Keep Your Garden, Pets, and Pollinators Healthy During a Heat Wave
With summer temperatures soaring on the regular, it’s not just us humans seeking shade and a cold drink; our gardens, beloved pets, and even the buzzing bees need a bit of TLC to thrive in the heat.
But don't sweat it! We’re here to share some empowering tips and tricks that everyone—from green thumbs to wildlife enthusiasts—can use to make a positive impact right in their own backyards. Together, we can beat the heat and ensure that every leaf, paw, and wing in our community stays cool and healthy.
How to protect your garden in a heat wave
Heat waves can do serious damage to your garden. They can dry out flowers, shrivel leaves, and burn fruits beyond recognition.
Don’t worry, though. There are some simple steps you can take to keep your garden safe.
The best way to think about your garden surviving a heat wave is in three stages: Before, During, and After.
Before the heat wave:
Mulch your garden beds! Mulch helps to regulate the temperature of the soil around your plants and keeps in moisture (plus, mulch is free in LA County!)
Water slowly and deeply in the evening to hydrate plants and help them prepare.
In the morning, spray leaves to remove pests and dust.
During the heat wave:
Shade young plants with a cloth, white sheet, or a screen.
Cool down plants by misting leaves with minimal water.
Water slowly and deeply in the early morning or evening, taking care to follow any local watering ordinances. Avoid watering in mid day.
During the heat wave:
Water plants deeply to help them recover from shock.
Keep wilted leaves on plants. They can be used as a shield in case another heat wave comes.
Want to learn more? Dive deeper here.
How to keep your dog safe in a heat wave
When it’s hot out for us, it’s hot out for our dogs. That might seem like an overly simple statement. But it’s easy to lose your cool in a heat wave!
The good news is that there are a really easy ways to ensure your furry BFF stays safe when temps are on the rise.
1 - Don’t leave Fido in the car:
The temperature inside your car on an 85-degree day—even with the windows slightly open—can reach 102 degrees!
If you have to bring your dog with you in the car at all during a heat wave, make sure the errands you are running are dog-friendly. That way you’re not risking serious injury.
2 - Buy booties
Paws up if you’d walk barefoot on concrete on a 100-degree day? No one? Right. If it’s hot enough to fry an egg—and burn your feet—on the ground, it’s too hot for Fido’s paws.
Ground temps can reach over 145-degrees on that 100-degree day due to a full day of direct sunlight. If Fido needs to take a walk, consider outfitting their paws with some booties.
3 - Have heat-friendly fun!
Los Angeles is one of the most dog-friendly cities in the country. As a result, there are plenty of indoor dining and hanging options—and outdoor shaded restaurants, etc.—that allow dogs.
If you’re looking for easy ways to spot if your dog is too hot, look no further.
How to help pollinators survive in a heat wave
One small (in size) and big (in importance) problem is that pollinators like birds, bees, butterflies, and more experience many negative effects of climate change due to shifts growing and blooming seasons.
For example, a plant both produces fewer flowers and less nectar and pollen in each flower during a heatwave. That means that each area of your garden isn’t able to support as many pollinators as it is in moderate conditions.
If it’s not clear already, pollinators have many challenges in heatwaves. One simple way to keep your pollinators healthy during these trying times is to create access to safe drinking water.
The good news is that it’s easy to do!
Set up drinking water for pollinators
What you’ll need
A pan or shallow bowl
Stones, pebbles, or marbles
Water
How to set it up
Place the stones (pebbles or marbles) into the pan or shallow bowl. Make sure to add a good amount of them so there’s ample space for pollinators to land and stay safe while drinking.
Add water.
Place in a flat place in your garden or yard where the waterer won’t spill.
It really is that simple! One pro tip, though: Replace the water every week to make ensure other insects don’t lay eggs.