How to Keep Container Plants from Drying Out in Summer
Container plants can add color and life to a porch, patio, walkway, or garden bed. But when summer temperatures rise, those beautiful pots can dry out much faster than plants growing in the ground.
Plants in containers have a limited amount of soil to hold moisture. Their roots are also exposed to heat from the sides of the pot. During hot, dry weather, a healthy-looking plant can become wilted and stressed surprisingly fast.
The good news is that a few simple changes can help your potted plants stay hydrated, healthy, and colorful all summer long.
Check the Soil Every Day
The easiest way to protect container plants from drying out is to check the soil regularly.
Push your finger about an inch into the potting mix. If the soil feels dry, it is time to water. If it still feels moist, check it again later.
Do not rely on a strict watering schedule. A plant may need more or less water depending on the temperature, rainfall, pot size, and amount of sunlight it receives.
During extreme heat, hanging baskets and small pots may need water once or even twice a day.
Water Containers Deeply
A quick splash of water may only wet the surface of the soil. Instead, water slowly until moisture begins draining from the holes at the bottom of the pot.
This helps the entire root ball receive water.
If water runs straight through the pot immediately, the soil may have become extremely dry. Water slowly, wait a few minutes, and water again. This gives the potting mix time to absorb moisture.
Water Early in the Morning
The best time to water container plants is usually early in the morning. This gives the roots time to absorb moisture before the hottest part of the day.
Morning watering also reduces the amount of water lost to evaporation.
However, do not ignore a severely wilted plant just because it is afternoon. If the soil is dry and the plant is struggling, water it as soon as possible.
Use the Right Container Size
Small pots dry out much faster than large containers because they hold less soil and moisture.
If a plant needs water constantly, it may be time to move it into a larger pot. This is especially important for large flowering plants, shrubs, tropical plants, and hanging baskets.
Choose containers with drainage holes. Drainage allows excess water to escape and helps prevent root rot.
Use a Quality Potting Mix
Avoid filling containers with heavy garden soil. Soil taken directly from the yard can become compacted and may not drain properly inside a pot.
A quality potting mix is usually a better choice. It is designed to hold moisture while still allowing excess water to drain away.
Container plants need consistent moisture, but they should not sit in soggy soil.
Add Mulch to the Top of the Pot
Mulch is not only useful in landscape beds. A thin layer of mulch on top of a container can help reduce evaporation and keep the soil cooler.
You can use pine straw, shredded bark, coconut coir, or another lightweight mulch.
Leave a small gap around the stems of the plant. Mulch piled directly against the base can trap too much moisture and encourage rot.
Give Plants Afternoon Shade During Extreme Heat
Some plants love full sun, but even sun-loving plants may struggle when their containers become extremely hot.
Pots sitting on concrete, asphalt, or a sunny deck can heat up quickly. If your plants wilt every afternoon, move them to a spot with morning sun and some afternoon shade.
Grouping containers together can also help. Plants placed close to one another create a slightly cooler and more humid environment.
Keep an Eye on Hanging Baskets
Hanging baskets are especially likely to dry out during summer. They are exposed to heat and wind from nearly every direction.
Check them at least once a day during warm weather. On especially hot days, you may need to check them again in the afternoon.
If a hanging basket dries out constantly, consider moving it to a location with a little more shade.
Avoid Letting Pots Sit in Standing Water
Good drainage is important, but do not let containers sit in water for long periods.
If your pots have saucers underneath them, empty the saucers after watering or after heavy rain. Constantly wet soil can lead to root problems.
A plant with yellow leaves and soggy soil may be receiving too much water rather than too little.
Watch for Signs of Stress
Your plants will often tell you when they need help.
Signs that a container plant may be drying out include:
- Wilting leaves
- Dry or cracked soil
- Brown leaf edges
- Flowers fading quickly
- Soil pulling away from the sides of the pot
Signs that the soil may be too wet include:
- Yellow leaves
- Soft stems
- Constantly soggy soil
- Leaves falling from the plant
- A sour smell coming from the potting mix
Always check the soil before adding more water.
Plan Ahead Before Leaving Home
Container plants can struggle quickly when you are away during hot weather.
Before leaving for a trip, move your pots into a cooler area with some shade and group them together. Water each container deeply.
A drip irrigation system, hose timer, watering globe, or slow-release watering bottle can also help. For longer trips, ask a friend or neighbor to check your plants.
Final Thoughts
Keeping container plants from drying out in summer does not have to be difficult.
Check the soil daily, water deeply, use the right pot size, add mulch, and move stressed plants away from intense afternoon heat. Pay special attention to small containers and hanging baskets because they dry out faster than larger pots.
With a little extra care, your container plants can stay healthy, colorful, and beautiful throughout the summer.