By late July, Southern Ontario gardens are in full swing. Tomatoes are ripening, pollinators are busy, and the long days of summer are beginning to stretch toward harvest season. But with that summer heat comes a new set of responsibilities—especially when it comes to keeping plants properly hydrated.
Check Your Irrigation System
Now is the perfect time for a mid-season check-in. Whether you’re using drip lines, soaker hoses, or traditional spray heads, it’s important to make sure everything is running as it should. Look for clogged emitters, leaky connections, or sprinklers that are misaligned and watering sidewalks instead of soil. A quick inspection can prevent long-term stress on your plants.
Adjusting for Summer Conditions
As temperatures climb, plants lose more moisture through their leaves and soil dries out more quickly. Rather than watering every day, aim for deeper, less frequent watering. This encourages roots to grow downward, where moisture stays more consistent. Early morning is the best time to run your system—it minimizes evaporation and gives foliage time to dry before nightfall.
Typical mid-summer run times:
- Drip irrigation: 45–60 minutes, 2–3 times per week
- Spray zones (lawns or groundcover): 10–15 minutes, 2–4 times per week
Adjust based on your soil type, slope, sun exposure, and specific plant needs.
Know the Signs of Thirst
Even with a well-tuned system, it’s good to keep an eye out for early signs of drought stress:
- Wilting in the morning or evening
- Leaf edges curling or browning
- Soil pulling away from the base of plants
Use your hands—if the soil is dry more than an inch down, it’s time to water.
Don’t Forget to Mulch
Mulch is one of the most effective ways to retain soil moisture during summer. A 2–3 inch layer of shredded bark, straw, or composted mulch will help regulate temperature, suppress weeds, and slow evaporation.
Final Thoughts
Mid-summer is a time of growth, beauty, and abundance—but it’s also a time when our gardens need consistent care. With a little attention to irrigation and soil moisture, you can keep your landscape thriving through the hottest days of the year.
If you’d like help evaluating your system, adjusting watering schedules, or setting up a low-maintenance solution for the rest of the season, we’d be happy to help. At Wind Whistle Landscaping, we care for gardens the way they care for us.