With strong sun exposure and increasing temperatures, it’s vital we keep our garden plants cool during the blistering heat.
From adding mulch to watering in the evening, there are lots of ways to minimise moisture loss.
Listed below are five ways to beat the heat and keep your plants looking healthy.
- Protect your pots: Protecting your plants from the destruction of heat includes grouping them in a shady position, placing them up against a wall for stability, and watering them thoroughly — especially in the evening.
If you’re feeling creative, why not have a go at making your own watering devices to ensure your plants get a regular top-up? The Greenhouse People explain:” Simply rinse and fill a wine bottle with water, push in a cork and create a hole going through the entire length of the cork. Insert the wine bottle upside down into the plant and it will be hydrated for up to three days.”
- Mulching: To protect plants from heat, consider adding mulch. As well as providing long-lasting moisture and nutrients, mulching also cleverly suppresses weeds. To do this, place a thick layer of mulch on the top few inches of soil where root activity occurs and it will reduce the amount of watering needed.
As well as this, The Greenhouse People suggest opting for vermiculite — a naturally occurring mineral with tons of nutrients. “This can be found in potting soil or purchased by itself. A miracle product for gardeners, vermiculite increases nutrient retention and aerates the soil, resulting in healthier plants,” the team adds.
READ ALSO: 5 health benefits of regular gardening, planting
- Leave grass clippings on your lawn: When you cut your grass during spring and summer, leave the clippings on the lawn. Not only will they add back nutrients and hydration, but a pile of clippings will provide light shade to the soil, protecting your lawn from soaring temperatures. Alternatively, you can also pile the clippings on flower beds to shield them from the heat, too.
- Plant wildflowers: “Scatter wildflower seeds over a patch of unused lawn to create a pollen-rich haven for bees, butterflies and insects,” The Greenhouse People say. “Grow climbers like ivy and roses to give year-round cover for birds and relax when it comes to weeds. Plants such as nettles, daisies and buttercups are important sources of food for critters.”
With insects in full force, they’ll be looking for some shelter (and refreshing water) in your garden. Don’t forget to refill your bird bath with water for birds to cool off.
- Change your watering schedule: To prevent your plants from hanging their heads in summer, they need plenty of water to survive. Since they tend to drink more when it’s hot, it’s best to water them in the evening once the sun has gone down (or in the cool of the morning).
Avoid watering in full sun, as water will evaporate before it can properly wet the soil.
