Gardening: our tips for protecting your plants from the heat
Taking care of your plants during the summer: not always easy
The high temperatures of summer, combined with our departures for vacation, can damage the health of our beloved plants. Nevertheless, there are several ways to protect our plants as much as possible from the heat and to keep them healthy throughout the season.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
The mulching technique
With the hot weather, water will evaporate quickly and the soil of your plants may dry out. To retain moisture in the ground longer, there is a very effective trick: mulching. Do you know it?
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Natural mulches
The technique consists of covering the ground with organic or mineral materials. Wood chips, grass clippings, ferns, gravel, sand, pebbles, or fallen leaves are great natural mulches that will protect your plant soils.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Textile or plastic materials
You can also use textile or plastic materials to perform the mulching technique. Fabrics and plastic films are effective in keeping moisture in the soil, although they are not aesthetically pleasing or biodegradable.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
How to perform this technique correctly?
Before installing your mulch, make sure the soil is weeded. Water the soil before setting up the mulch, then place your mulch around the plant in a thick layer of at least 6 centimeters / 2 inches). Be careful not to cover the collar of the plant. Once the mulch is spread evenly around your plant, you can water it again.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
For what type of plant?
The mulching technique works for both indoor and outdoor plants. It also applies to vegetable gardens, shrubs, and fruit trees.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Generous watering
But it’s not just the mulching technique that keeps your soil cool all summer long. With the heat, your plants require more regular watering than the rest of the year. Water them generously once a day, especially targeting the roots of the plant.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Watering at the end of the day
As the ground is cooler at night than in the middle of the day, it is recommended that you water your outdoor plants in the early evening. This will keep your plant soil moist for longer.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
A corner of shade
Plants generally tolerate high heat very badly, especially during heat waves when the temperature of their roots can rise to more than 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). If you can move them, put them in a shady spot or under a tree during this time of year. You can also place a sunshade above or a shade net above them.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
The drip system
The drip system can be a good solution when you go on vacation and no one is available to come and water your plants. Dripping allows optimal irrigation of the soil, thanks to an automatic water supply installed at the foot of your plant.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Where can you find a drip irrigation system?
Garden centers sell these systems, which will allow you to accurately dose the amount of water for your plant without overflowing it. There are different kinds of systems, at different prices.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Make your own drip irrigation
While they are sold in stores, you can also manufacture a drip irrigation system at home. To do so, you need an empty, closed plastic bottle of 1.5 liters (a quarter gallon); a wooden toothpick; and glue.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Use a water bottle and a toothpick
Poke a hole in the bottle with a heated needle, not far from the neck. The hole should be big enough for you to insert a toothpick.
Position the toothpick at a slight angle. Once the toothpick is in, put glue on the hole so that the area is waterproof.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
The bottle goes upside down, into the ground
Having stuck and pasted the toothpick into the top of the bottle, make other holes in the back of the bottle so that air can escape from it.
Finally, after the glue has dried, fill the bottle with water, turn it upside down, and bury the neck of the bottle near your plant. The water will reach the soil in low quantities through the inserted toothpick.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Cool indoor temperature
To have healthy indoor plants, it is important to keep your home cool. Most plants thrive in temperatures between 15 and 21°C (59 °F / 69 °F).
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Extra water for the roots
Giving baths to your houseplants is a technique that is beneficial to them, and even more so in the summer. As such, the roots can hydrate and nourish the plant from the inside. If you are going on vacation, give your plants a bath the day before you leave and then again when you return.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
A bath for indoor plants
Place your plant in a layer of water in your sink, washbasin, or bathtub. Make sure you don’t completely immerse its soil. Leave your plant there for a few hours, until its soil is moist.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Misting indoor plants
Misting your houseplants is necessary not only to hydrate them but also to dust them off. While this must be done throughout the year, its frequency should increase in summer. Mist the stems and leaves of your plant several times a week during the summer season.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Choose appropriate plants for the temperature
Some plants do not fear the heat. On the contrary, they love the sun! You can therefore adapt your plants to the temperatures of the place where you live!
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Palm trees are not afraid of the heat
The palm tree, while easy to maintain, will give a tropical touch to your garden. And it’s not the only plant that has no fear of the heat!
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Lavender
This small shrub is a real pleasure to maintain. It adapts to all environments and fears neither heat nor sunshine. Keep in mind, though, that lavender does not like excess water. It does love hot climates and will easily survive your summer vacation.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
The Oleander
Oleander is a plant that blooms between May and October. It flourishes fully in a warm, sunny climate, in well-drained soil. Conversely, it hates the cold and fears the winter frost.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Jasmine
A tropical plant, jasmine loves summer and is resistant to high temperatures and heat waves. Nevertheless, during this season it requires well-drained soil and generous watering.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Rosemary
Unlike other aromatic plants, rosemary resists heat very well. It acclimatizes to both winter and summer and does not fear high temperatures or sunshine. Rosemary flourishes best in a sunny area and dry land. In short, this plant is very easy to maintain!
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
24/24 SLIDES
Send MSN Feedback
Please give an overall site rating:
Opens in a new window
Opens an external site
Opens an external site in a new window
Mon Aug 8 , 2022
The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD – Get Rating) – Equities researchers at Oppenheimer boosted their FY2024 EPS estimates for shares of Home Depot in a note issued to investors on Wednesday, August 3rd. Oppenheimer analyst B. Nagel now expects that the home improvement retailer will post earnings of $17.34 per […]