Unlike us, plants can't go for a swim or go sit in the shade. There are some simple strategies to help our plants minimise heat stress. When it's hot and dry the best thing you can do for your garden is mulch, mulch and more mulch! A thick layer of mulch helps to conserve the water you put onto your plants and also helps them deal with the heat by keeping the root zone cool. Mulching also suppresses weeds so the plants have less competition for water.
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Water when you get the most value out of it. In the early morning or late evening, the evaporation is at its lowest and the soil is nice and cool so you get the biggest bang out of the least amount of water. Plants susceptible to fungal diseases, such as lawns and tomatoes, should be watered in the morning so they are not left with water on their leaves overnight allowing fungus to take hold. Deeply water trees but don't overdo it. Water-logging trees, especially young trees just getting established, can cause them as much stress as drying them out. A deep watering once or twice a week is usually sufficient.
So how much is enough? Feel the soil. Stick a finger in and if if comes out dirty with cool soil stuck to it, its fine. If its dusty and no soil is sticking to it, it is time to water. Young trees also benefit from having other plants around them while they are getting established. This helps to create a humid micro-climate around them and less water is transpired through the leaves. Tip: If the leaves on trees and shrubs have browned off don't pick them off, they will provide protection for the new growth.
