I’ve found that throughout the hot weather, my plants are having difficulty, suffering, and eventually dying. My plants can be harmed by hot temperatures. They require extra caution in extremely hot weather, just like us. When temperatures rise, plants can still experience problems even with proper irrigation. In this post, I’ll review a few easy ways to shield plants from heat stress as summer heat peaks. We will learn how to save plants from sunburn with tips on shading, proper watering, and selecting sun-tolerant varieties to keep your plants healthy.
Pot Placement and Clustering
Different varieties of plants have their specific sun requirements. Some plants thrive in the intense heat of summer, while others are heat-tolerant but cannot withstand extreme sun. Some plants are not heat-tolerant at all and can get burned and damaged under direct sunlight. Therefore, it’s crucial to know the sun requirements of your plants and place them accordingly.
It’s a smart idea to keep potted plants clustered based on their sun needs and size. Younger plants and transplants should always be kept under shade to protect them from harsh conditions.
Mulching
The first line of protection against heat and hot weather is mulching. You can prolong the period that the soil remains moist in your pots by adding mulch, which will shield the soil and surface roots from direct sunlight. Mulch comes in a variety of forms. For example, dry grass straws reflect heat and retain moisture in the soil. Wood chicks; moss grass; sphagnum moss; dried leaves; cocopeat. Plus, mulching keeps weeds away. Periodically pull weeds since they deprive your plants of nutrition.
Watering
It’s ideal to water your plants early in the morning or before the sun starts to set during the sweltering summer months. Most of the water will probably evaporate before it reaches the roots of the plant if you wait until midday. Watering in the early evening is also a good idea. Don’t overwater, though. Fungal diseases can cause root rot as a result of overwatering. Only water the soil when it is completely dry to the touch.
Shading
If you have a rooftop garden, using a shade net is a great method to shield your plants from the harsh sun. Garden centers provide shade nets that block anywhere from 25% to 90% of the sun’s rays to protect against sunburn. Because the net must endure heavy winds, make sure that it is firmly secured with rope at all corners.
Maintaining Humidity
Several plant varieties require high humidity to thrive. When exposed to heat waves and hot, dry winds, these plants can degrade and wilt. To maintain humidity around these plants, you can use a humidity tray. Simply take a plastic tray, place two rocks or some pebbles in it, fill the tray with water, and set the pot on top. As the water evaporates, it will increase the humidity level around the plant.
Misting
Misting your plants is one of the easiest and finest ways to keep them cool during the hot weather. Moreover, it keeps insects away and dusts the leaves. Misting is especially helpful for plants that need high humidity during hot weather.
