Gardening during hot weather can be challenging for you as well as your crops. As a gardener, self-care is always important, especially when temperatures soar. Some ways to accomplish this are by choosing lightweight, light-colored clothing, taking frequent breaks, and staying hydrated. Wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, and tying a wet bandana around your neck also helps. In addition, break your chores down into small tasks 20 to 30 minutes long and work in the garden in the early morning, when it’s cooler. Now’s the time to remember that a well-cared for garden depends on a well-cared for gardener.
As for your plants, here are some things you can do to help your garden thrive even during high heat.
Make sure your plants get enough water. Water regularly and deeply, avoiding overhead watering. Water early in the morning and water each plant deeply to ensure they receive enough hydration. Extreme temperatures can impair their ability to take up water through their roots, so consistent watering is crucial. The ideal time to water is in the cool hours of the early morning.
When you do water, avoid overhead sprinkling. Soak the soil at the base of the plant. This allows the water to penetrate deeply into the soil and reach the roots, giving your crops a proper drink before temperatures increase.
If early morning watering is not feasible, the next best option is to water in the late evening.
Add mulch. Mulch improves moisture retention and helps keep the weeds down. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of your plants. Soil Pep is a good choice for your vegetable garden, because you can use it as a soil conditioner after the season is over. Keep it 2 to 3 inches thick and maintain a few inches of space between the mulch and base of the plant. This will create a moat effect for catching water.
Make your own shade. When it comes to extreme heat, the most important observation is when and where the harsh afternoon sun hits the hardest. Tomatoes and other sun-loving plants will benefit from some late afternoon shade.
Shade cloth or netting can help your plants a lot in hot weather by protecting them from both the heat and the sun. Shade cloth is easy to set up and remove, helping your plants stay cooler.
Make sure your plants get the right nutrients. Fertilize with an organic fertilizer such as 7-4-5. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers. Tomatoes and vegetables need more phosphate for roots and blooms, not vegetation growth. Fertilize in the evening on well-hydrated plants.
Keep the weeds under control. Weeds are competition for water and soil nutrients, so keeping them under control will help your garden plants absorb the most water and nutrients they can get from the soil.
Don’t forget your plants growing in pots and hanging baskets. They’re going to need more water as temperatures rise.
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