Extreme Heat Emergency: Secret Weapons for Garden Survival

Learn my top three secret weapons to ensure your garden's survival during extreme heat! Reduce heat stress on your garden so it survives and thrives instead of dies in a heat wave. Don't let scorching temperatures ruin your garden-watch now for essential tips and expert advice!
🇺🇸Independence Day sale: 50% off CaliKim Seed Collections,“JULYGARDEN”, calikimgardenandhome.com. Ends 7.9.24.
SUPPLIES I USE IN THIS VIDEO:
➡Red nozzle: amzn.to/4cMyrTy
➡Drip Trays:
18" for 10 gal Smart Pots: amzn.to/3VNAq3k
14" for 5 gallon Smart Pots: amzn.to/3RO5pen
➡Shredded Straw: amzn.to/4cHOxOk
➡ Shade Cloth:
100 foot roll, 40%: amzn.to/3W6hL3P
6’ x 6’ 40%: amzn.to/3VIERMG
100’ roll 60%: amzn.to/3Sg4jbF
10’ x 20/‘ 60%: amzn.to/4eJWuo3
➡ Spring clamps, heavy duty: amzn.to/4eNekGI
➡ Binder clips, large: amzn.to/3W70jMR
WATCH FOR MORE GARDEN TIPS:
bit.ly/CaliKimJuneMustPlantVe...
bit.ly/CaliKimContainerGarden...
bit.ly/CaliKimTomatoStringTre...
bit.ly/CaliKimSingleStemTomat...
TABLE OF CONTENTS: (click the timestamp to re-watch your favorite part)
00:00 Introduction
00:17 - Signs of heat stress
00:38 - Secret Weapon 1: Strategic Watering
00:50 - Best time: Water in morning
01:28 - Best method: Increase frequency
02:44 - Best method: Hydration stations
03:52 - Best method: Drip trays
04:25 - Secret Weapon 2: Mulch
06:14 - Secret Weapon 3: Provide Shade
06:20 - Shade cloth
11:01 - Use patio furniture to shade
11:13 - Use patio umbrella to shade
BOOKS
The First-Time Gardener: Raised Bed Gardening: bit.ly/TheFirstTimeGardenerRa...
Organic Gardening for Everyone: Homegrown Vegetables Made Easy: bit.ly/OrganicGardeningForEve...
SEEDS
CaliKim Seed Collections: calikimgardenandhome.com
CONTAINERS
CaliKim 1, 5, 10 gallon Smart Pots, Little Shorty 3' fabric raised bed: calikimgardenandhome.com/coll...
Smart Pots (other sizes): use. code “calikim” for 10% off at smartpots.com
What size Smart Pot? smartpots.com/what-size-smart...
PEST & DISEASE CONTROL:
Monterey Lawn & Garden: www.montereylawngarden.com. Use code "CALIKIM10" for 10% off sitewide.
SOIL AMENDMENTS & FERTILIZER
Vermisterra: vermisterra.com
Worm castings, Vitality, Worm tea
10% off with code “calikim”
AMAZON:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases:
SHADE CLOTH: amzn.to/42AvvEU
GROW LIGHTS
1. CLAMP LIGHT SET UP
-8.5” clamp light: amzn.to/3abeO8k
-LED bulbs: amzn.to/3DJVQGd
2. GROW LIGHT BOX
-8.5” clamp light: amzn.to/3abeO8k
-LED bulbs: amzn.to/3DJVQGd
-30 gallon storage tote: bit.ly/CaliKim30GallonStorageTote
3. SHOP LIGHT SET UP :
-4 foot Shop light fixture with LED bulbs: amzn.to/2QSd4ZS
-2 foot Shop light fixture with LED bulbs: amzn.to/3qC9hzx
-S hooks: amzn.to/3GF9R7x
4. SHELVES
2 foot, 5 shelf adjustable: amzn.to/3NXL6I1
3 foot, 5 shelf adjustable: amzn.to/3nxwkMi
4 foor, 6 shelf adjustable: amzn.to/3AjaXnj
5. TIMERS:
Timer power strip: amzn.to/37cesP9
Digital timer: amzn.to/3qJRIN7
SEED STARTING SUPPLIES
Seed starting pots: amzn.to/3tfsKXK
Seed starting cells: amzn.to/3JLsZVH
Peat pellets: Large ( 3”, 50mm): amzn.to/37u3RiB
Small (1”, 36mm): amzn.to/35RP2Cx
Plant labels (colored: ) amzn.to/3bLNCjv
Plant trays: amzn.to/36YPO1U
Heat mat: amzn.to/2FS1I1W
DIY seed starting mix:
Vermiculite, organic: amzn.to/3scmFdV
Coco coir bricks: amzn.to/2ZABUkQ
Yellow Sticky Traps: amzn.to/3Xf5NDR
DRIP IRRIGATION/WATERING
Raised Bed Drip Irrigation Kit: amzn.to/30jSLYq
Landscape Staples: amzn.to/2Ro85iP
Moisture meter: amzn.to/2tbXDD6
Amazon general links:
General search page: amzn.to/3897OqD
Seed starting supplies: amzn.to/30kbmDG
Garden fertilizers:amzn.to/2uQkhBh
Garden disease and pest control: amzn.to/2FMw6L7
Grow Lights: amzn.to/2NlY5FB
Garden Tools: amzn.to/2RiwRRq
Amazon lawn & garden supplies: amzn.to/30kFe2Z
WHERE TO FIND ME:
Seed & Garden Shop:calikimgardenandhome.com
Instagram: CaliKim: / calikim29
CameraGuy: / calicameraguy
Facebook Page: / calikimgardenandhomediy

