How to Water Plants in the Hot Sun

Overview

Watering provides essential moisture to plants during droughts and periods of little rain. Protecting your plants requires regular watering, especially for tender annuals and finicky shade plants that wilt daily from the summer heat. Container gardens need special care because these plants don't benefit from the larger water retention ability of a large garden soil area.

Step 1

Turn on your garden hose and place the hose sprayer at the base of every wilting plant for about 20 seconds. Move to the next plant and repeat.

Step 2

Install a soaker hose (available at home improvement stores) by connecting this hose section to your existing garden hose. Wind the hose through your garden, making sure to locate the hose near delicate plantings. Water for about 30 minutes with the soaker hose.

Step 3

Water container gardens deeply by using a watering can (or hose) to water the top layer of each potted plant. Water until you see fluid coming out of the bottom of the pot. If your potted plants have a saucer or catch basin at the bottom, add water to that so the plant can draw moisture from the bottom up.