Gardening Third, monitor soil moisture and provide water in increased and more frequent amounts. Using a simple probe-style moisture meter gives immediate notice when more water is necessary, and it can be used on both container and in-ground plants. At the height of a heat wave, some plants may require watering twice a day. When water restrictions limit the timing and amount of water use, drip-irrigation systems are the best way to give maximum amounts to plants. Drip-water systems are easily laid in containers and garden beds, delivering water directly above the root zone and avoiding evaporation from hose spraying. And fourth, temporarily relocate container plants to shade locations such as close to the north side of a house, under a carport or inside an enclosed garage. This will keep them out of the worst dangers of extreme heat and burning sunlight until temperatures moderate. Planting for future heat waves With predictions of further heat wave summers ahead, it might be wise to plan on growing more container plants that are quick to water (sometimes twice daily) and easier to relocate to temporary shade when necessary. Add to that a moisture-retaining soil mix and familiar weather-resilient plants, and a container garden becomes a satisfying substitute for weather-endangered open beds. Sturdy perennial plants such as hostas, ornamental grasses, sedums and repeat-blooming dwarf day lilies such as golden ‘Stella De Oro’, yellow ‘Happy Returns’, burgundy ‘Little Grapette’ and red ‘Little Business’ are adaptable to containers. Broad-leaved summer annual plants such as ‘Bulls Eye’ geraniums (with distinctive dark blotched leaves) can fill large containers by themselves and completely shade their own soil. One useful strategy is the addition of vermiculite to the planting soil in containers. Vermiculite is sold at garden centres and through seed catalogues. It is a naturally occurring mineral used as a growing amendment, producing soft, porous soil with additional moisture-holding capability. Used as one-third of the soil mix in a container, it will enhance soil texture for root growth and provide a greater water-banking ability. Vegetables such as potatoes, bush beans, dwarf cucumbers and dwarf tomatoes (growing to three-four feet in height) are all comfortable and productive in containers. Plan on searching seed catalogues early next spring for many kinds of vegetables that have been bred in dwarf heights for container growing. CSANews | SUMMER 2026 | 47
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