In Alberta, we are experiencing very high temperatures and the best way to protect your garden is to disturb it as little as possible; just stick to the basics of keeping your lawn and plants cool and hydrated.

Some of these tips are a review of what most gardeners already know but reminders never hurt:

• Water in the early morning, ideally before 10 AM. The next best option is late afternoon after the worst of the heat is over,
• Keep the grass approximately ½-inch longer than you usually do. It is best to mow in the morning or evening. Make sure that the blade of the mower is sharp, as a dull blade might damage the leaf tips.
• Mulch everywhere something is growing – be extra generous around vegetables & don’t forget your pots
• Don’t fertilize in the hot weather.
• Use shade netting (available at garden centres) to protect plants especially newly planted vegetables and annuals. In a pinch, use a patio umbrella or old sheets. You can prop the netting or cloth on PVC pipe, stakes or heavy-gauge wire moulded over plants.
• Move delicate plants to the shade. You can also utilize the shade of tall trees or plants, or the house itself. Make sure you group the plants so they are close together but have enough space to grow and breathe. Doing this will lower the temperature around them and increase the humidity. Try to place the most delicate ones in the centre, with the tougher ones around the edges.
• Limit pruning to only the dead, infested or decaying parts. During this time of high heat, your goal isn’t to stimulate growth.
• Weeds steal moisture and nutrients from your plants. Plus, they are hardy and manage to thrive even through the worst of conditions. However do not cultivate too deeply and damage your plant roots. Summer is also the time when you can compost the weeds, as the heat in the compost bin will destroy the seeds naturally.

One last note: Don’t forget to keep birdbath water fresh. Bees appreciate a shallow bowl of water. If some of your land/garden attracts wildlife or strays consider putting out containers of water for them.

Here is a detailed article from The Spruce about heat stress and your lawn