Taking care of plants during extreme summer conditions is crucial to ensure their survival and health.
From proper watering techniques to providing shade and using moisture-retaining soil, there are several steps one can take to care for plants during extreme heat.
Watering Water is absolutely essential for plants. All the activities of plant life are driven by water.
1. Morning Watering: Water in the morning to help the plant stay hydrated throughout the day.
2. Deep Watering: Ensure deep watering so that the roots get enough moisture. Water until it starts to drain out from the bottom of the pot.
3. Avoid Midday Watering: Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day, as most water will evaporate before reaching the roots.
Soil Care Prevent the soil from becoming dry and dull.
1. Keep Soil Moist Check the soil regularly to ensure it stays moist.
2. Well-Draining Soil Use well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging.
3. Mulching: Mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and keep the soil cool.
4. Organic matter Add organic matter such as compost to improve soil structure and water-holding capacity.
Shade Your Plants Provide partial shade during the hottest part of the day.
1. Shift your winter plants Move your winter plants to a shady spot where they won't get direct sunlight all day. For example: Rose, Chrysanthemum, Marigold, Petunia, etc.
Temperature Protect the plant from extreme heat.
Keep plant under shade If the temperature gets extremely high, move the plant to a cooler spot, such as a shaded area.
Avoid Harsh Pruning Avoid pruning in the middle of summer to prevent stressing your plants.
1. Remove only Yellow & damaged leaves Remove any yellow or damaged leaves to help reduce the plant’s overall stress and improve air circulation.
Avoid Heavy Fertilizer Avoid heavy fertilizing during extreme heat, as this can stress plants further.
Avoid Repotting Don't repot your plants in the middle of summer, especially during the hottest part of the day. It can stress them out.
Tilling of Soil Tilling encourages aeration in the soil, promoting better oxygen flow to the roots and enhancing nutrient uptake by the plants.
1. Weed Control Keep the area around your plants free of weeds, which can compete for water and nutrients.
Do not buy new plant: Don't plant new plants in your garden during a heatwave. They won't handle the extreme temperatures well.
Caring for plants during extreme summer requires diligence, patience, and a good understanding of their needs.
By following the tips outlined above, gardeners can help their plants not only survive but also flourish in the face of scorching temperatures and intense sunlight.