Help garden plants beat the heat
On these hot summer days, people, pets and plants require effective ways to beat the heat. While people and pets can seek shade and water, plants are at the mercy of the weather and their gardener.
Flowering and vegetable plants do their best to grow and mature under the harshest of conditions. With a gardener’s effort, plants can survive and thrive this time of year.
Hydration is a top priority for keeping plants alive. Provide water consistently, using a slow, steady application and offering a thorough soaking a few times a week. Watering in the morning when the air temperature is cooler prevents water evaporation during hotter times of the day. Normally, plants wilt when dehydrated cells in the leaves and stems are unable to remain upright.
If the soil is wet, the plant is not dehydrated, and the leaves will return to their usual appearance once the sun has set.
Mulch early, mulch heavy, mulch often is a ritual that benefits both plants and gardeners.
Mulch retains moisture in the soil, making it available to roots. Mulch also reduces the soil temperature and prevents the spread of weeds. Use compost or organic materials for mulching and keep mulch away from plant stems to avoid rot.
Avoid applying fertilizer during hot, dry weather. During this time, plants are trying to conserve their energy, and adding fertilizer may cause more harm than benefit. Continue with watering instead.
Weeds can compete with garden plants for water and nutrients; therefore, remove weeds whenever they appear. Pull weeds routinely, perhaps weekly, to keep the garden weed-free. Apply mulch liberally to prevent weeds from spreading.
Growing heat-tolerant varieties of plants is an option to consider at the start of the growing season. Look for wording on seed packets or vegetable plant markers that specify if the variety is heat tolerant. Peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, and other heat-loving vegetables grow best during hot days and nights.
For vegetables that prefer cooler weather, such as broccoli, cabbage, and lettuce, plant earlier or later in the season to mitigate the effect of hot temperatures. Alternatively, plant these vegetables in shade or use shade netting or cloth, screens, umbrellas or hoops to decrease the air temperature and maybe deter rabbits and deer from grazing.
Watch for leaf burn on plants, where a specific part of a plant or location of numerous plants has leaves that are discolored or burnt. In this case, prune the dead material, apply a shade cover, or move the plants to a different location.
Deadheading flowering plants and perennials, as well as removing dead foliage, are excellent ways to help plants conserve energy.
While grooming plants, gardeners can inspect for pests, diseases, damage from wildlife, or other maladies. Heat stressed plants are susceptible to these problems, and being alert to changes in foliage, vegetables and flowers can prevent harvest losses.
Gardeners and plants alike can survive and thrive in these hot summer days! Penn State Extension offers additional information on how to heat-proof vegetable gardens (extension.psu.edu/heat-proofing-your-vegetable-garden). Recommendations for heat tolerate plants (extension.psu.edu/heat-and-drought-tolerant-plants) are available. If you have questions about gardening in the summer heat, call the Butler County Master Gardener Garden Hotline at 724-287 4761, ext. 7 or email the Master Gardeners at butlermg@psu.edu.
Lisa Marie Bernardo is a Penn State Extension Master Gardener of Butler County.
