How to garden when it's hot outside

CTV News

17 hours ago

Kathryn Brillinger stands in her Kitchener, Ont. garden made mostly of native species plants on July 16, 2025. (Alexandra Holyk/CTV News)
Hot weather in Southern Ontario is wreaking havoc on gardens and flowerbeds.
The intense heat and blazing sun forced Kitchener, Ont. gardener Prabhu Chinnappan to bring his basil plant into the shade during the day.
'As you can see, a lot of leaves are burnt due to excess heat,' Chinnappan said. 'It's really difficult to manage it. Especially when the plants are at the beginning stage.'
Chinnappan said he waters his plants often and protects them from pests. However, the heat seeps in.
'Heat affects everybody. People, animals, and plants,' said Rosemary Van Roose, the co-owner of Belgian Nursery in Breslau, Ont.
The number one rule: Hydration.
'Keep your plants hydrated,' said Van Roose. 'Good, thorough, deep watering, especially in the morning or evenings.'
While some plants can adapt to the conditions, others buckle under pressure.
'Heat stress is real,' she said. 'Some plants will take their leaves and almost fold them up closed, other plants will tend to droop and sag as if they look wilted. Some might slow down in their flowering or fruiting.'
Van Roose also said annual plants and those that were newly planted need the most care, as they rely on frequent watering for survival.
Other plants, like perennials and native species are easier to manage.
'Native plants are strong and are used to this climate,' said gardener Kathryn Brillinger. 'After two or three years, they don't need to be watered.'
So far, Brillinger said she hasn't watered her garden once this summer.
'it's thriving with the bee balm and the coneflowers and all of the pollinators that are used to this area,' she said.
While it may not be for everyone, Van Roose said it's something to consider.
'If you struggle through this year having scorched plants, maybe next year would be good to look at something a little more drought tolerant.'
'Re-leaf' in the forecast
As for the rest of this week, Environment and Climate Change Canada meteorologist Steven Flisfeder said the region is in for a bit of relief.
'We'll still be having temperatures through the latter half of this week in the high 20s,' he said. 'But compared to the low 30s that we've been experiencing pretty consistently so far through July, will be relative relief.'
However, he still urged gardeners to use caution when going outside.
'These temperatures can still be dangerous, especially to people who have pre-existing conditions.'
As for Chinnappan, whether it's rain, shine, or high temperatures, he said it's all worth it.
'Every day, a lot of effort goes in there,' he said. 'But at the end of the day, when you get some good fruits and veggies, that's the reward you take for all the effort.'