Surviving (and Thriving!) Through Summer Heat on the Homestead

If there’s one thing every homesteader knows, it’s that Mother Nature calls the shots. Especially when it comes to summer heat. Long, sun-drenched days can help the garden explode with growth, but they can also wilt plants, stress animals, and leave us sweaty and exhausted by sundown.

So, how do we keep ourselves, our animals, and our homesteads thriving when the temperatures soar? Here are some tried-and-true tips to help you beat the heat and make the most of the season.

1. Water is Life — Use It Wisely

During the hottest months, your water routine can make or break your garden. Early morning or late evening watering is best.  This helps water soak into the soil instead of evaporating in the midday sun. Deep watering a few times a week is better than light watering every day, encouraging strong, drought-resistant roots.

For animals, check water troughs and buckets several times a day. Shade your water sources if possible, to keep them cooler and discourage algae growth.

2. Shade for Everyone

Your chickens, goats, rabbits, and other critters appreciate a break from the sun just as much as you do. Provide plenty of shade. Trees, tarps, shade cloths, or movable shelters all work. For our rabbits we give them frozen water bottles or slate tiles to lay on.  Remember,  the heat is more dangerous than the cold.

Don’t forget yourself! Wide-brimmed hats, light-colored clothing, and breaks in the shade keep you from overheating while you work.

3. Garden Smarter, Not Harder

Mulch is your garden’s best friend in the heat. A good layer of straw, leaves, or grass clippings locks in moisture and keeps soil temperatures more stable.

Try planting heat-loving crops that thrive in the dog days of summer. Think okra, sweet potatoes, peppers, and melons.

4. Don’t Overdo It

On the homestead, there’s always something to do, but during extreme heat, it’s wise to slow down. Tackle big chores early in the morning or after dinner when it’s cooler. Listen to your body, drink plenty of water, and take breaks.  I personally set a timer for 20-30 minutes and push through, knowing as soon as my alarm goes off, I get a break. 

Summer is a time of abundance, but it can also be a time of burnout if you’re not careful.

5. Embrace the Season

The summer heat may feel relentless at times, but it’s also what makes ripe tomatoes, sweet corn, and watermelon picnics possible. Find ways to enjoy it! Run through the sprinkler with your kids, sip iced tea in the shade or plan a sunset walk to admire all your hard work.  We are lucky enough to have a pool and on the really hot days I do my work in shorts and tank top and jump in the pool in between when I get too hot.  I will also spray myself down when I fill water buckets

Homesteading through summer heat is about balance. Working with nature, not against it. With a little planning and a lot of water, you and your homestead can thrive through even the hottest days.

Stay cool, stay safe, and enjoy every sunny minute!