[@CaliKim29]

How is your garden doing in the summer extreme heat? Are you going to use my secret weapons to help it survive and thrive? Thanks for gardening with us! -CaliKim & CameraGuy 🇺🇸Independence Day sale: 50% off CaliKim Seed Collections,“JULYGARDEN”, calikimgardenandhome.com. Ends 7.9.24.

[@beckymartinez9926]

Hi Kim, If you put a plastic water bottle over the poles holding up your shade cloth they won’t poke through the cloth and they will be easier to adjust. I like your hydration station idea.

[@handsfullofgoodthings]

@@beckymartinez9926 that's a terrific tip!

[@CaliKim29]

Hi Becky! That's a clever tip about using plastic water bottles over the poles for the shade cloth-ingenious! It sounds like a practical way to keep everything in place and adjustable. I'm glad you liked the hydration station idea too. Happy gardening! 🌿💧

[@ramonajolley1966]

Kim, you are something extra special. I am not so great with organizing. Thanks for the storage tidbit.

[@CaliKim29]

Hey Ramona! Thank you so much for your kind words-it means a lot! I'm glad the storage tip was helpful for you. Organizing can be a challenge, but small tidbits can make a big difference. Happy organizing! 😊

[@shellykaev550]

Thanks for these tips…I’m pretty new to gardening, & wondered what I was doing wrong when so many of my precious blooms starting shriveling & falling off! Now I’ve got shade cloth, so I hope they make a comeback - you’re videos are excellent & im lovin my Calikim smart pots!!!

[@ToddfromCalifornia]

I put my shade cloth up this morning and i save some grass clippings let them dry out and use that as a mulch.

[@sandrabrown6860]

Yes❣❣❣ I am so GLAD that you're showing this survival mode!!! I have one shade cloth, I save all my soil/fertilizer bags, to use as shade umbrella, and I use cardboard boxes to provide shade, as well ❣❣ this really works 😍🤩

[@CaliKim29]

Sandra - I’m so glad to hear that you’re finding these survival tips helpful! Your use of shade cloth, soil/fertilizer bags, and cardboard boxes is fantastic-such creative and resourceful ideas! 🌿 It’s wonderful to see how you’re protecting your plants. Keep up the great work and happy gardening! 😍🤩

[@beckymartinez9926]

@@sandrabrown6860 I use my potting soil bags the way Kim did with her plastic bins to catch the water 💦

[@randydeshane9991]

I pretty much do the same things you do. Weather here in Modesto has been extremely hot, today it reached 108 degrees. We are going to be this hot for the rest of this week and next week. Not sure what’s going to happen beyond that. Stay cool

[@renm5534]

Thank you for the great tips. I garden in California zone 9b and we are expecting a long heat wave. I am going to be implementing all of your tips! The seeds I started from your collections are up and doing well and I don’t want to lose any of my precious plants. 😊

[@CaliKim29]

Hey Ren! You're very welcome, and I'm glad the tips are helpful for your garden in California zone 9b. It's great to hear your seeds from my collections are thriving! We're in So Cal too, so I understand the challenge of the heat wave. Stay proactive with those tips to keep your precious plants healthy and strong. Happy gardening! 😊🌿

[@esthersdaughterlong8149]

Thank you for the suggestions Kim. I have shade cloth on all of my plant's.

[@CaliKim29]

Hi Esther - You're welcome! That's great to hear-all that shade cloth will really help your plants stay healthy in the heat. Happy gardening and enjoy your shaded oasis! 🌿🌞

[@nealgreenstein2227]

I plan on using straw as mulch and watering deep early in the morning

[@aprilshomeandgarden]

So I definitely water more and strategically, mulch my plants with organic material and I have shade cloth. It’s not fail safe but it keeps things alive. I gave up last year because we have temps of 100 most of July and August but this year I’m feeling like I have a better grip on things.

