Experts gave five tips for saving plants in the heat: there will be irreversible consequences

Forecasters are predicting heat waves in the coming days, and it’s time for gardeners to save their plants. According to agronomists, even a couple of days of intense summer heat can cause flowers, vegetables and berries to suffer from drought. Therefore, it is better to overdo it with the preparation for the heat than to watch the plants wither.

Olga Molotova, an expert gardener with 30 years of experience, told us five ways to refresh your garden at maximum temperatures.

1. Water your plants in the morning

Keep your best garden plants hydrated at all costs, and by watering in the morning, plant roots will have a better chance of absorbing water in anticipation of a heat wave. Contrary to what some might think, the midday heat shouldn’t actually scorch the leaves.

You should also avoid watering late in the evening, as this can make your plants more vulnerable to slugs and root rot. Consider it both a non-toxic garden pest control and a protective measure for plants in extreme heat conditions.

2. Don’t over-hydrate

It may seem logical to flood your plants with as much water as possible, but it will actually do more harm than good in extreme weather. Overwatering adds to the stress the plant is already exposed to as it needs to adapt to higher temperatures. Plants that have access to good soil are able to adapt to hot weather provided that the soil at root level does not dry out completely.

So, every morning during a heat wave, do this test: stick your index finger into the soil around the root; if the soil is still damp below the surface, no watering is necessary.

If the budget allows, consider installing an automatic water sprinkler system, which is a water-saving way to keep your plants watered, especially if you need to keep your plants alive during the holidays.

3. Protect plants from direct sunlight

Dinner time is by far the most dangerous for many plants in very hot weather. There are a few things you can do to prepare your garden for extreme heat and reduce stress on your plants:

Mulch: Mulching is one of the most effective ways to prevent moisture loss around the roots. Make sure the mulch layer is at least 5 cm deep;

Use a shade cloth: If you’re worried about young plants or soft fruit, using a shade cloth or mesh may be a temporary solution. You will need a structure to install it, such as a frame or pergola;

If you are planning a vegetable garden, they are very useful for protecting delicate vegetation and soil. To create shelters in the beds, you will need support rings and a shading net.

4. Water the plants gradually

It doesn’t really matter if you water the plants with a hose or a watering can, but you should always try to water the plants gradually, rather than doing this procedure with the most powerful jet. Plants are not designed to absorb water very quickly, and watering the foliage is often a waste of time. Always water slowly, and most importantly – the roots.

5. Add Vermiculite to Container Plants

Those who have container gardens know how difficult it can be to keep the soil moist, especially in terracotta pots. One way to prepare your garden for extreme heat is to add vermiculite to your potting mix. This is a great way to increase water retention in the soil by preventing water from evaporating too quickly. Vermiculite also improves nutrient and fertilizer uptake, making your container plants healthier and therefore more resilient during heatwaves.

So with these simple gardening tips in mind, your plants will survive the sweltering summer days and give you a good harvest.