The dog days of summer can get mighty toasty, and just as your garden is starting to thrive, the heat can cause those lovely leaves to wilt, or worse, get leaf scorch. You invest a lot of time and money into your garden, so you need to stay proactive during hot spells to ensure plant health.
Water is the biggest concern during heat waves. The easy solution you would think is to just water more; however, you don’t want a sky-high utility bill. To keep plants healthy during hot spells, consider these tips from the Homestead Garden experts:
Water Early or Late
Water mid-day and all your H2O will evaporate into thin air. If you can, water when the sun is down, or at least do it in the early morning or evening hours. In fact, many cities have ordinances that require homeowners to avoid watering during peak daylight hours. A timer can help ensure you follow any rules.
Water Longer and Slower
Rather than a quick burst, watering slowly allows small amounts of water to be soaked up more efficiently by roots. This also allows the water to penetrate deep into the soil, reaching and exceeding the level of the plant’s deepest roots. If you do this, you’ll have to water fewer times throughout the week.
Add Mulch
To prevent evaporation, add mulch to your garden beds. Mulch helps retain water while minimizing weed growth, so it’s a win-win. Check out Homestead Gardens Maryland Select shredded hardwood mulch. Simply add a few inches throughout your garden and watch water retention improve dramatically.
Don’t Forget Trees
Your garden and landscaping aren’t the only things that may struggle during the heat. Trees need special care, too. Try adding Gator Bags to the trees in your yard. These sturdy slow-release watering bags are perfect for newly planted or established trees. They are affordable, effective and help conserve water.