If you saw a heat wave, would you wave back? – Steven Wright
Who else is ready for the cooler temperatures and crisper air of Fall? While your plants might not be ready to go dormant just yet, this heat could be leaving them a little parched. Sure it’s easy for us to beat the heat by staying indoors or taking a dip in our backyard pools, but staying cool and alive is significantly harder if you’re a plant. Many of us take pride in our perfectly manicured lawns and gardens and understandably become brokenhearted to see them wilt, discolor, and even die during the tough dog days of summer. Here are some tips and tricks that can help prolong the life of your plants this summer.
1. Set A Watering Schedule
One of the most common mistakes people make, which actually speeds up the deterioration of their plants and lawn, is watering at the wrong time of day. The best time to water your greenery is either in the morning before the sun comes up or in the afternoon when the sun is beginning to set. The key is to never water when the sun is beaming in full force. If you do, the water almost becomes like oil, and it will certainly fry your precious plants. The same goes for lawns. Aim to use water that is as close to air temperature as possible. Too hot or too cold may send your plants into shock.
2. Water Deeply
Deep watering once each week at the base of the plant for a long time is the best way to revive and protect plants, because it coaxes roots deeper into the ground. If they get water for 5 minutes every day, they keep their roots near the surface, so by watering deeply you’re training the plants to send their roots deep in the soil where the water is. Be sure to saturate the soil a good foot in depth.
Vegetables might need deep watering two or three times a week when it’s sweltering. Save any 5-gallon planting containers with drain holes. Set the containers between plants and then fill them three times with water, once a week. And when you know a hot spell is on the way, you can also prepare by watering deeply at ground level, ideally at night, when the air is cooler.
3. Set Up Some Shade
A big beach umbrella works, as do airy (30% to 40%) shade cloths. You can also use old bed sheets, rigged-up cheesecloth, or propped-up cardboard to give your plants a break from the scorching rays. The key is to make sure your shade props allow air to circulate freely around the plants. If the only cloth you have handy is dark in color, remember that it can absorb heat and can, in turn, burn any foliage it touches, so keep it several inches above or away from the plants.
4. Choose Plants Wisely
While most plants are beautiful, be very choosy when deciding which plants and flowers to grow for your space. Not all are created equal, meaning that not all greenery can survive in full sun. Speak to a professional, or even an attendant at your local plant store to decide together which plants are best suited for your yard.
5. Go Organic
If you prefer organic food, don’t stop at yourself. Give your plants a treat with organic care as well. Be sure to add plenty of decomposed organic matter that helps the soil hold water and adds needed nutrients. A thick, 3-inch layer of mulch will help protect the roots from drying out and helps keep the weeds in check. Using Straight compost and low-nitrogen organic fertilizers (numbers less than 3) is OK if they don’t include manure, fish, or blood, because those contain salts, which can cause heat stress and burning.
6. Put Container Plants In Lighter Colored Pots
Avoid dark-colored containers, which absorb the heat more than lighter colors and can actually fry a plant’s roots. Try putting potted plants inside larger pots to give them some insulation and shade, but make sure both pots have good drainage. Plants drown in standing water, even when it’s hot.
For all of your landscaping needs and questions, local nurseries are great resources as they know our area the best. Here is a list of some of our favorites:
- Colonial Classics – Evansville
- Stockers Landscaping – Evansville
- Kiwi’s Garden Center – Evansville
- Ohio Valley Landscaping – Henderson
- Hausmann Outdoor – Evansville
- Buschkoetters Nursery – Jasper
- Green Thumb Floral & Nursery – Jasper
- Brescher Landscaping – Jasper
- Premier Landscaping & Design – Vincennes
- Halters Market – Vincennes
For all of the latest information on our local real estate market in Southwestern Indiana, you can always trust the professionals at F.C. Tucker Emge. Our agents have superior training and resources at their disposal so they can better educate you about the road to homeownership. Even if you are 6-12 months (or more!) out from making a change, there is a lot to learn about the home buying and selling process, and our agents can help you learn what you need to know so that you can be confident in your decision and have a smooth experience when the time comes. Let’s Talk!