[@CaliKim29]

Hi April - That’s fantastic to hear! 🌿 Watering more strategically, using mulch, and having shade cloth are all excellent strategies. It’s all about finding what works best for your garden, especially with those scorching temps. I’m so glad you’re feeling more in control this year-keep up the great work and stay cool! 🌞💧

[@nicolehourie6034]

I like using all of these techniques

[@CaliKim29]

Hey there, Nicole! How have you been? 😊 I’m so glad you're using my secret weapons-they really do make the difference between a thriving garden and a struggling one. Enjoy your summer garden and happy gardening! 🌻🌿

[@graphguy]

Sierra foothills in California... this week the daily high is triple digits! So, this is so appropriate!

[@CaliKim29]

Hey Graphguy! Those triple-digit highs are intense! Keep an eye on your plants and make sure they're staying cool and hydrated. Summer gardening in California sure keeps us on our toes, doesn't it? Here's to a successful and productive summer - even with the heat! 🌱

[@brianseybert192]

A lot of great Info as always. Shadecloth has been a must the last 2 years, not so much this year, 90F definitely drop tomato and pepper blossoms. Building more fungi in my garden beds, fungi not only sequester carbon, feed our plants, they hold a ton of moisture. Been wrapping my grow bags along a south facing fence with mylar blankets. Reflects 90% of the sun's rays, keeps the bags cooler and they do not dry out as fast. Stay Well!!!!

[@debbiealexander184]

I went out tonight and draped shade cloth over a few plants using plastic hanger clips. I will add a sheet to my raised bed with peppers and cucumbers tomorrow and do the same. I have 2 more shade cloths and will put them up as well.

[@CaliKim29]

Hi Debbie - your resourcefulness will help your garden survive and thrive during this crazy heat and you'll be so thankful you took the time to do this! Have a safe and happy 4th!

[@virginiatibbetts1551]

Love this video. Thanks for the tips. Keep cool.

[@GardeningFeedingCookingFolk]

Khu vườn của bạn được chăm sóc rất kỹ lưỡng cây phát triển rất tốt ,bạn rất khéo chăm sóc ,cảm ơn bạn đã chia sẻ kinh nghiệm trồng trọt làm vườn với bạn bè .

[@CaliKim29]

Thank you! I'm really glad you noticed how well everything's coming along. Your kind words mean a lot! It's awesome sharing techniques to help our veggie gardens thrive. Here's to a great season and plenty of veggies for us both! 🌿😊

[@thomaszack3573]

Thank you so much. It's just perfect 🙂

Thank you!! I have been desperate looking for advise and nobody has any content for the poor Californians in this crazy extreme heat!

[@likemoto1872]

Be careful when you create a canopy. Bees/pollinators fly in and up and get stuck. I try to make the east higher than the west side. I let the shade cloth drape down on the west side but keep the east side open so they can escape 🐝

[@CaliKim29]

Hi there - great suggestion! That's exactly what I did - they are buzzing in and out happily, always a welcome sight. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you haven't already.

[@anniedove]

Hi Kim, good to see Mac doing a cameo. I've got a lot of shade cloths and using natural tree shade to cover the plants. This week is a doozie! I think it got up to 108 today officially. I'm watering deeply. I like the container in the tub idea a lot. I'm time-challenged. I missed Monday because my mom has not been well (hospital, rehab center), but I'll be back like Arnie S.

[@CaliKim29]

Hey Annie - It's always good to hear from you! Mac sure loves making those surprise appearances in the videos. 😄 Dealing with 108-degree weather is intense! Using shade cloths and natural tree shade is a great strategy to protect your plants from the heat. Deep watering is crucial during such hot days. The container in the tub idea is brilliant for saving time and keeping your plants thriving. Take your time with your mom-family always comes first. We'll be here when you're ready to get back into gardening. Hang in there, and stay cool!

[@anniedove]

@@CaliKim29 Yes! You all stay cool as well! Happy 4th♥🤍💙

[@ceecee-thetransplantedgardener]

Shade cloth in the yard for sure - and a large umbrella for my deck plants. We can easily reach sustained triple digits during the summer- and the added sun barriers definitely save my plants. I LOVE that you're using the tan shade cloth variety. I don't have that yet - but I want to experiment to see if the lighter color is even more cooling than the typical black - aka reflective v absorbtion. Any thoughts on that? Great vid - thank you!

