Watering Wisdom: How (and When) to Water in Summer Heat

From the team at Bru-Mar Gardens in Annapolis, MD

When summer turns up the heat in Zone 7b, it’s easy to get watering wrong—too much or too little can stress your plants and waste precious water. Let’s break down the basics of smart summer watering so your garden can thrive, not just survive.

💧 Know the Signs of Over- vs. Underwatering
Overwatering:

Yellowing, limp leaves

Wilting even when soil feels wet

Fungus gnats or mold on soil surface

Underwatering:

Crispy, dry leaf edges

Soil pulling away from pot edges

Drooping leaves that perk up after watering

🕒 Timing Is Everything
Water early morning. It gives roots time to absorb moisture before the day heats up—and prevents evaporation loss. Evening watering can promote mildew and fungal issues in humid conditions.

🚿 How to Water the Right Way
Deep and infrequent: Aim for longer soakings fewer times a week. This encourages deeper root growth and drought resilience.

Target the roots: Use a watering wand or soaker hose to reach the base of the plant, not the foliage.

Mulch it up: Add 2–3″ of organic mulch to keep roots cool and moist longer.

🪴 Containers & Hanging Baskets Need More Attention
Pots dry out faster, especially terracotta. Check daily, and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. For a quick test: lift the pot—if it feels too light, it’s time to water.

🌿 Native & Drought-Tolerant Plants Are Your Summer Allies
At Bru-Mar Gardens, we carry a beautiful selection of native plants, many of which handle summer stress with ease. Ask us about options like Echinacea, Rudbeckia, and Coreopsis—all stars in the heat!

✅ Quick Checklist for Summer Watering Success

☐ Water before 9 AM

☐ Water deeply, not daily

☐ Use mulch to retain moisture

☐ Adjust based on rainfall and temperature

☐ Choose drought-tolerant or native plants

🌻 Inspired to refresh your garden with heat-hardy plants or need help with watering products?
Visit Bru-Mar Gardens at 1009 Bay Ridge Road in Annapolis or check our app for summer savings and native plant tips!

📱 Download our app and get $5 OFF your purchase of $25 or more with code Welcome5: https://apjl.app/brumar

Let’s grow smart this summer—together. 🌱