In the hot summer of Tennessee, water your plants early in the morning or late in the evening. This helps the water stay in the soil and not dry up fast. You can also put dry leaves or small wood pieces around the plants to keep the soil cool and wet. This also inhibits the growth of weeds.
Select plants that thrive in hot climates, such as daylilies or black-eyed Susan. Water is not required for these plants. When the sun gets too hot, move your potted plants to a shaded area. Examine your plants daily. Give them water if the soil feels dry or the leaves appear weak. Your plants will remain healthy and fresh throughout the summer with a little maintenance.
Get Help If Needed
If you don’t know what to do next or feel tired of trying, don’t worry. There are local services that can help you. One of them is Opportunity Landscape. They know what works in Tennessee soil and summer heat. They can help you plan your yard or take care of the hard parts.
Landscapers in Nashville understand the local soil, weather, and plant types. They help keep yards neat, design outdoor spaces, and handle seasonal tasks to keep gardens healthy year-round.
Start with the Right Plants
If you want less work in the summer, choose plants that like hot weather. Some plants need shade. Others grow well in full sun. You have to pick what suits your garden space.
Good plants for Tennessee summer include:
- Coneflower
- Black-eyed Susan
- Daylily
- Lavender
- Russian sage
These plants can handle the sun. Once they grow roots, they don’t need much water.
Watering Plants in Hot Weather
Hot days dry the soil fast. Your plants may start to wilt or turn brown. The way you water can make a big difference.
Never water in the middle of the day. The sun will dry the water before the roots can take it in. Also, water on leaves in the sun can burn them.
Use a hose or can with a spray tip. That helps the water go to the base of the plant. Try not to get the leaves too wet.
Shade-Loving Plants for Tennessee
Here are a few good choices:
- Hostas
- Ferns
- Coral bells
- Foamflower
These plants grow well in cooler spots. They need moist soil and a little care. They add color and beauty even without bright sunlight.
Drought-Tolerant Plants Tennessee
Some plants do better than others in dry weather. These are called drought-tolerant plants. Once they are set in the soil, they can go for days without water.
Here are some top picks:
- Yarrow
- Sedum
- Blanket flower
- Agastache
- Salvia
Soil Care During Summer
Good soil helps plants grow strong. Summer heat can make soil dry and hard. This makes it hard for water to reach the roots.
You can fix this by adding compost. It makes the soil soft and holds water better. You can make compost from kitchen scraps like fruit peels and old leaves.
Also, don’t walk on your garden beds. It presses down the soil. Use paths or flat stones to keep your soil loose.
Try to dig the soil a little every few weeks. It helps air and water move better.
Best Time to Water Plants in Summer
Early morning is the best time to water. Try to water before 9 a.m. This gives the plants time to drink before it gets hot. The soil holds moisture better in the morning.
If you can’t water in the morning, early evening is okay too. Try to finish watering before sunset. Wet plants overnight may grow fungus or attract insects.
Keeping Plants Safe from Heat
Strong heat can damage your plants. Leaves can burn, flowers can drop, and roots can dry out. You can protect your plants in a few easy ways:
Add mulch around the roots to keep the soil cool
Use light covers like cloth or old sheets to give shade
Move potted plants to cooler areas during the day
Also, avoid trimming plants when it’s very hot. This adds stress and may stop new growth.
Pick plants that can grow well in hot weather, like black-eyed Susan or daylilies. If your plants are in pots, move them to a shady place when it gets too hot. Check the soil every day. If it feels dry, give your plants some water. This helps them stay strong and green.
FAQs
1. How often should I water my plants during a Tennessee summer?
Most plants need deep watering 2–3 times a week during hot, dry spells. Water early in the morning to prevent evaporation and help roots absorb moisture better.
2. What are signs my plants are stressed from heat?
Look for wilted leaves, brown edges, or slow growth. These signs mean your plants may need more water, shade, or mulch to protect roots from heat.
3. What can I do to protect plants from extreme heat?
Add mulch, provide partial shade with cloth or taller plants, and water consistently. Choose heat-tolerant varieties and avoid pruning too much in the summer.