[@CaliKim29]

Hey Ceecee! Always great to hear from you! I've been enjoying my tan shade cloth, but to be honest, I haven't noticed a significant difference compared to my black one. The main benefit for me is that it blocks more sunlight as it's 60%, (my black is 40%), which really helps in the hotter temperatures. Let me know how you find it when you give it a try - can't wait to hear your thoughts! Happy gardening under that shade! 🌞

[@puckjohn]

Hello Kim, do you take your shade cloth down at night or just leave it up until the extreme heat has gone?

[@sasdncr08]

I water my raised bed and containers with a hose and nozzle attachment like you did in the video. So when you say you water for 10/15 minutes at a time with the drip irrigation, what is that equivalent to with a nozzle like you used? How much water comes out in a drip irrigation compared to a hose and nozzle attachment? I hope this makes sense. Thanks for all the great videos! You help me so much.

[@CaliKim29]

Hi there! 🌿 Thanks for your question and for watching my videos! When I mention watering with drip irrigation for 10-15 minutes, it’s designed to provide a slow, steady flow that deeply soaks the soil. With a hose and nozzle, you might need to water for a shorter time since it delivers water faster. To ensure your plants get enough water, check the soil moisture-water until it’s consistently moist 6-8 inches deep, a moisture meter really helps monitor this. Every setup is a bit different, so it might take a bit of experimenting. More info in my watering containers video. Keep up the great work in your garden! 🌻💧

[@beckymartinez9926]

Also ez straw is about half the price of Amazon at tractor supply or Ace Hardware

[@CaliKim29]

Hi Becky - Thanks for the tip! 🌿 It's great to know! Every bit of savings helps. Happy gardening and stay cool! 🌞💧

[@terryjbrown6953]

Kim, is it ok to keep the shade cloth on top of the plants every day with 85 -97 temperatures? I have almost no shade in my yard except for a 5' x 6' area up against my house on the east side of it, so my vegetable containers are in full sun all day long! Also, what do you be dipping your garden shear into to keep them from spreading diseases onto your other plants?

[@likemoto1872]

I don’t think so. In a lot of areas if you kept the shade cloth up when temps are >85°, it would be up all summer. I live near Sacramento and only put up shade cloth when it’s over 100°

[@beckymartinez9926]

@@terryjbrown6953 once the temps are over 90 (June) I put mine up and it doesn’t come down until September. If it’s consistently in the 90s, leave it up if it’s consistently in the 80s, I would not.

[@beckymartinez9926]

@@terryjbrown6953 she dips her shears in alcohol.

[@CaliKim29]

Hi there Terry! Yes, it’s perfectly fine to keep the shade cloth on your plants for an extended period of time in those temperatures, especially if your garden is in full sun all day. It will help protect them from the intense heat. Many of our viewers in the hottest parts of the country where it is 100+ for months grow under shade cloth all summer and would otherwise be unable to garden in the summer. As for disinfecting my garden shears, I dip them isopropyl alcohol to prevent spreading diseases. Watch my single stem tomato video for more info on that. Happy gardening and stay cool! 🌞💧

[@terryjbrown6953]

@CaliKim29 Thank you, Kim! I wasn't sure if it would be ok to keep the shade cloth over them. I am making a small but tall tunnel structure over them in Massachusetts, and I'm particularly disabled so taking them off and on would be hard for me to keep doing unless I can find away to be able to pull them and down like a curtain! I bought shade clothes that don't have any grommets on them because I didn't notice that when I bought them or I would have bought the ones with the grommets on them 🫡 🤣!!!

[@williamhenry3337]

The gophers got most of my garden down in San Diego.

[@CaliKim29]

Hi William! I feel you-gophers can really wreak havoc in gardens. Have you considered laying down hardware cloth at the bottom of your raised beds? It takes a bit of effort, but can be a great solution to keep those pesky gophers from causing further damage. Good luck!

[@keithrodz6485]

Im going to water my peppers right now whats the perfect size of smartpots of small pumpkins 🍉🍉🍉🍉

[@CaliKim29]

Hey Keith! That sounds like a good plan. For small pumpkins in Smart Pots, plant in at least a 10-gallon size. This allows enough room for the roots to spread and support healthy growth. Happy watering! 🌱💧

[@keithrodz6485]

Thanks and good morning

[@PeaPodTheSquirrel]

Huge water bill now in Biden's America

[@santaanaroadwildman3614]

..worse in Newson's California

[@rosalynnecole23]

Explain?

[@adaminnamorato156]

First

[@CaliKim29]

Hey there, Adam! Thanks for checking out our video. Which of these heat survival strategies are you using in your garden this summer?