Many plants suffer when short- or long-term
temperatures exceed 86° F. You will see withering, leaf and flower
drop, stunting and more on heat stressed plants. The longer the heat
wave persists the greater the risk of damage.
When daytime temperatures rise above 90°F and night temperatures
remain above 70°F blossoms drop, and poor fruit development may
occur on tomatoes.
Temperature extremes also impact pepper productivity. When
temperatures climb to 95°F or higher the pollen is sterile, and
flowers may drop. Small fruit may also fall from the plant during
such hot spells.
We can’t change the weather, but we can help our plants cope when
temperatures soar. Provide some midday and afternoon shade for
plants struggling with the heat. Move containers to a shady location
and use a patio umbrella or shade cloth suspended on hoops or stakes
to provide your permanent plantings with a bit of relief.
Mulch the soil to conserve water, keep plant roots cooler, suppress
weeds, and improve the soil as it decomposes. Spread a
one-to-three-inch layer of leaves, evergreen needles, woodchips and
other organic matter on the soil surface surrounding plants. The
coarser the material, the thicker the layer of mulch needed. Pull
mulch away from the trunk of trees and the stems of shrubs and other
plants. You obtain multiple benefits from this one task while
burning a few calories and strengthening your muscles.
Water plants thoroughly when the top few inches of
soil are crumbly and moist. Plants will develop deeper roots able to
access water from a larger area, making them more drought tolerant
and pest resistant. Avoid frequent light watering that encourages
shallow roots more susceptible to drought stress. Make sure new
plantings, moisture lovers, and stressed plants are the first to
receive a good, long drink.
Don’t overlook established trees and shrubs that need a helping hand
during extended periods of hot, dry weather. Soak the area under the
tree’s dripline when the top four to six inches of soil are crumbly
and slightly moist. Provide ten gallons of water per inch diameter
of tree trunk measured at 4.5 feet high.
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Water early in the day, when possible, to reduce
moisture loss to evaporation. Use soaker hoses and drip irrigation
whenever possible. You’ll use less water by applying it right to the
soil where it is needed.
Check container gardens daily. Water thoroughly when the top inch or
two of soil is dry.
Take care of yourself when gardening especially during hot weather.
Try to work in the garden when temperatures are cooler and in the
shady spots in your landscape. Take frequent breaks and drink plenty
of water.
Cover up your skin with brightly colored, loose-fitting clothing
made of densely woven fabrics. Wear a broad-brimmed hat to protect
your skin and UV-blocking sunglasses for the health of your eyes.
Apply a broad-spectrum UVA & UVB sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or
higher every day. Apply it 30 minutes before going outdoors and
every two hours. You’ll prevent sunburn and skin damage while making
it easier to return to the garden each day.
With proper care, you and your plants will be better able to
withstand the summer heat.
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books,
including the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small
Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything”
instant video and DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s
Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and
contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned
by Summit for her expertise to write this article. Myers’ website is www.MelindaMyers.com.
[Photo courtesy of MelindaMyers.com]
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