This summer, the country is experiencing heat waves that are causing widespread damage such as heatstroke, wildfires, drought, and other detrimental effects. While it is crucial to take the health and climate risks of extreme heat seriously, it is also important not to overlook the smaller-scale impacts.
Consider your outdoor garden – if you have put time and effort into caring for a variety of plants, it would be a shame to see them wither away in the scorching temperatures. To help you preserve your garden, expert gardeners from heat-prone states have shared their recommendations on how to care for outdoor plants in extreme conditions and identify which plants require extra attention.
Meet Our Experts:
– Jayla Fry, program coordinator for the Texas Master Gardener program.
– Michael Chamberland, urban horticulture expert from the Maricopa County Master Gardener program in Arizona.
Tips to Protect Your Plants During a Heat Wave:
1. Mulch in Moderation:
Mulching is a highly effective way to combat the negative effects of a heat wave, as suggested by Jayla Fry. Mulch not only enhances the visual appeal of your garden but also helps plants become more resilient by reducing weed growth that competes for moisture and slows down evaporation. Fry emphasizes the importance of mulching to maintain soil moisture and temperature.
2. Water Wisely:
During a heat wave, it is essential to water your plants properly. Michael Chamberland warns against overwatering, which is common during drought-prone periods. Trees and larger plants require a thorough watering session to reach their extensive root systems, unlike smaller plants that may need more frequent but lighter watering. Overwatering leads to soil saturation, promoting mold and root rot, and depriving plant roots of oxygen.
3. Consider an Irrigation System:
Implementing an irrigation system can simplify the watering process without the need for an expensive overhaul. Fry recommends a cycle-and-soak method to ensure that your plants receive adequate hydration without wasting water. Providing a deep soak every few days is more beneficial than daily watering, especially in high temperatures.
By following these expert tips, you can help your outdoor garden thrive despite the challenges posed by extreme heat waves.
To reduce runoff and promote water absorption into the soil, consider watering in short, 15-minute intervals with breaks in between. This method, known as cycle-and-soak irrigation, can be done manually or integrated into a landscape’s irrigation system. Allowing moisture to penetrate deep into the soil encourages plant roots to search for water, improving their ability to access moisture. By watering deeply, you train plants to establish stronger root systems that are more resilient to drought conditions.
Another effective watering technique is drip irrigation, which conserves water and prevents over or under-watering. You can easily set up a drip irrigation system using a soaker hose in flower or vegetable beds, or by purchasing DIY kits online. These systems can even be automated, eliminating the need for constant manual adjustments.
When planting new greenery, avoid doing so during a heat wave or the hottest months of the year. Wait for milder temperatures in spring or fall to allow plants to establish themselves in more favorable conditions. Additionally, consider shading sensitive plants during extreme heat using horticultural shade cloth or other coverings that allow partial sunlight to filter through. Be cautious not to provide excessive shade, as plants may struggle when reintroduced to full sunlight.
Recognizing signs of heat stress in plants is crucial for timely intervention. Symptoms vary among plant species, with some showing wilting or leaf curling sooner than others. Keep a close eye on your plants to monitor changes and intervene promptly when necessary. With experience, you’ll become more adept at identifying signs of heat stress and providing appropriate care to protect your garden during challenging weather conditions.
The key to assessing moisture levels in your soil is to confirm its dampness. Fry advises, “My predecessor always recommended using the finger test – stick your finger into the soil and feel.” It is important to ensure that the soil around your plants is moist enough to reach the roots. For those who prefer to avoid getting their hands dirty, Chamberland suggests using a soil probe as an alternative. This uncomplicated tool, typically a 3-foot-long metal rod, can be inserted into the soil to determine the depth of moisture. For more information, refer to the original article on Better Homes & Gardens and explore the top recommendations for plant moisture meters by our editors.
