When the sun is blazing and temperatures soar, keeping your plants happy and hydrated becomes one of the most important parts of garden care. But proper watering isn’t just about giving plants a drink – it’s about giving them the right amount of water, at the right time, in the right way, while conserving this precious resource. Tanya Olsen, third-generation owner of Royal City Nursery and Professor in the Horticulture Apprenticeship program at Humber College, shares her top summer watering best practices – for hanging baskets, indoor plants, garden beds, trees, shrubs, and more!
Watering Hanging Baskets
Hanging baskets dry out quickly in summer, especially when exposed to full sun. Here’s how to stay on top of them:
- Check Daily: Use your finger as a moisture meter! If the soil is dry to your first knuckle (about 2.5 cm deep), it’s time to water.
- Water Thoroughly: Don’t just wet the top, soak the basket until water runs out the bottom drainage holes.
- Use a Wand Hose: A watering wand lets you reach over and into baskets easily and ensures the center of the basket is getting moisture, not just the edges.
- Fertilize Regularly: Mix in a water-soluble granular fertilizer every 4–6 weeks to support continuous blooming. Summer annuals and veggie baskets are heavy feeders and benefit from consistent feeding.
Watering Indoor Houseplants
Even your indoor plants feel the effects of summer’s heat – especially if they’re near sunny windows.
- Check Every Other Day: Most indoor plants won’t need daily watering, but summer heat may increase their needs slightly.
- Watch for Signs: Wilting, leaf curling, or dry soil are all signs it’s time to water.
- Avoid Overwatering: Always make sure pots have drainage. Water when the top inch of soil is dry, depending on plant type.
Watering Garden Beds & In-Ground Plants
When watering outdoor plants, technique and timing are everything:
- Water at Soil Level: Always aim your hose or watering can close to the ground, near the base of the plant – not on the leaves.
- Deep, Infrequent Watering: Most perennials and shrubs need a good soak every 5–6 days, not every day. One gallon (a full watering can) per plant is a good benchmark.
- Morning is Best: Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and allow foliage to dry out before nightfall, helping prevent fungal diseases.
Watering Trees
Trees, especially young or newly planted ones, need extra care in hot weather.
- Soak the Roots Deeply: Place a hose at the base of the tree and let it trickle slowly for about an hour. This ensures the water reaches deep into the root zone.
- Water Every 10 Days: For established trees, this deep soak every 7–10 days is typically sufficient.
- Mulch for Moisture: Apply a layer of mulch (about 2–3 inches thick) around the base of the tree (but not against the trunk!) to retain soil moisture and reduce the need for frequent watering.
- Check out this alternative ‘Weeping Hosepipe’ – https://www.youtube.com/shorts/zth1U7X_uHA
Potted Plants & Containers
Container plants tend to dry out faster than those in the ground.
- Check Daily in Heat: Once the top 1–2 inches of soil is dry, it’s time to water.
- Water Until It Runs Out: Always water until you see water coming from the bottom – this ensures the roots are fully hydrated.
- Don’t Just Wet the Top: Quick surface watering can lead to shallow roots and weak plants.
Smart Watering & Conservation Tips
In summer, it’s not just about keeping plants alive – it’s also about using water wisely:
- Check Local Watering Guidelines: Depending on the time of year, water bans or restrictions can be in effect. Check out Guelph’s water restrictions here.
- Prioritize Plants Over Lawns: Lawns may turn brown in drought, but they’ll bounce back. Trees, shrubs, and perennial beds are harder to replace – focus on keeping them hydrated first.
- Mulch Everything: A good mulch layer around beds, shrubs, and even containers helps reduce evaporation, cool the soil, and suppress weeds.
With the right watering strategy, your plants can thrive all summer long – even through the hottest, driest days. Deep watering, consistent monitoring, and smart conservation are the keys to maintaining a healthy, resilient garden. Need a hand? Our team of experts is always available to help you choose the right watering tools or provide a quick demo at the garden centre – just ask!
About Tanya Olsen:
Tanya is a third-generation garden centre owner and landscape designer.
Teaches Horticulture Apprenticeship at Humber College in Ontario, Canada.
Has a weekly segment on CTV news.
Has a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture.
YWCA Woman of Distinction.
About Royal City Nursery:
Guelph, Ontario’s only third-generation, full-service garden centre! We specialize in creating custom outdoor living spaces and unique solutions for all your garden, landscape, and seasonal decorating needs! At our new greenhouse, located between Guelph and Cambridge, we are the garden centre of choice for discerning homeowners, landscapers, and designers.
