Summer heat waves can be tough on gardens, making it challenging to keep plants healthy during scorching temperatures. With the right care, plants can survive and even thrive despite the extreme heat. Down to Earth Living Garden Center in Pomona offers six tips to keep gardens healthy during the intense conditions.
1. Water Wisely
Watering is crucial during a heat wave. Early morning is the best time to water your plants, allowing them to absorb moisture before the day’s heat intensifies. Deep watering is essential to ensure the water penetrates the soil to reach the plant roots. Avoid watering in the evening, as it can lead to fungal growth.
2. Mulch to Retain Moisture
Applying a layer of mulch around your plants helps retain soil moisture and keeps the roots cool. Organic mulch, such as straw, wood chips, or shredded leaves, is particularly effective. Mulch also helps suppress weeds, which can compete with your plants for water.
3. Avoid Fertilizing
During a heat wave, avoid fertilizing your plants. Fertilizers can encourage new growth, which requires additional water and can stress plants further. It’s best to wait until temperatures cool down to resume fertilizing.
4. Prune with Caution
Avoid heavy pruning during extreme heat. Pruning can stress plants and expose them to more sunlight, increasing water loss. If necessary, remove only dead or damaged parts of the plant to maintain its health.
5. Keep an Eye on Container Plants
Container plants, including hanging baskets, can dry out quickly in the heat. Check them twice a day, and water as needed. Consider moving them to a shadier spot if possible. Grouping pots together can also help create a microenvironment that retains moisture.
6. Monitor and Adjust
Pay close attention to your plants during a heat wave. Look for signs of stress, such as wilting, yellowing leaves, or crispy edges. Adjust your care routine as needed to keep your plants healthy.
By following these tips, you can help your plants survive and even thrive during hot stretches. With proper care, your garden can remain a lush, green oasis despite the soaring temperatures.
Help With Garden Questions
Down to Earth Living encourages customers to bring photos of their garden, along with any inspiration images, when visiting the garden center in Pomona. The experienced team can help homeowners plan their outdoor spaces and select the right plants, shrubs, containers, statuary, and decorative accents to achieve the look they envision.
In addition to its extensive selection of outdoor plants, trees, and shrubs, the center also features an expanded indoor plant showroom. Complimentary repotting is available with the purchase of a plant or pot.
Have you Been to Down to Earth Living?
Down to Earth Living, now in its 56th year, serves the Hudson Valley and Bergen County, offering 12.5 acres filled with perennials, flowers, shrubs, and trees, with new plants arriving weekly. The 10,000-square-foot showroom features a selection of contemporary, classic, traditional, and transitional teak, aluminum, and all-weather dining and deep-seated furniture. Down to Earth is located a short drive from Bergen County at 1040 Route 45 in Pomona, New York. For more information, call 845-354-8500 or visit www.dteliving.com.
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