Heat wave stressing out your plants?
Knowing how to care for your plants in a heatwave can make or break your garden in the summer. Here in the South we are experiencing record high temperatures for prolonged periods while also seeing below average precipitation. These conditions are a huge stress on plants as well as water resources. With this in mind lets take a look at ways to help our plants during heat waves and be waterwise.
Water Deeply in the AM
Watering your plants deeply in the morning can help your plants absorb enough water to combat heat stress during the day. This habit helps keep the soil cooler during the day, which is important for root health. Try to water before 9AM (or after 5PM) to allow for much less evaporation of water. Also make sure to water close to the roots avoiding getting the leaves and flowers wet. Wet leaves can up your risk of issues like powdery mildew.
Use Organic Mulch
Make sure to place about a 2-3” layer of organic mulch around your plants. Organic mulch is anything that will eventually break down like straw, wood chips, shredded leaves, and pine straw. Organic mulch helps the soil maintain its moisture and the keep temperature regulated. Your roots will be healthy and your water bill will thank you.
Protect Plants During the Hottest Part of the Day
During the hours of 11am-4pm, the suns rays are at it’s most intense. Just like human skin can burn so can plant leaves. Try to give your plants morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in the heat of summer when we are having days on end of full sun. If your plants are exposed to direct sun in the afternoon, you can use a shade cloth or row cover to protect them. These filter the sun’s rays, making it less intense for your plants.
Move Pots to Shade in PM
If your plants are in pots, move them to a shadier area in the afternoon. This helps them avoid direct sun during the hottest, brightest part of the day. Keep in mind your pots will dry out quicker than your in-ground plants, meaning more frequent watering.
Provide Extra Water for Pollinators
Don’t forget about your pollinator friends that help keep your garden growing! Bees, butterflies, wasps, flies, and other pollinating insects get thirsty too, especially during intense heat waves. Try to have a shallow dish with small rocks or marbles so they have a place to land and avoid drowning. Fill the dish part way up so the rocks are partially exposed.
Stay hydrated out there y’all and as always happy gardening!
