How to Protect Plants from Extreme Heat

Summers are here and a lot of areas are experiencing heat waves. Naturally, a lot of plant parents are worried about their plants. High temperatures can lead to heat stress, dehydration, and even plant death. And hence, we need to be on the top of our good plant care game.

In this blog, let us explore effective and simple gardening tips to protect our plants during the hot summer months, so you can maintain a thriving garden even during a heat wave.

Choose Heat-Tolerant Plants

Selecting heat-tolerant plants is a smart choice if you live in an area prone to hot weather. Varieties such as succulents, cacti, and some herbs like rosemary and lavender can withstand higher temperatures and require less water. Having a mix and match of plants can ensure that you get green gardens around the clock.

Create Shade for Your Plants

Providing shade is crucial for protecting your plants from the scorching sun. Use shade cloths, umbrellas, or strategically placed structures to shield delicate plants from the hot sun. For raised beds, consider using taller plants or trellises to create natural shade. Using cotton clothes to wrap around your plant can also help.

Water Early Morning

Watering your plants early in the morning allows them to absorb moisture before the heat of the day. This helps keep them hydrated and reduces water evaporation. Avoid watering in the evening, as damp foliage overnight can encourage disease. However, if your schedule does not permit this, watering in the late evenings is a good option too.

Mulch 

Mulching the plants is a very natural way to protect the plants from excess heat. When the top layer of the soil is covered with mulch, it ensures that moisture does not escape the soil. It also helps in reducing the intensity of the sun on the soil. 

Say No to Pruning

Avoid pruning during extreme heat waves. When you prune your plant, it encourages plants to release hormones for growth and healing. This can lead to stress in the plants as it is already struggling to cope with the heat.

Plant in Raised Beds

Raised beds offer better drainage and allow you to control soil temperature more effectively. By elevating your plants, you can also provide better air circulation, helping them stay cooler during a heat wave.

Choose the Right Pots

Choose pots that are light in colour to keep in areas that receive full sunlight. Light colours are better at reflecting the sunlight. This will help ensure that the roots of the plants are relatively cooler in light-coloured pots as opposed to darker-coloured pots. The material of the pot is also very important. Ceramic pots, terracotta pots, and rotomolded pots are better at keeping roots cooler. 

Spacing the Plants Right

Crowded plants can trap heat, so maintain adequate distance between them. Also, you can keep smaller and vulnerable plants under bigger plants that do better in withstanding the heat. It is a great way to optimise your space for your plants’ survival in the heat.

Avoid Over-fertilizing

While it is essential for healthy plant growth, putting in excess nutrients can lead to stress during hot weather. Excessive fertilisers can cause plants to expend more energy, which may worsen the heat stress. Opt for vermicompost and balanced fertiliser and apply them in a balanced dose.

You can protect your garden from the hot sun by following these very easy gardening tips and tricks. Pay close attention to your plants' needs during the summer months and make adjustments as necessary to ensure your garden remains healthy and productive. 

Happy gardening!