Summer isn’t just the season for outdoor enjoyment—it’s also one of the biggest challenges for gardeners. Prolonged heat, UV radiation, drying soil, and increased evaporation all take a toll on plants. The question is: how can we maintain a beautiful, blooming garden during the hottest days?

The answer lies in proper care, targeted watering, and high-quality potting soil.

Water: The Key to Life and Survival

The foundation of summer garden care is smartly timed, efficient watering. Evaporation is especially intense during this period, so when and how you water really matters:

• Early morning or late evening is best – plants can make the most of the moisture then.

• Avoid watering in the middle of the day, as the water tends to evaporate before reaching the roots.

• If possible, use a drip irrigation system – it delivers water directly to the roots with minimal loss.

Mulching is also crucial in hot weather. A mulch layer helps retain moisture, protects the root zone from overheating, and suppresses weed growth.

The Role of Quality Soil in Flowering

The importance of potting soil is often underestimated, yet in summer, survival can depend on moisture-retaining, nutrient-rich soil. Poor-quality soil dries out quickly, depletes its nutrients, and leads to stressed plants.

The solution: choose premium potting soil that contains essential organic matter—like compost or cow manure—and can retain moisture consistently in the root zone.

Recommended options:

• Sunin Geranium and Balcony Potting Soil is ideal for summer use. Compost-based and rich in nutrients, it supports continuous flowering and has a balanced pH (5.5–6.5), making it perfect for geraniums and other balcony plants.

• Dolce Vital Potting Soil is an excellent alternative if you're looking for a universal yet premium mix that performs well even in extreme summer heat.

Too Much Sun? Use Shade Wisely

Sunlight is essential for plant growth, but excessive heat can cause serious damage. On the hottest days, consider the following:

• Move potted plants to shadier spots around noon.

• In garden beds, use shade cloth or a temporary sun sail to reduce direct exposure.

• Light-colored pots heat up less and help keep the root zone cooler.

Remember: plastic containers heat up faster, while clay pots offer natural cooling.

Fertilizing: Yes, But Use With Care

During heatwaves, plant metabolism changes, so nutrient management requires extra attention.

• Avoid over-fertilizing – it can burn the roots.

• Use a mild liquid fertilizer every 2–3 weeks, and only apply it in the early morning or evening.

• Organic fertilizers (e.g., cow manure) feed the soil naturally and don’t overload the plants.

Watch for the Warning Signs

Your plants may not speak, but they do signal stress:

• If leaves droop during the day but recover by evening – that’s normal.

• If they stay wilted and the soil is too dry or waterlogged – that's a problem.

• Rapid yellowing or sudden stop in flowering indicates an imbalance in water, light, or nutrients.

The key is regular observation, gradual adjustment, and the use of high-quality gardening products.