Strategies to Shield Your Greenery from Scorching Summer Heat: Advice for Outdoor and Indoor Blooms
Gardening in the Summer Heat: Keep Your Plants Alive and Thriving
Who doesn't love a sunny day? But just like us, our gardens can get a little too toasty during those hot summer months. Whether you're cultivating an herb garden on your patio or creating a mini-oasis with a desktop garden at your desk, here are some tips to help your gardens flourish when the temperature rises.
Outdoor Plant Care Tips in the Summer Heat:
- Smart Hydration: Water your plants early in the morning to minimize evaporation and keep the roots hydrated. Remember to water the soil, not the leaves.
- Find Shade: Shift your planters or containers to a partially shaded spot that gets dappled light or afternoon shade.
- ** DIY Evaporation Station:** Grab a plastic kiddie pool from your local store and place it in a shady spot or on your patio. Add some water and put your planters right in the pool. The water will seep up, keeping your plants hydrated from the bottom.
Protecting Your Plants from the Summer Sun:
Tomatoes, Peppers, and Cucumbers
If the temperatures consistently reach 85-90°F (29-32°C) and especially at night, these plants might suffer from flower drop, poor fruit set, sunscald, and blossom-end rot. Provide shade, move to a shady location, water early, or bring indoors for extra care. Peppers and cucumbers may need some afternoon shade as well, and the soil should always be kept evenly moist.
Herbs
Most herbs start to struggle above 90°F (32°C) and especially with all-day direct sun. Basil will bolt, mint will wilt, while delicate herbs like parsley may scorch. Morning sun, afternoon shade, and consistent watering are key to keeping your herb garden thriving.
Indoor Desktop Garden Tips:
- Avoid the Hot Seat: Move sensitive plants away from south-facing windows to avoid scorching.
- Humidity is Key: Mist regularly or use a humidity tray to combat dry indoor air.
- Watch Your Watering: Overwatering is easy during summer! Let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again to prevent root rot.
Remember, if it's too hot to stand barefoot on the patio, it's probably too hot for your plants. Give them some shade, water, and a little extra TLC.
Pro Tip: Don't forget to register your garden to begin receiving weather alerts and little reminders on how to care for your plants.
Related:
- Hot Weather Gardening Tips: Keeping Your Container Gardens Healthy During High Temperatures When temperatures reach 95°F consistently, your garden can face several challenges. Here's how to help your garden survive the heat wave, covering wilting, leaf scorching, and slowed growth.
- The 5 Essentials to Successful Container Gardens Discover the ultimate relaxation destination: container gardens. With easy care and endless possibilities, you can have delicious homegrown herbs and veggies and a beautiful oasis right on your patio.
- Patio Gardens: Another Way to Enjoy the Summer Embrace the joys of summer with a patio garden. Whether you're working from home or entertaining, a patio garden can offer fresh produce, improved air quality, and a touch of nature right outside your door.
- To ensure your home-and-garden flourishes in the summer heat, consider implementing smart hydration techniques, such as watering early in the morning to conserve water and keep the roots hydrated.
- For those with desktop gardens, it's crucial to avoid placing sensitive plants near south-facing windows to prevent scorching and maintain consistent humidity levels to encourage the thriving of your indoor mini-oasis.
