Helping Your Plants Survive During a Heat Spell

Just like people, plants need protection during extended periods of hot weather. We nurture them all season,from planting them till the time that die. We are proud when they look so good. However, if we don't pay close attention during hot weather, they can get hurt very easily.

Here are some ideas about taking care of them when the temperature hits extremes.

Move your containers of sun-loving plants into the shade of a tree or porch. You could even move them into a garage. Even though these type of plants thrive on sunlight, it can cause extensive damage to them. Once the weather cools a bit, then you can move them back to their original place.

Plants transport water through their roots to their leaves. This is a cooling process for them. Keep track of the soil moisture in your pots are garden. Sunnier days will dry it up faster. You can check the moisture by doing the "finger test". Stick your finger into the soil about 2 inches down. If it is dry then it is time to water it. You can give it long slow soaks of water to replenish the moisture if needed.

Water your pots and garden at least once a day. Usually in the early morning. If you have small flower pots, they tend to dry up faster than larger ones.

Put mulch over root zones. Be sure to soak the area first before you put the mulch down. This will help keep the area moist. The mulch also helps to protect from the sun's rays.

Plants next to sidewalks, driveways and rooftops tend to suffer more. This is because the masonry tends to hold the heat better. Even if you don't have shady areas near this places, try to move your plants back away from them. Roofs can especially get hot and hold their heat for long periods of time. If you have a silver or white colored rood, it will reflect the sunlight much like a mirror does.

Water trees and shrubs that may have been planted within the last year. If there is a long extended dry spell period, you may want to water trees that have been there a while also. Place your garden hose close to their root zone and just let it run for a bit there. Any amount of water will help. Remember tree roots can extend out twice as far as its' branches.