Honeybees land on rocks to drink water from a pond. People, plants and animals all need to pay extra attention to staying hydrated in the summer heat.

This summer’s heat wave seems to be unending. With the lack of rain and soaring temperatures, everything and everyone is in continuous need of hydration. Offering water to people, pets, pollinators and plants will help assure that everyone survives the stress of the summer heat.

It’s important to plan outdoor tasks relative to the weather. Gardeners should work outdoors during the cooler times of the day, usually the early morning and evening.

Check the weather forecast, including the heat and air quality indices. Postpone gardening if the heat index is too high and/or the air quality is poor.

Assure adequate hydration by drinking a glass of water or other fluid prior to gardening; carry a bottle or two of water with your gardening supplies and take a sip of water periodically. These fluids can prevent dehydration and replace fluids lost with perspiration.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer guidance for staying hydrated during hot weather. When working in the heat, drink one cup (8 ounces) of water every 15 to 20 minutes. This amount translates to ¾-1 quart (24-32 ounces) per hour.

Keep your fully-charged portable telephone and/or medical alert device with you, especially if you have a large property. Sit in the shade to take breaks and drink fluids, especially before your feel thirsty.

At the first sign of fatigue or tiredness, stop gardening and go indoors to rest. Very hot days may be relegated to non-strenuous activities, such as harvesting, weeding or deadheading.

Remember, pollinators get thirsty outside as well! Clean and refill birdbaths frequently to offer birds a place to cool off and hydrate. Place birdbaths under trees to keep the water cooler and to protect the birds from predators.

Arrange stones in the birdbath to encourage bees and butterflies to land and drink water. Alternatively attract pollinators to water in shallow bowls filled with rocks as landing zones. Look for honeybees drinking from landing spots near moving water from fountains and ponds.

Keep hummingbird feeders cleaned, filled and enjoy observing them during their visits to the feeders.

Eliminate stagnant water sources to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes and spreading of disease.

Pets require hydration and shade. Keep water bowls clean and filled. Adding ice cubes freshens and cools the water.

Make sure pets and animals have access to shade during the heat of the day. Remove uneaten food and supply fresh food frequently, as food will spoil in the heat and attract flies and insects.

Garden plants, shrubs and trees all require consistent watering. Water garden plants in the morning to allow the water to soak into the soil and prevent excess water loss from evaporation.

If late afternoon or early evening hours are the best time for watering, allow enough sunlight to dry the plants’ leaves. Damp leaves in the evening can lead to fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew. Watering with a drip or soaker system avoids wet leaves and can be done until nightfall.

Young shrubs and trees may benefit from a continuous water drip system, such as a watering bag. These bags deliver water consistently to the tree thus eliminating evaporation and runoff. Watering bags are commercially available, or can be constructed from garden hoses and garbage bags.

Pay close attention to the soil moisture around newly planted shrubs and trees. Water deeply and consistently to assure strong, deep root growth.

Penn State Extension offers additional suggestions on caring for trees and shrubs at https://extension.psu.edu/making-sure-your-young-shade-trees-survive and how to heat proof vegetable gardens at https://extension.psu.edu/heat-proofing-your-vegetable-garden.

As the summer moves forward, the temperatures continue to climb. Keeping people, pets, pollinators and plants hydrated and healthy during a heat wave is a top priority.

If you have questions about gardening in the heat, call the Master Gardener Garden Hotline at 724-287-4761, Ext. 7, or email the Master Gardeners at butlermg@psu.edu.

Our expert Master Gardeners and Extension Educators from across the state answer some of your questions during our program, “Garden Hotline LIVE.” Submit questions for the live show at https://pennstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6fbKDzHz5bNgknj.

For more information about how to watch Garden Hotline LIVE, visit the statewide Penn State Extension Master Gardener group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/696217890434068.

Lisa Marie Bernardo, Ph.D., RN, is a Penn State Master Gardener of Butler County.

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Lisa Marie Bernardo, PhD, RN, has been a Penn State Master Gardener in Butler County since 2003. Her gardening passions include native plant garden design and she is a Sustainable Landscape Designer, certified through Phipps Conservatory. Dr. Bernardo is interested in the effects of physical activity for cancer survivors and enjoys teaching about the physical benefits of gardening.submitted photo