It's June, and in my area, a heat wave can occur at any time between May through September. Whenever 100 plus degree weather is expected for 2 or more days, you want to prepare your garden to survive it.
Protect heat-sensitive plants and take special care of seedlings. You may have planted the most heat tolerant plants possible, but you still want to take precautions to prevent set back or bolting*. You may cover these sensitive plants with garden shade cloth, an umbrella or even an old sheet or towel. If you purchase shade cloth, ensure it provides 40% or more coverage (check the label for the percentage). Alternatively, if you keep plants in pots, move the pot to a shaded or covered area, and be sure to water it well.
Types of sun protection
Shade: use garden shade cloth, an umbrella or even sheets or towels may be used.
Mulch: 2-4 inches of wood chips, garden straw or dried leaves will help retain water.
By the plant...which plants are vulnerable:
Leafy greens of any type: lettuce, kale, mustard, collards, etc.
Tomato/eggplant/peppers: These plant types really love sun and heat...but not that much! To avoid sun scald on fruit that has already set, provide cover or shade during the hottest part of the day.
Seedlings: if you direct seeded beans, squash, etc. be sure to provide sun protection for these young ones. Use above protective covers or protect individual plants with a small mesh trash can or screen.
Be water wise
Please do not water during the hottest part of the day. Doing so will waste water, as it will quickly evaporate in the extreme heat. To ensure your plants get the full benefit from watering, deeply water in the evening (after 7 pm) or morning (before 9:00 am). Your potted plants may require watering 2 times a day to prevent harm.
*Bolting is a signal that your plant will stop producing for the season. In most cases, a stalk that will emerge in the center of the plant with a flower or pod of seeds. You can leave it to flower, and it will act as a pollinator, or you may gather the seed and save to grow next season.
Add comment
Comments