KEEP YOUR PLANTS ALIVE: 8 HELPFUL TIPS

Oklahoma summers are no joke—hot days, windy afternoons, and unexpected downpours can make gardening feel like a gamble. But with the right strategy, you can keep your plants alive and thriving, even in the toughest conditions.

At River Bottom Nursery, we work with local soil, climate, and plants every day. Whether you’re tending a flower bed, vegetable garden, or freshly landscaped yard, here are our best tips to keep your plants strong all season long.

1. Choose Plants That Can Take the Heat

The best way to keep plants alive? Start with the right ones. Some plants are simply built for Oklahoma’s hot, dry summers and unpredictable weather.

Top Oklahoma Tough Plants:

• Black-eyed Susan

• Coneflower (Echinacea)

• Yarrow

• Russian Sage

• Autumn Sage

• Lantana

• Vitex (Chaste Tree)

Native and drought-tolerant plants will always have the upper hand when it comes to surviving summer heat.

2. Water Deep, Not Often

Daily watering sounds helpful—but it can actually weaken your plants’ root systems.

Instead:

• Water deeply and less frequently.

• This encourages roots to grow downward, where the soil stays cooler and moister.

• Water early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation.

Tip: Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation for consistent, efficient watering.

3. Mulch Is Your Best Friend

Mulch helps regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, and suppress weeds—all critical in Oklahoma’s sun.

Use 2–3 inches of:

• Shredded bark

• Pine needles

• Straw (for veggie beds)

• Native mulch blends (available at River Bottom Nursery)

Avoid piling mulch directly against stems or tree trunks. Leave a small gap to prevent rot.

4. Watch the Wind

Oklahoma’s wind can dry plants out fast and damage tender stems.

Tips:

• Stake or cage tall or top-heavy plants.

• Create windbreaks with fencing or plant low hedges as a buffer.

• Choose compact, low-growing plants in especially windy areas.

5. Feed the Soil (Not Just the Plant)

Healthy soil = healthy plants.

Add compost, aged manure, or soil conditioners to improve structure and hold nutrients. We can recommend what’s best for your soil type—whether it’s clay-heavy or sandy.

Bonus: Better soil also improves water retention and root development.

6. Watch for Signs of Stress

Catching problems early can save a plant.

Common warning signs:

• Wilting in the morning? May need more water.

• Leaves turning brown at the edges? Could be wind or salt buildup.

• Yellowing leaves? Often a sign of overwatering or poor drainage.

When in doubt, take a photo and show us—we’re happy to help you troubleshoot.

7. Protect New Plantings

New transplants are especially vulnerable.

Tips:

• Shade them during the hottest part of the day for the first week or two.

• Keep the root zone consistently moist (but not soggy).

• Avoid planting during peak heat—early morning or late evening is best.

We also offer planting services, so your landscape starts off right.

8. Prune Smart

Pruning helps plants focus energy where it’s needed—but timing is key.

During summer:

• Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new flowers.

• Trim leggy growth to encourage bushier shape.