Key Points:
– Avoid fertilizing during hot weather to prevent harm to your plants.
– Extreme heat stresses plants and is not conducive to fertilizing.
– If you must fertilize in hot weather, choose the right type of fertilizer and apply it carefully.
Fertilizing your garden in hot weather can be risky. While providing nutrients is crucial for plant health, it may not be ideal during summer or periods of high heat. Is it possible to use fertilizer in hot weather without damaging plants? Let’s hear from two experienced garden experts.
Expert Profiles:
– Sara Rubens: Garden coach and founder of Seed to Sanctuary.
– Benjamin Hanley: Landscaper and owner of Hanley Landscape Design.
Can Fertilizer Be Used in Hot Weather?
It’s best to avoid fertilizing during hot weather. Fertilizing plants that are already stressed by drought or heat can do more harm than good, especially in high temperatures. Hanley recommends refraining from fertilizing in extreme heat, especially with high-nitrogen fertilizers, as it may harm the plants. Rubens suggests that if you choose to fertilize in hot weather, ensure you select the right fertilizer type and apply it cautiously.
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Effects of Fertilizing in Extreme Heat:
Applying fertilizer to plants during extreme heat can put additional stress on them. As temperatures rise, plants slow their growth to conserve energy and moisture. Hanley notes that using high-nitrogen fertilizers during this stressful time can lead to excessive growth, forcing plants to produce foliage unsustainably in hot weather.
Challenges of Fertilizing in Hot Weather:
Fertilizing in hot weather can lead to issues like plant burn, accelerated evaporation, and wilted leaves.
Fertilizer Burn:
Quick-acting synthetic fertilizers can result in fertilizer burn due to salt buildup in the soil, damaging roots. This condition causes leaves to dry, turn brown, or yellow.
Root Damage:
While visible damage is often seen in leaves, the roots can also be affected. Synthetic fertilizers containing high nitrogen levels can harm plant roots, causing stress and damage.
Plant Weakening:
After fertilizing in hot weather, plants may appear healthy initially but struggle to support the increased leaf growth in the long run. This imbalance weakens plants and makes them susceptible to pests and diseases.
Wilted Leaves:
Leaves may wilt, curl, or die, indicating issues like excess salts near the roots or increased evaporation due to fertilizer application.
Recommended Fertilizers for Hot Weather:
Opt for slow-release synthetic or organic fertilizers such as compost, worm castings, or fish emulsion in hot weather. These options break down gradually and are less likely to harm plant roots. Liquid seaweed and compost tea are also suitable choices.
Fertilizers to Avoid in Heat:
Avoid using fast-acting synthetic fertilizers, especially nitrogen-rich granular formats, during extreme
Fertilizing in Hot Weather: Best Practices
When it comes to fertilizing in hot weather, the safest approach is to avoid it altogether. However, if you do decide to proceed, experts Rubens and Hanley offer the following advice:
1. Timing Matters
Be mindful of the difference between typical summer heat and extreme heat conditions. It’s best to fertilize during normal heat levels while taking necessary precautions. Try to steer clear of fertilizing during peak high temperatures whenever possible. Hanley advises, “We generally steer clear of fertilizing during peak heat unless absolutely necessary.”
2. Water Wisely
If you must fertilize during extremely hot weather, do so either early in the morning or late in the evening. Even better, consider watering your plants overnight when evaporation rates are lowest.
3. Consider Tools
To minimize evaporation, consider investing in an electronic hose timer that can regulate watering automatically. These timers were evaluated based on factors such as price, accuracy, durability, and ease of use to assist you in selecting the most suitable option.
4. Select the Right Fertilizer
When fertilizing in hot conditions, opt for slow-release synthetic fertilizers or organic alternatives for better results.
5. Proper Application
Instead of simply sprinkling fertilizer on the soil surface, make sure to mix it into the soil to avoid losses. If mixing isn’t feasible, consider using a liquid fertilizer for application.
6. Pre-Watering
Prior to applying the fertilizer, ensure that the soil is thoroughly watered. This will aid in the fertilizer’s breakdown and integration into the soil.
For more information, refer to the original article on The Spruce.
