Summers can turn the cozy terrace or balcony into a furnace. Leaves wilt, pots dry within hours, and it feels like adding more plants to look up the space. But during the heat wave, planting is the job that you should avoid. When mercury is soaring, new plants struggle to establish roots. Instead of helping, planting new plants can damage the companions because when the temperature rises, plants are not able to manage their functions properly. The process of photosynthesis slows down because heat reduces the ability of plants to convert sunlight into food, but respiration still continues and depletes the stored energy. Prolonged heat also accelerates soil evaporation and transpiration, causing the soil to dry out and leaves to wilt. Excess heat can damage the leaves and sometimes even the whole plant. In this blog, you will learn tips to protect plants during excess heat instead of planting new plants.
Caring tips for plants during a heat wave
Water Properly
Heatwaves accelerate the loss of water from leaves and soil. Proper watering helps the plant stay hydrated without any wastage of water.
- Check the Soil Mixture on a Daily Basis: By putting your finger in, you can check the moisture. If it’s dry, that means the plant needs water; water the plant.
- Water In The Early Morning: Early watering helps to reduce evaporation and helps the plants to hydrate. It’s recommended to provide 8 to 9 gallons of water per day during extreme heatwaves.
- Use Specific Methods: Soaker hoses, drip irrigation and watering at the base of the plant reduce evaporation. Avoid the use of sprinklers because they spray the water into the air and lose more water to evaporation. You may use self-watering pots beneath plants to reduce the loss of moisture.
Proper Shade And Shelter:
Leaves get damaged due to the direct midday heat. It’s better to protect the plants by:
- Using an Umbrella Or Shade Cloth: As 330 to 50 % of umbrellas and shade cloths help to reduce the intensity of the sun. Jute screens and green shade nets can shield plants from intense sunlight and hot winds.
- Move The Pots To A Cool Spot:
Shift the plants to shadier locations during the hot part of the day, or you can place the plants behind the railing of the balcony to reduce direct sun exposure.
- Grouping of Pots: Groups of plants create a microclimate, keep the humidity higher and reduce evaporation. Grouping also leaves space in small balconies.
Manure For Conservation Of Moisture
It is a protective blanket over the soil.
- Applying Manure: Cover the soil with compost or wood chips to reduce evaporation and keep the roots cool. Manure also suppresses weeds.
Examine Pests And Diseases
Heat-stressed plants are more prone to pests and diseases. Remove the weeds on a regular basis to reduce the water competition. Inspect the leaves for pests; treat infestations after the heatwave diminishes.
Conclusion
Plant care during heatwaves is about reducing stress. New plants struggle to survive during high temperatures. Focus on caring for the existing plants instead of new plants, with these practical gardening tips. Your terrace garden or balcony garden stays green even in summer. Bayton Horticulture Centre provides a huge range of equipment for plant care and gardening under the guidance of our expert, Pardeep. We have built a reputation in the industry for our excellence and competitive pricing.
FAQ’S
- What gardening practices should be avoided during heatwaves?
Avoid transplanting and planting new plants during heatwaves.
- What is the right time for watering the plants during a heatwave?
The right time for watering plants during heatwaves is early morning.
