Surviving Summer in Georgina’s Growing Zone 5

Let’s not sugarcoat it: this summer’s been brutal. 

We’ve had over a month of 30+°C days with next to no rain, and your garden is feeling it. Whether you’re staring at crispy hydrangeas, browning trees, a lawn that crunches underfoot, or vegetables in meltdown mode, you’re not alone.

This blog is for every gardener out there in Georgina and the surrounding areas in zone 5 wondering what’s going on and what to do about it. We’ll break down what’s happening, how to water properly, common plant responses to extreme heat, how to handle pests and disease, and—most importantly—why you shouldn’t throw in the trowel.

 

What’s Actually Happening: Heat Stress 101

When the thermometer spikes and the rain disappears, plants go into survival mode. This looks different depending on the plant, but common symptoms include:

• Wilting (but not always from lack of water!)
• Leaf scorch or browning
• Early fall colour
• Leaf drop or smaller than usual leaves
• Dormancy, especially in lawns
• Increased vulnerability to pests and disease 

Before you reach for the hose—or panic—let’s figure out what your plants are actually telling you.

Wilting: Overwatering vs. Underwatering vs. Just Too Hot

We get a lot of questions about wilting hydrangeas, and it’s a great place to start.

Underwatering

The obvious culprit. If the soil is bone dry, your plant is drooping, and the pot or ground feels hot, it’s thirsty. 

Fix: Deep water in the morning. Don’t just splash the surface—get that moisture down to the root zone. For in-ground plants, aim for 1" of water per week, ideally spread over two waterings.

Overwatering

Yes, it’s possible—even in a drought. Overwatering suffocates the roots and can cause root rot. If the plant is wilting but the soil is soggy, you’ve gone too far. 

Fix: Let the soil dry out before watering again. Dig down with your fingers—don’t trust just the surface. It can feel dry on top and wet underneath.

Heat Shock (a.k.a. “Hydrangea Drama”)

Some plants wilt in extreme heat even when they’re well-watered. It’s a defence mechanism to reduce moisture loss. They’ll often perk back up once the sun goes down. 

Fix: Provide afternoon shade, mulch heavily, and stay calm. Don’t water again if the soil is already moist.

 

Brown Leaves, Scorched Tips, and Disease

This kind of heat doesn’t just dry things out—it fries them. Even if your watering game is strong, leaves may scorch or turn brown at the edges.

Some Common Issues:

• Leaf scorch on hydrangeas, maples, and hostas
• Diseases like powdery mildew, especially on phlox, monarda, and squash
• Rust or leaf spot on stressed perennials and shrubs 

What You Can Do:

• Water early in the morning to prevent evaporation and reduce disease spread
• Avoid overhead watering, which can lead to mildew and fungal issues
• Cut back affected foliage (only if it’s truly spent)
• Improve airflow around plants by thinning crowded areas
• Mulch, mulch, mulch—this keeps roots cooler and helps retain moisture

Lawn Gone Brown? It’s Dormant, Not Dead

We’ve heard it from countless customers: “My lawn is completely brown.” But unless you’ve been scalping it or overwatering it to the point of rot, it’s likely just dormant.

Grass goes dormant as a protective measure during drought. The top growth dies back, but the roots are still alive.

Do:

• Water deeply but infrequently—1" once per week if permitted
• Raise your mower height to 3” or higher
• Stop fertilizing and give it time 

Don’t:

• Mow crispy grass—it causes more stress
• Water lightly every day—that encourages shallow roots
• Rip it up—it can bounce back with fall rain

 

Deciduous Trees: Brown Leaves, Leaf Drop, Early Colour

It’s not just the hydrangeas. Deciduous trees (maples, birch, dogwood) are also reacting to stress.

Symptoms:

• Browning or curling leaves
• Defoliation (dropping leaves early)
• Smaller-than-normal leaves
• Early fall colour showing up in August Trees are shedding what they can’t support. 

This isn’t necessarily fatal—but they will need TLC. 

Tree Care Tips:

• Deep root watering once a week (slow trickle with a hose at the dripline for 30–60 minutes)
• Add a 3” mulch ring (keep away from the trunk)
• Avoid pruning or fertilizing during stress
• Keep checking for borers or signs of insect damage (stressed trees are targets)

Veggies: Feast or Famine

Some veggie gardens are thriving in the heat—especially if they’re getting consistent water and full sun. Others are struggling with heat-stressed leaves, poor fruit production, or—you guessed it—powdery mildew.

Why?

• Tomatoes and peppers love heat but need consistent water
• Lettuce and spinach bolt early in heat
• Zucchini & Squash are prone to mildew in humid heat
• Inconsistent watering causes blossom end rot and split fruit 

Tips:

• Water at the base of the plant—not overhead
• Mulch between rows to keep soil moist
• Harvest early and often
• Use BTK or insecticidal soap if pests are getting out of control

 

Bugs Gone Wild

Aphids, thrips, whiteflies, scale, mealybugs—it’s like a pest party out there. Why?

Because stressed plants release signals that attract bugs, and hot, dry weather gives them an advantage.

Natural Solutions:

• Blast aphids off with water
• Use insecticidal soap or neem oil
• Introduce beneficial bugs (ladybugs, lacewings)
• Keep your plants healthy—strong plants resist pests better

Other Things You Might Be Seeing (and Why)

• Sunscald on fruit or veggies: Tomatoes and peppers can literally cook on the vine if foliage thins.
• Dry containers: Pots dry out way faster in this weather—water at least once a day, sometimes twice.
• Water repellency: Some soils are so dry they become hydrophobic. Break the crust and water slowly so it soaks in.
• Pet damage: Dogs are lying in your garden to cool off. Try shade cloths or deterrent sprays.

 

Don’t Give Up!

We’ve had so many customers come in lately saying, “I’m done. I’m just going to let it all die.”

We get it. Gardening in this kind of weather feels like fighting nature—and sometimes it kind of is. But here’s the thing:

• It’s not always your fault.
• You haven’t failed.
• You’re learning, and you’re not alone. 

This weather has pushed even veteran gardeners to the brink. But fall is coming. Cooler nights, gentle rains, and recovery time are just around the corner.

 

What You Can Do Now:

• Focus on watering deeply and less often
• Water early in the morning
• Prioritize your new plants and shallow-rooted ones
• Mulch like your garden depends on it (because it does)
• Accept that some loss is normal
• Come visit us—we’re always happy to diagnose, suggest, and help you make a plan

So there you have it, your garden might not be Insta-perfect right now, but it’s alive. It’s hanging on. And with the right care and a bit of patience, it’ll bounce back.

Don’t give up. You’ve got this.

Happy gardening!