Summer heat is not only oppressive to us - it can also kill our plants. Just as our plants can perish in freezing temperatures, they can also die when the thermometer reaches its peak. Even the hardiest, most durable plants can suffer in the heat, including dehydration. Fortunately, there are a handful of ways to protect your precious baby plants from the summer sun.
For starters, be very careful about what you plant and where you plant it. Many people still don’t check a plant’s preferred sun exposure before buying it. Assess your garden at different times of the day to see where the sun hits and when it’s hottest, which should help you determine the perfect location for your plant. You can even go a step further and leave your flower or shrub in the pot in the desired location for a week or two before planting it on the ground.
Next, you need to make sure that your lawn and plants are getting adequate nutrition. You can do this by using high-quality soil (tip: not all plants like the same soil!) and additives like flower food. Finally, never forget to water! You could spend an hour walking through your garden to make sure all your plants are well hydrated each day, but we prefer the sprinklers do the work for us. Not sure which one is best for your needs? In reality, not all sprinklers are alike, and some types are better suited for specific situations. Look below and find the one that works best for your garden.
1. Melnor XT Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler
Use the adjusters to control the spray to water a wide swath of lawn or a narrow garden bed.
Buy: Melnor XT Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler
2. Mobile Sprinkler
This self-propelled sprinkler moves along a 200-foot hose to reach every odd-shaped corner of your garden.
Buy: Mobile Sprinkler
3. Multi-adjustable Lawn Sprinkler on a Spike
This inexpensive sprinkler sinks into the ground for easy installation and use.
Buy: Multi-adjustable Lawn Sprinkler on a Spike
4. Melnor Oscillating Sprinkler with Brass Nozzles
This heavy-duty oscillating sprinkler features a convenient built-in gauge that lets you know how much water you’ve applied to your new or existing lawn.
Buy: Melnor Oscillating Sprinkler with Brass Nozzles
5. Melnor 15110 Telescopic Sprinkler
Reach tall plantings with this telescopic sprinkler that extends up to 40 inches high.
Buy: Melnor 15110 Telescopic Sprinkler
6. Rectangular Pattern Spot Sprinkler
This small sprinkler provides plenty of water for small rectangular areas or dry areas of the lawn. Plus, it won’t break your budget.
Buy: Rectangular Pattern Spot Sprinkler
7. Underground sprinkler system kit
Are you an avid DIYer? Follow the instructions to install a fully automatic system on the ground in an afternoon or two.
Buy: Underground sprinkler system kit
8. Brass Impact Tripod Base
This brass impact sprinkler has a 100-foot range, so you can water plants in the back of the garden where the hose doesn’t reach.
9. Motorized Sprinkler
Six different models offer versatility, while the quiet operation doesn’t disturb neighbors or wildlife.
Buy: Motorized Sprinkler
10. Adjustable oscillating sprinkler
Twenty rubber nozzles and a customizable water flow rate and spray pattern let you adjust to any lawn size up to 4,250 square feet.
Buy: Adjustable oscillating sprinkler
11. Watering Hose
This flat hose unrolls and provides a gentle spray for newly seeded lawn areas. Even water distribution also means less waste.
Buy: Watering Hose
12. Eight Pattern Spray Head Stationary Sprinkler
This sprinkler with an attractive decorative base offers six easy-to-choose patterns to fit a variety of garden shapes and sizes.
Buy: Eight Pattern Spray Head Stationary Sprinkler
13. Heavy Duty Brass Impact Lawn Sprinkler
This sprinkler resists corrosion and clogging with its brass head and zinc base.
Buy: Heavy Duty Brass Impact Lawn Sprinkler
14. Mini-Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler
This oscillating sprinkler provides smooth, even coverage with sliding levers that easily adjust to different lawn sizes.
Buy: Mini-Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler
15. ZoomMaxx Oscillating Sprinkler
The weighted base helps prevent embarrassing tipping. Plus, you can adjust the coverage from 76 to 2,300 square feet.
Buy: ZoomMaxx Oscillating Sprinkler
16. Digital Hose Timer
Add this timer to control any sprinkler. You’ll never forget to turn on the water again.
Buy: Digital Hose Timer
17. Above Ground Sprinkler System
This above ground kit contains two hoses and three sprinklers, allowing you to move them around as your watering needs change without having to install a permanent system.
Buy: Above Ground Sprinkler System
18. Metal Bubbler
Direct water exactly where you need it with this bubbler, which delivers moisture to tender, new roots without dislodging soil or wasting water.
Buy: Metal Bubbler
19. Decorative Garden Sprinkler
Looks great in the yard. Spins really nicely in the wind and the kids love the sprinkler feature. Well made but we still cemented it into the ground for added sturdiness.
Buy: Decorative Garden Sprinkler
