From Wilting to Winning: How To Help Your Garden Thrive During A Heatwave
With the arrival of August, it’s that time of year again: temperatures are soaring, we are sweating, and our plants are feeling the heat.
Heatwaves can present unique challenges to gardeners who are simply trying to keep their plants alive. But, with these tried-and-true tips, your garden can actually thrive– even under the blazing sun.
Water Wisely
The most obvious idea to deal with a heatwave wreaking havoc on your plants is probably to just water your garden. However, watering properly is more than just turning on the hose and letting it rip.
Early birds get the worm in this situation, which is why watering your garden early in the morning is key. This can promote absorption since evaporation is minimized until mid-day.
Watering deeper is also better than watering more frequently. We want to ensure that the roots are nourished, not just flood the surface.
Plus, watering deeply encourages roots to grow down, where the soil stays cooler. So, be sure to avoid shallow, frequent watering. And steer clear of watering leaves since they can get scorched in the hot sun.
Mulch To The Rescue
If you’re down to get dirty with some mulch, it can be a real game-changer. Mulch helps lock in moisture, which ultimately enhances absorption and mitigates evaporation.
MaskaRad – stock.adobe.com- illustrative purposes only
It can also act as a barrier, allowing your soil temperature to stay down and ultimately keeping plants cooler.
And since mulch reduces the need for more frequent watering, you will be able to avoid more weed growth, too.
Savor Some Shade
Creating effective shade for garden preservation during a heatwave involves more than just throwing up an umbrella. But the benefits are worth it if you still get to harvest some fresh fruits or veggies, right?
Start by investing in a shade cloth or a special cloth that allows limited sunlight to reach your plants without overdosing them on Vitamin D.
Also, think carefully about the angle of the sun during the hottest hours– which tend to last from noon to mid-afternoon. You’ll want to position the shade cloth accordingly to maximize effectiveness.
Hold Your Horses When It Comes To Pruning & Fertilizing
Think of it this way: your plants are probably already stressed out due to the heat wave. So, why mess with them even more?
Pruning a plant during high heat is just a recipe for added stress. Not to mention, pruning will expose previously shaded parts of the plant to the intense sun– which can raise the risk of further sunburn.
On a similar note, fertilizing during a heatwave can also backfire. Introducing extra nutrients to plans during stressful times can be harmful.
So, wait until temperatures even out before getting back into your normal fertilizer routine.
Help Out Wildlife, Too
You may be most concerned about your plants during a heatwave, but the birds, bees, and other critters that fuel your local ecosystem might also be struggling.
It’s helpful to keep a shallow dish of water outside to help out any thirsty creatures who need a lifeline.
Finally, avoiding pesticides during this time is also beneficial since they can become more toxic to crucial insects during hot weather.
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