Long, hot days can be detrimental to your plants and vegetables. When the weather warms up, take measures to help your garden survive summer. With temperatures increasing, it’s essential to make sure your backyard garden is protected from the heat.
Ways to Help Your Garden Survive Summer
Plants can struggle with the summer heat. The tips below help you reduce the effects of the high temperatures and the hot sun on your garden.
Water the Plants Properly
Watering is perhaps the most vital aspect of helping your plants survive hot weather. There are several mistakes people make, to the detriment of their flowers and vegetable gardens:
- Water too much, leading to root rot and fungal disease
- Forget to water, depriving the plants of water and causing them to dry out
- Provide water sporadically, causing the roots to die due to lack of moisture
To make sure your plants have enough moisture to thrive, water at the base of the plants until the water wets the soil at least a foot deep. Allowing water to soak into the ground guarantees the plants have enough moisture to last the day.
Provide water in the early morning, before the sun is hot, causing the moisture to evaporate rapidly. On an especially warm day, it’s helpful to water again in the later evening.
Add Mulch this Summer to Help Your Garden Survive
Mulching is a highly effective technique to help plants thrive during the warmer parts of the year. The primary reason plants die in summer is inadequate water and moisture. Mulching preserves water and slows moisture loss from the garden soil. It prevents direct heat from reaching the ground and evaporating the water.
Mulch keeps the soil around your plants cool, suppresses weed growth, and adds organic matter to the ground, making it more nutrient-rich. Mulching is one of the most affordable ways to boost garden health, as you only need wood chips, straw, or shredded leaves to do the job.
Move Potted Plants Into the Shade
If you have a home garden, there’s a likelihood some of your plants are potted. The advantage of plants in containers is they’re portable. Move potted plants to a shaded area when it’s too hot.
Choose Plants Wisely
No matter where you live, it’s important to choose plants that are right for your climate. To make sure your garden survives summer, look for varieties that grow well in your area.
Some plants thrive despite the summer heat, making them a better option when temperatures are climbing. Basil, tomatoes, peppers, beans, and okra typically thrive in hot weather.
Use the tips above to keep your backyard garden productive and thriving this summer.
Environmental Quality Inspection provides environmental testing services to homeowners in Rhode Island and Southern Massachusetts. Contact us to request our services.