Hot Weather Requires Hydration

This summer's heat wave is just beginning, and everything and everyone is in continuous need of hydration. Offering water to people, pets, pollinators, and plants will help ensure that all of us survive the stress of the summer heat.

Plan outdoor tasks with an eye to the weather. Work outdoors during the cooler times of the day, usually the early morning and evening. Check the weather forecast, including the heat and air quality indices. Postpone gardening if the heat index is too high and/or the air quality is too poor. Ensure adequate hydration by drinking a glass of water or another fluid before gardening. Carry a bottle or two of water with your gardening supplies, and take a sip periodically. These fluids can replace those lost through perspiration and help prevent dehydration. According to the CDC, when working in the heat, drink 1 cup (8 ounces) of water every 15 to 20 minutes. This amount translates to ¾ to 1 quart (24 to 32 ounces) per hour. Keep your fully-charged portable telephone and/or medical alert device with you, especially if you have a large property.  Sit in the shade to take breaks and drink fluids. It is critical to drink before you feel thirsty. At the first sign of fatigue or tiredness, stop gardening and go indoors to rest. On very hot days, choose non-strenuous activities, such as harvesting, weeding, or deadheading.

Pollinators get thirsty as well. Clean and refill birdbaths frequently to offer birds a place to cool off and hydrate. Place birdbaths under trees to keep the water cooler and to protect the birds from predators. Arrange stones or pebbles in shallow bowls of water to provide a landing place for pollinators to drink. Fountains and ponds with moving water can give pollinators places to drink and cool off. Look for honeybees drinking from landing spots near moving water. Misters that attach to a hose and clip to the side of a bird bath or small branch can provide hummingbirds and other birds with a much-appreciated shower bath.  

Pets require hydration and shade, too. Keep water bowls clean and full. Adding ice cubes freshens and cools the water. Make sure pets and animals have access to shade during the heat of the day. Remove uneaten food and supply fresh food frequently, as food will spoil in the heat and attract flies and insects.

Garden plants, shrubs, and trees all require consistent watering. Water garden plants in the morning to allow the water to soak into the soil and prevent excess water loss from evaporation. You can water during late afternoon or early evening hours, but allow enough time for sunlight to dry leaves. Damp leaves in the evening can lead to fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew. Watering with a drip or soaker system avoids wet leaves and can operate until nightfall. Young shrubs and trees may benefit from a continuous water drip system, such as a watering bag. These bags deliver water consistently to the tree, thus eliminating evaporation and run-off. Watering bags are commercially available or can be constructed from garden hoses and garbage bags. Pay close attention to the soil moisture around newly planted shrubs and trees. Water deeply and consistently to assure strong, deep root growth. Eliminate stagnant water sources to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes and the spreading of disease.

Penn State Extension offers additional suggestions for caring for spring-planted trees during the summer months and on how to heat-proof your vegetable garden.