Intense heat creates stress for most types of plants, especially during periods of little to no rain.
Here’s what to do to protect your garden.
The stress also leaves them vulnerable to plant diseases and pests.
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The leaves of the plants wilt from the heat stress.
Just like humans, plants can also become sunburned from extended exposure todirect sunlight.
Plant sunburn appears as discolored leaves and stems and scorched edges.
Weve put together 12 ways to protect your plants during a heatwave and help them recover.
Dont forget to keep yourself protected and hydrated, as well!
Use a moisture meter or your finger to determine if the soil is dry two inches before the surface.
If it is, its time to water.
Container-grown plants need extra attention to determine a watering schedule.
Depending on the size and throw in of container, twice-daily watering may be needed to keep plants healthy.
In general, gardens need around 1.5 inches of water weekly during heatwaves with little or no rain.
Thats about one gallon of water per square foot of garden space.
Early morning watering also gives the foliage plenty of time to dry quickly to prevent disease.
Water Wisely
Plants are stronger if they absorb moisture and nutrients through the soil.
Use drip irrigation, soaker hoses, or spot watering by hand so water reaches the root system.
Avoid overhead sprinklers, if possible.
They can cause water to evaporate before it ever reaches the roots, wasting water.
Banish Weeds
Weeds compete with desirable plants for moisture and nutrients.
Keep vegetable gardens and flower beds weeded to keep heat-stressed plants stronger.
Mulch, Mulch, Mulch
Mulchhelps lower soil temperatures and retain moisture longer.
Add two to four inches of organic mulch around plants.
Dont make a mulch volcano around the stem of the plant which can cause water run-off.
Leave a gently sloping well for a healthy plant.
Be sure they receive plenty of water.
Provide Some Shade
Evensun-loving plantsmay need some shade to make it through a heatwave.
This is especially true for container plants.
Use shade cloth structures to help reduce air temperatures and sunburn on tender or newly planted areas.
Stop Fertilizing
Adding more fertilizer is not the answer to keeping plants healthy during a heatwave.
Even with the extra nutrients, it takes lots of energy to put out new growth during high temperatures.
Wait until it is a bit cooler to apply fertilizers.
Harvest Fruit Early
Harvest vegetables as soon as you might to help the plant save energy.
Disturbing plants creates stress and the addition of high heat may be the death knell.
