The recent heat wave has people sweltering and gardens swooning. Watering is typically a relaxing task but in this type of weather it becomes a critical, demanding chore as plants can literally thirst to death in a couple days. Annuals and veggies are the first to dry up and die. (Our farmer friends, Chad and Danika, in Michigan are clearly sunburned from spending numerous hours every day watering their organic crops.) Newly planted perennials, shrubs, and trees are also at risk. Even established perennials and woodies can be forced into early dormancy if heat and drought are severe.
During summer, evaporation and plant transpiration (together termed evapotranspiration) reach their peaks. The hot air and sunshine quickly suck the moisture from the soil and the leaves. Without adequate rainfall gardens will need more watering. Evapotranspiration is especially hard on hanging baskets, which are exposed on all sides. In a sunny location it is not uncommon for hanging baskets to need watering twice a day. Small pots fare no better. Of course, large containers can hold more water, but even they require watering every couple of days during the height of summer.
Here are a few tips that can make watering during a heat wave more effective and tolerable. First, water early in the morning. Dawn is best, but definitively before the heat of the day. Water thoroughly so it soaks deep into the root zone. Try to keep the leaves dry to limit fungal blights like powdery mildew. (For obvious reasons spray organic fungicides, pesticides, and repellents after watering.) While you’re letting the hose soak an area, put on some gloves and pull some weeds. Weeds take valuable water and nutrients from garden plants. Mulching will help control weeds and retain moisture in the soil. If you mulch with rich compost, then you’ll feed the garden as well.
These same tips work in container gardens on balconies and patios but you have to be extra diligent about monitoring soil moisture in your pots. Ideally, you want to water after the soil begins to dry but before the plant wilts. Most plants are very forgiving, but some wilt permanently if the roots dry for even a short time and others will rot if kept constantly moist. It can be a tricky balancing act. Avoid leaving standing water in buckets or deep trays to control mosquitoes.
Most importantly, take care of yourself. Put on sunscreen. Drink plenty of water before you go out and keep hydrated. Don’t stay out in the heat too long. For those that are capable, help some neighbors or friends that are less capable. Heat waves can be rough on gardens and gardeners, but they don’t last forever. And if we stay on top of watering, we’ll be rewarded with beautiful flowers and bountiful veggies.
Get Out & Grow
In PA we’ve had quite a heat wave the last few weeks… Its raining like crazy today and I couldn’t be happier. My veggies and flowers needed the rain! I’ve been watering but my tomato plants are not nearly as big as they were last year at this time with all the rain. William, Thanks for the great tips about taking care of our gardens!
Weeds take valuable water and nutrients from garden plants. Mulching will help control weeds and retain moisture in the soil.