6 Ways to Keep Your Summer Garden Happy and Hydrated
•Posted on July 05 2021
Nothing is as good during the summer heat as cold water. We all try to stay cool and hydrated with frequent swims, cold drinks, and beach visits.
Plants also need some care during summer to stop them from dehydrating.
The blast of heat during the summer months can damage veggies if they are not well-hydrated.
The good news is that there are many ways to keep your summer garden happy and hydrated.
Here are six simple ways to protect plants from heat stress.
1. Water in the Morning
Watering the plants either early in the morning or early evening will avoid water evaporating before it gets down to the roots.
Also, the water droplets on the leaves act as a mini magnifying glass and increase the heat that scorches the plant which is best avoided.
2. Don't Overwater
Like under watering, too much water can damage summer plants. Too much exposure to sun and heat causes transpiration on overwatered plants causing leaves to wilt.
Also, the excess moisture resulting from too much water in the soil can reduce the supply of oxygen, increase the development of bacteria, and eventually lead to fungal diseases.
As tempting as it is to water more during summer. Plants need watering only when the soil is dry. To avoid over-watering, touch the soil to make sure it is dry before watering plants.
3. Add Mulch
Add some mulch to protect summer plants from excess heat and keep the soil moist.
For the best results, add a thick layer of organic mulch, especially if the garden is prone to excess heat.
Organic mulch like pine needles, wheat straw, chopped-up leaves, or grass clippings can keep plants well-hydrated.
You can even add Alfalfa Meal to your soil to help keep it hydrated!
A two-to-three-inch layer of mulch is ideal during hot months of summer as they act as shade cloth. If the plants need more nutrients, you can apply water-soluble fertilizer on top of the mulch and water in. It will find its way to the plant root.
Brown or green mulch layers invite worms to burrow through the soil, and in the process, they improve soil structure and health.
4. Weed Regularly
Keeping the garden well-weeded will help retain soil moisture. Excess weeds can rob plants of water and the essential nutrients they require.
While many summer plants will require special care when the heat is excess, many weeds can flourish in dry soils where plants struggle.
Weed at least twice a month or once a week for ultimate results. If the weed continues to grow, you can try applying our Zinc Sulfate directly to the weed. Zinc Sulfate can be used an herbicide to discourage weed growth.
5. Use Soakers or Irrigation Hoses
The best way to keep summer plants hydrated during hot days is by using soaker hoses or irrigation.
Both watering methods get water slowly to the roots, which saves water and avoids too much evaporation.
Irrigation hoses have flexible plastic tubes with tiny holes that pass water slowly into the soil.
On the other hand, the soaker hose has porous material that allows water to seep through.
6. Use Shade Covers
Shade covers are an excellent way to retain soil moisture and keep summer plants hydrated.
A big umbrella is ideal, or you can use old bedsheets, old window screens, or cardboards but make sure they are kept few inches above the plants.
The heat of the summer can take its toll on our gardens, but following the above tips will keep your plants happy and hydrated.
However, don't forget to keep the soil healthy by using the right fertilizer.
Shop today for our water-soluble fertilizer for your veggies garden. You can shop the water soluble fertilizer collection below!
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