Are you going through a heat wave and your plants are suffering? Don’t let the scorching summer sun affect the health and appearance of the plants in your home and garden. In this article, we show you some to take care of plants from extreme heat. Follow them to protect your plants from a heat wave and sunburn.
Contents
1. Keep plants well watered
This first point may seem very obvious, but remember to keep the plants well hydrated and water in the morningso that the plants have enough time to absorb moisture before the high heat of the day.
You can also re-water them in the afternoon when the sun does not hit it directly if the temperatures are too high in your area.
The trick is to water the plant deeply and thoroughly so that the growing medium stays moist at all times.
Potted plants and hanging baskets need to be watered more often than those in the ground. Check the soil moisture by inserting a finger into the soil, if it feels wet underneath, wait another day, otherwise water immediately.
Use soaker hoses and a drip system for efficient watering as they deliver water directly to the roots and prevent excessive evaporation.
2. Choose heat-loving plants
It is always wise to choose plants that love heat and tolerate direct sunlight well. Native plants are also an excellent choice in this regard.
Calendula, petunia, swan flower, hibiscus, cat’s claw, vinca, bougainvillea, lantana, and zinnia are some of the prettiest options you have for a warm setting.
3. Use a shade cloth
One of the best ways to protect plants from extreme heat and sun is to use shade cloths, which are primarily used in hot, dry climates to protect vegetables and other garden plants from intense sunlight. Sun. You can easily get it at a garden center or buy it online.
All you have to do is put up a frame or tie it around a post or pole in the garden to give the plants shade in the afternoon, especially at noon.
4. Apply mulch to the soil
Use biodegradable materials such as straw, decomposed manure or compost for plant mulch.
It’s one of the best and most organic ways to slow evaporation, saving soil moisture in the intense heat.
About 5-10cm of mulch will suffice for the growing season. Do not add fine-particle wood mulch on top of the soil, as it will pull nitrogen from the soil as it decomposes.
5. Avoid growing new plants during the heat wave
Avoid planting when the heat sets in during the height of summer or when the area experiences a heat wave.
Plant shrubs and trees in the fall to give them a head start before they are exposed to higher temperatures.
If you want to start planting new plants, it would be a good idea to check the forecast and look for cloudy days before proceeding.
6. Don’t stress the plants
Plants become vulnerable to disease and other environmental factors when pruning and repotting is done under unfavorable conditions. It is best to avoid doing these things during a heat wave.
Bushier growth will automatically lock in moisture, protecting them from prolonged exposure to heat. Keep the plants well watered during the hot months.
On the other hand, weed regularly, as weeds compete with your precious plants for food and water.
7. Amend the soil with organic matter
Depending on soil type and climate, 6-10% organic matter can help keep the growing medium moist longer.
Additionally, healthy soil with beneficial organisms, such as mycorrhizal fungi, helps plants resist drought.
It’s best to use homemade compost, but if you don’t have any you can add some garden soil.
8. Change the position of the pots
If you have the pots in a garden that receives direct sunlight for most of the day, it would be a good idea to move them to a shady spot, where they are sheltered from the after-afternoon sun. midday.
If you can’t move the pots, you can use a shade cloth.
9. Use other plants as a protective shield
When planting in the garden, plan for the heat wave. Growing plants like hostas under the shade of a tree in the garden will keep them out of direct afternoon sunlight.
Sensitive plants can wilt and burn in full sun, and growing them in the shade of mature plants is a smart way to protect them.
10. Make a water ditch around bushes and trees
A small water ditch or body of water around the plants in the garden will not only help keep the temperature a few degrees cooler around the plants, but also keep the surrounding soil moist, which is a huge benefit in case of heat wave.
This way your plants will get all the moisture they need, which will help them thrive in the summer and hot months.
Tips for the gardener
Now that you know our tips for caring for plants in extreme heat, here are some tips for personal care:
- Always stay hydrated and drink plenty of water before gardening in hot weather.
- Apply sunscreen and wear light-colored, long-sleeved cotton clothing with a hat.
- Take regular breaks and slow down while gardening.
- Try to finish big yard jobs early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
It may also be interesting to read: How to keep plants watered when you’re away.
- If you’re out of breath or overheated, come in and relax.
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