Getting Your Plants Through The Heatwave
Getting Your Plants Through The Heatwave
PHOTO BY ROBIN WERSICH
We’re in the middle of one of the hottest summers ever and aside from being incredibly unpleasant for us, this heat is also very hard on your plants.
Here are some tips and ideas to help you get your plants through this heatwave.
Mulching is very important when it’s hot because it helps to insulate the soil and roots from the heat and helps the soil retain water. Mulch made from materials like bark or pine needles is ideal; don’t use rock-based mulches or anything that will absorb and hold heat.
If you’ve got plants in beds that don’t have any shade coverage, be sure to watch for signs that your plants are struggling, like wilting, fading color, or rough yellow/brown patches on leaves. You can give your plants some shade with something more temporary like a patio umbrella that can be easily moved around, or you can create a more permanent set-up with some shade cloth and supports.
You should avoid leaving your potted plants on concrete, pavers, or any surface that holds heat. Plant stands can help keep them up off the pavement, and plant stands with wheels are very handy if your plants need to be moved into the shade during peak sun hours.
Since the sun’s rays are constantly pulling moisture out of your soil, slow watering spikes can be very helpful for keeping soil from getting too dry. You can leave them to drip throughout the day and then refill the water bottles at night or in the morning when it’s cooler and more pleasant to be in your garden.
Lighter color planters and pots are better than black, and terracotta planters are best of all. Since terracotta isn’t glazed, the material won’t trap heat, and also is able to absorb water when you water your plants which will help keep the soil cool.
Good luck getting through this heat. Don’t forget to hydrate and wear sunscreen!
