps are some of those weeks where staying just a little bit ahead can make a big difference.
Whether your garden is full of lush raised beds or it’s just a few potted herbs by the back door, the goal is the same:
🌿 Care for what you’ve grown
🌿 Protect your hard work
🌿 And do it without turning it into another overwhelming to-do list
Because truthfully? You don’t need a complicated system to help your garden survive a string of 90-degree days. You just need to know what to look for—and what small steps will matter most.
First Things First: Heat Changes Everything (But You’re Still In Control)
Hot weather doesn’t mean your garden is doomed. But it does mean the plants are working harder than usual, especially if they’re in containers or raised beds that dry out quickly.
The good news? With a few mindful actions, you can help your garden stay resilient and productive—even in the peak of a summer scorcher.
1. Harvest Heat-Sensitive Veggies + Herbs ASAP
If you’ve been waiting to harvest your lettuce, arugula, cilantro, or spinach, do it now. Like… right now.
These delicate crops don’t do well under high heat. I always tell my clients: it’s better to harvest it all now and actually enjoy it than to wait and end up with bitter leaves you don’t want to eat.
You can rinse, chill, and store them in your fridge (or even freeze extra herbs in olive oil). Give yourself the gift of getting to enjoy what you grew!
2. Check Your Soil Moisture – Not Just the Leaves
This is one of my favorite reminders because it’s sneaky important: Don’t just look at how your plants appear on top. Check the soil itself.
If it’s pulling away from the edges of your raised beds or containers, that’s a clear sign it’s drying out faster than the roots can handle. Even if the leaves look okay right now, dig your finger down a couple of inches. If it’s dry down there, the roots are thirsty.
3. Use Deep Soaking Watering Techniques for Heatwaves
Many people ask, “Should I water in the morning or at night?” And while timing can help, the way you water matters even more.
Give your garden a slow, steady soak, deep enough to reach the root zone. This helps plants stay hydrated longer and builds deeper resilience.
Surface watering dries out fast and doesn’t do much in a heatwave. Think quality over quantity.
4. Leave Out Water for Wildlife to Protect Your Harvest
Ever had a squirrel take one single bite out of your ripest tomato? They’re usually not snacking…they’re thirsty! Leaving a shallow bowl of water in a shady spot can go a long way in keeping critters from searching your garden for hydration. It’s a small gesture that supports the ecosystem and protects your harvest.
5. Don’t Panic Over Midday Wilting. It’s Normal.
This one’s for your peace of mind:
It’s totally normal for plants to look a little sad in the middle of a hot day. They’re not necessarily dying; they’re just protecting themselves by wilting temporarily to conserve moisture.
The test? Check them again in the evening. If they’ve perked back up, they’re doing just fine. If not, it might be time for another round of deep watering.
Heatwaves Happen—But You’ve Got This
The key to weathering a stretch of extreme heat isn’t doing more. It’s doing enough.
Enough to support your plants.
Enough to stay ahead of stress.
Enough to feel connected to what you’re growing without feeling like you’re behind.
Whether your garden is thriving or just hanging in there, a little attention goes a long way this week.
☀️ Your garden can survive this heat — and still thrive.
If you're unsure how to water, when to harvest, or why your soil’s pulling back from the edge, I’ve got you.
Want to Know What to Do Next in Your Garden?
Watch the Free Masterclass: Stop Guessing — The Keys to Growing Easy Veggies with Confidence
In this free class, I’ll walk you through:
How to design a garden that works with the seasons, not against them.
The timing tricks most beginners never learn.
How to keep your garden healthy with just a few minutes a day.
This class is designed for Detroit gardeners, but it's useful for anyone ready to grow food and feel confident doing it.
