The August heat can be tough on your garden. With strong sun, high humidity, and occasional droughts or storms, even the happiest plants can start showing signs of stress. The good news? A little attention and the right care can bring many of them back to life.

Here’s how to spot the signs of plant stress—and what to do about it.

Wilting Leaves

**What it looks like:** Leaves drooping or curling inward, looking limp or lifeless.
**Cause:** Most commonly, wilting is a sign of underwatering—but surprisingly, overwatering can cause it too.

What to do:

Check the soil: Stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil near the base of the plant.
- If it feels dry, give it a deep, slow watering.
- If it feels soggy, hold off and improve drainage.
Tip: Water early in the morning or late afternoon to prevent evaporation and reduce plant shock.

Yellowing Leaves

What it looks like: Leaves turning pale or yellow, especially older or lower ones.
Cause: Could be nutrient deficiencies, poor drainage, or inconsistent watering.

What to do:

Water check: Inconsistent watering is the #1 cause—make sure you're watering evenly and thoroughly.
Feed your plants: Use a balanced fertilizer (we carry several great options at Richfield!) to replenish nutrients.
Improve soil health: Compost or organic matter can help retain moisture and provide essential minerals.

Overwatering vs. Underwatering

Signs of Overwatering:

Mushy stems
Yellowing or wilting leaves with wet soil
Fungal growth or mold on soil surface

Signs of Underwatering:

Crisp, dry leaves
Curling or browning edges
Dry, crumbly soil

What to do:

Overwatered plants: Pause watering and check for proper drainage. You may need to repot or aerate compacted soil.
Underwatered plants: Give a deep, thorough soak and mulch around the base to retain moisture.

Sunburn & Leaf Scorch

What it looks like: Brown, crispy patches on leaves, especially after a stretch of intense sun.
Cause: Sudden exposure to direct sun, especially for shade-loving plants.

What to do:

Move pots to partial shade if needed.
Add shade cloth or garden umbrellas to protect sensitive plants.
Water deeply—sunburned plants often have damaged roots too.

Final Watering Reminder

August plants need consistent, deep watering—not just a quick sprinkle.
Water at the base, go slow, and check again in a few hours. If the soil dries out quickly, consider adding mulch to help retain moisture.

Need Help?

Stop by Richfield Farms for expert plant advice, soil testing kits, organic fertilizers, or pest treatments. Bring a photo of your stressed plant and our team will help you troubleshoot.

Let’s get those plants perking up again! 🌱💚