While we all wait for summers to get out and about, the searing heat can be damaging to our plants. Just like we need our sunscreens, our garden needs some extra care as well to keep them green and alive. Even adequate watering and mulching might not keep them safe if not done right along with few other things. Let’s dive into what all we can do to help our garden survive the summers.
- Watering correctly: Watering is essential to keep them hydrated but it needs to be done at the right time of the day for efficient irrigation. Try watering in the early morning before the sun comes up or early evening. This way the plants will have the chance to absorb all the water till roots rather than the midday heat evaporating all the hydration the plants received. Deep watering a couple of times a week will be ideal. Also, a sprinkler system or a soaker hose will be efficient and helpful in even and deep watering of your plant babies but if you do not have that available, then manual watering will do just fine.
- Mulch: It’s like sunscreen for your plants. Covering your plant beds with mulch will work as a barrier from heat or even cold. It also helps keep the plants’ moisture levels for a longer time. You can use leaves, pine needles, straw, grass, whatever is available. Lay a thick layer and your plants will be happy.
- Use shade covers: Shade cloths can help with partial or temporary cover for plants. Make sure to just cover the plants just enough to protect them from heat but not stop the aeration. Make sure to place the cloth covers properly so that they don’t enclose the plants and are able to withstand winds and not fall on the plants and harm them.
- Keep new transplants in shade of taller plants: New plants are more susceptible to heat damage due to their shallow roots which are easier to get dried out in heat. Having said that, don’t place your transplants in complete shade as they will need a little bit of sunlight to grow. Find a spot where there is a spot of sun for sometime in the day and have shade from the tall plants during the peak sun hours.
- Don’t disturb your garden: During the extreme high temperature phases, it is best not get into digging, pruning, planting new seeds, even weeding and fertilizing. Yes, even pulling out will move the soil which will drain out moisture. Chop the weeds from top to clean the garden rather than pulling them out. Let the heat pass and then you can get back to your chores. Till then just keep them hydrated and alive.
While these are a few basic steps you need to take to keep your plants happy during extreme summers, you also need to remember to take care of yourself. Try to avoid gardening during the hot hours of the day and keep yourself hydrated as well. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen and sun hats while you are out there. Before long, heat waves will be over and you can get back to your zen zone and enjoy your gardening.
