Last week record-breaking extreme heat gripped the West from Montana to Arizona and California to Texas. Temperatures reached 120 degrees F in some areas. Searing heat will grip the Pacific Northwest over the next four days due to an upper-level ridge expected to push temperatures to near 100 degrees F in metro Seattle and 110 degrees F in Portland.

Gardens can suffer in persistent heat waves. Plants wilt, bolt or just give up without adequate moisture and protection. Many vegetables drop their blossoms rather than set fruit. Temperatures in the 90’s may keep beans from flowering and tomatoes, peppers and eggplants may have pollination problems with temperatures above 86 degrees F.

Protecting your garden in a heat wave

These tips are from Rolling Hills Urban Farm, a certified organic nursery stock grower, in Redlands, California.
—Water deeply in the early morning
—Keep water off the leaves as much as possible to limit damage
—Give your plants shade
—Apply mulch to base to help hold in moisture
—Do not fertilize
—Leave damaged, burned leaves to protect others
—Hold off new plantings
—Breathe…
—Be optimistic. Some damage and loss may occur but plants are resistant.

I’d add to her list:
—Harvest ripe fruits since they require more water
—Regularly remove weeds which compete for water
—Invest in or DIY some shade cloth or temporary shade structures with lattice or window screens
—Don’t do anything that will stress a plant, like transplanting, pruning or fertilizing

Tips for the Future

A few other suggestions from OregonLive and SouthernExposure Seed Exchange—more details at the links.
Use intensive planting so plants shade the soil
Focus on plants that love the heat
Keep your plants well-watered
Check soil moisture with a trowel six inches down
Use drip systems and soaker hoses for the most efficient watering to deliver water right to the plant’s roots and avoid excess evaporation
Avoid surrounding garden beds with brick or concrete
Amend soil with organic material. Well-amended soil holds water better

Then find some shade as temperatures soar and grab your favorite summer beverage. Mine is lavender lemonade.