Beat the Heat: Six Tips for a Lush Garden All Summer Long!
Summers across central Iowa bring scorching sun, gusty storms, and dry spells that challenge even seasoned gardeners. At Holub Greenhouses in Ames, Iowa, we’ve spent over 40 years helping local gardens, and their caretakers, thrive through it all. This guide offers practical, expert advice using locally grown plants and garden supplies available at our greenhouse to keep your summer garden vibrant.
1. Choose Heat‑Tolerant Varieties
Holub offers a wide variety of annuals, perennials, vegetables, and herbs, acclimated for Iowa summers. Some of our best summer performers include:
- Zinnias & Portulaca: drought-tolerant annuals that love full sun
- Coneflowers & Lavender: perennials that come back year after year with little fuss
- Peppers & Tomatoes: flourishing under Iowa’s hot, sunny days
Our friendly team can match you with the ideal selections for your location, whether it’s full sun or shaded spots.
2. Water Smart: Deep, Early, and Efficient
Water works best when it’s timely, not just abundant. Avoid shallow, frequent watering that encourages weak roots and weed growth. Instead:
Water deeply, once or twice weekly to promote deep rooting.
- Early morning watering lets soil absorb moisture and reduces evaporation.
- Mulch your beds and containers with wood chips, straw, or shredded leaves to keep roots cool and help soil retain moisture for longer.
- Use soaker hoses, drip irrigation, or choose our potting soils designed to retain moisture better.
Utilizing these gardening techniques and supplies will give your plants a fighting chance in the Iowa heat.
3. Provide Temporary Shade
During mid-summer heatwaves, consider adding some temporary shade:
- Use garden fabrics or row covers to prevent overexposure to the hot sun
- Create natural shade with tall perennials or vine-covered trellises.
- Choose your planting location wisely. Utilize existing buildings and trees to reduce exposure to the sun when it is hottest.
Our team can help you choose the gardening supplies you need to protect vulnerable plants during peak heat.
4. Fuel Your Soil for Sustained Growth
Strong plants need healthy soil, especially in hot, sun-baked climates:
- Test your soil mid-season and amend with compost or organic fertilizer. If your plants require unusually acidic or alkaline soil, Holub can recommend and supply you with the soil amendments you need to keep your plants happy in the heat.
- Top-dress beds with organic mulch from our garden supply section. This not only adds protection, but vital micro-nutrients as the mulch breaks down.
- Holub offers a wide range of composts, fertilizers, soil amendments, and mulches tailored for central Iowa’s soil and climate needs.
5. Keep Container Gardens Thriving
Containers dry out faster than garden beds, so they need extra care:
- Use moisture-retaining potting mixes that will allow plants to have better access to moisture.
- Group pots to increase localized humidity and reduce evaporation.
- Rotate pots periodically to ensure even sun exposure and evaporation. This helps to prevent under or overwatering. .
With the right soil mix, techniques, and accessories, your patio can stay lush all summer.
6. Deadhead, Prune & Harvest to Encourage Production
Maintaining your garden keeps it productive and fresh:
- Deadhead dried up blooms to encourage continuous flowering and prevent harmful fungal growth.
- Prune heat-stressed foliage to maintain airflow.
- Harvest vegetables early and often to boost yield and plant health.
Visit Holub for expert plant care advice!
Why Central Iowa Gardeners Rely on Holub
- Family-owned & locally operated for 40+ years. We know the local Iowa climate and how to help our plants thrive in the hot Iowa summers.
- Our diverse plant selection is perfectly acclimated to our seasonal extremes, setting gardeners up for success.
- Comprehensive garden supplies—from pots to fertilizers to mulch.
- Friendly staff offering region-specific advice for our clients across central Iowa.
Ready for a Summer of Success?
Stop by Holub Greenhouses in Ames or browse our new website to plan your summer garden. Let’s partner together to create a lush, resilient gardenscape that thrives—even when the mercury soars!