How to Water Plants in Extreme Heat
When a heat wave strikes, your plants don't have the luxury of retreating inside to enjoy the air conditioning. But don't lose hope, even when they are wilting, dropping leaves and turning brown. They may be going dormant to survive the extreme heat; you can help them through this difficult time with smart watering and adjustments to their care. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Hose
- Sprinkler or irrigation system
- Large containers (for container plants)
Instructions
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Water plants at least two times every day that temperatures get above 100 degreees F. Increase frequency of watering without increasing the amount of water the plants get to avoid waterlogging and killing the plants.
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Continue to water plants in the morning and avoid the leaves. This watering technique should be followed during moderate weather as well as in extreme heat to prevent fungus on the plants.
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Water new plants more deeply and more frequently than established plants.
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Put plants into bigger containers when possible because larger containers can hold more water. Move containers into the shade.
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Cut plants in containers back 50 percent if they already look devastated by the heat. Add fertilizer and water, then replant into a larger container.
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Avoid using gardening products that include oil. Oil on plant leaves during extreme heat can cause the leaves to burn and watering cannot protect them.
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Add an extra layer of mulch. This helps plants to conserve water at the roots and prevents the surrounding soil from drying out.
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Tips & Warnings
A light and infrequent misting of the leaves of delicate plants can help them stay cool, but be sure to do so in the morning when the plants have ample time to dry.
A deep root system will help plants endure extreme heat and drought.
Stop pruning and fertilizing plants that are in the ground. Both of these encourage growth, which should not be done during extreme temperatures.
Don't forget that roots extend out on larger plants and trees. Don't concentrate the water only at the base of the plant or trunk.
