Guide to Keeping Things Cool in the Garden

It seems the whole country has been waiting for July. Summer in Central Florida is fully entrenched, and the heat has settled in. Don’t let the rising temperatures stop you from living your best life: have gatherings, celebrate birthdays and unbirthdays. Adapt your plans to work with the season, not against it. Find shade, hydrate, work early or late in the day, and let the landscape survive on the rainfall.

Shade from buildings, plants, or temporary structures is essential for having a better time in the Florida sun. Shade sails, umbrellas, and temporary coverings can transform a space into one that is usable and comfortable, even during peak summer. Creating shade is one of the simplest ways to make outdoor gatherings safer and more enjoyable.

Summer celebrations often pull our attention in many directions, and hydration can easily be overlooked. Whether you are attending or hosting, make water easily accessible. “Bring your own cooler” gatherings are a practical and effective way to ensure everyone has what they need without hesitation. For hosts, placing multiple coolers throughout the space encourages consistent hydration rather than requiring guests to seek it out.

Whether you are continuing to replace plants in your landscape or adding finishing touches to your gathering spaces, timing yard work is important. Early morning and late afternoon are your windows of opportunity. These cooler parts of the day reduce strain on the body and help prevent unnecessary stress. Pacing yourself is critical. Work in short 30-minute intervals with hydration breaks. It is important to remember that sweating is not just water loss; it includes essential electrolytes that need to be replenished.

When it comes to irrigation, let the landscape guide you. Most established landscapes can rely on rainfall during the summer season. The demonstration spaces in our community garden will go through their paces over the next few months as well. The plants we replaced this spring will have to become acclimated. A little stress now builds resilience for the future. If your area receives about an inch of rain per week, irrigation is often unnecessary. This is the time when less is more.

If you have found yourself trying to create an outdoor space fit for celebrations at the last minute, you are in good company! I’ve been reminding everyone that a few well-placed containers can instantly elevate any space. I strongly recommend blue pots filled with red and white pentas to provide a vibrant, heat-tolerant display that holds up beautifully in our summer conditions. Placing these at entryways or gathering areas creates a welcoming and celebratory feeling without requiring extensive effort. Sometimes the simplest touches have the greatest impact.

In July, remember that thriving in summer is about balancing comfort, safety, and relaxation. It is about gathering with intention, caring for yourself and your plants. August will soon be here, bringing along with it the last full month of summer heat and rain. Time to focus on making sure our landscapes are using it all to their advantage.

Nickie Munroe is an environmental horticulture agent with the University of Florida’s IFAS Indian River County Extension.