Beating the Heat: Summer Watering Tips for Fayetteville Gardens

Summers in Fayetteville are hot, humid, and sometimes unpredictable. If your plants could talk, they’d probably beg for a drink—strategically and consistently! Here are our top tips for keeping your garden hydrated and happy during the peak of summer.

Water Early, Water Deep

The best time to water your garden is early in the morning—between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m.—before the sun gets too intense. Early watering reduces evaporation and gives roots time to absorb moisture before the heat kicks in. Evening watering is your second-best option, but it increases the risk of fungal diseases due to prolonged moisture on foliage overnight.

Know Your Soil and Mulch

Fayetteville’s soil tends to be sandy in some areas and compacted in others. Improve water retention by amending your soil with compost or using mulch. A 2–3 inch layer of mulch—like pine straw or wood chips—helps lock in moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Go Easy on the Sprinklers

Overhead sprinklers can be wasteful during hot months. Consider drip irrigation or soaker hoses to deliver water directly to the base of plants where it’s needed most. You’ll use less water and keep foliage drier (and healthier!).

Prioritize Your Plants

Newly planted trees, shrubs, and flowers need extra attention in summer. So do container plants and veggies like tomatoes, which can wilt quickly in high heat. Established native plants? They’re usually more drought-tolerant—but it doesn’t hurt to check them during dry spells.

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