Climate change is probably one of the most divisive topics in the world right now. While there’s enough scientific evidence to suggest that our climate is changing at a rapid pace, there are still a lot of people who don’t believe it.
That aside, with changing climatic conditions, gardening has become a more versatile activity that requires you to adapt and respond to different conditions.
Heatwaves, in particular, are now becoming very common in certain states, so I decided to share a few gardening advice ideas that will help you be better prepared for heat waves during this season!
“If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need. – Marcus Tullius Cicero
Heatwaves Are Here to Stay
Before we get into the practical home gardening tips you can take to guard your garden against them, it’s important to, first of all, insist the heatwaves are here to stay.
A few decades ago, we would have gone years without seeing a strong heatwave and gardening could be easier back then.
However, we must adapt to climate change and learn how to protect ourselves and our garden. Research suggests that heat waves will now become an even more common occurrence in the near term, so for this reason, make sure you’re fully prepared!
Water More Regularly
One thing you ought to know about heat waves is that they tend to increase the rate of moisture evaporation. This simply means that your garden and the plants around your house are losing water to the atmosphere at a faster rate than they are used to.
In that case, it’s important to water your plants more regularly during a heatwave. This will maintain optimum moisture levels even under the scorching heat.
Water in the Morning
Normally, a heatwave will be at its worst at noon or there about, and this is why it’s advisable to water the garden early in the morning. This allows your plants enough time to absorb the water before it evaporates under the sun.
Besides, mornings tend to be cooler so if there’s some work you’d like to get done in the garden, this would be the perfect time to do it.
Mulching
The most important thing during a heatwave is to make sure your plants are getting enough water. This often means that you have to put in place measures that ensure your soil has as much water retention as possible even under the heat. There are several ways to achieve this but adding mulch is vital.
Mulch increases water retention in the soil remarkably and this gives your plants enough time to absorb moisture. Organic mulch also comes with many nutrients that will help your plants flourish under tough conditions.
Add Some Shade
So, as we have said above, your goal during a heatwave is to reduce water evaporation as much as possible, and adding some shade can help with this. The same way it keeps you safe from the scorching heat is the same way it protects your plants from the sun.
A shade simply ensures that your plants get important sunlight while limiting the amount of water lost under the heat.
Besides, you don’t even need to build anything fancy. A few posts around the garden topped with a shade cloth should be enough.
Pay Special Attention to Young Plants
In case you have a small backyard garden, then you may have enough time and resources to tender for all your plants during a heatwave.
But for those who have large gardens, it may be harder to marshal enough resources for the job. It’s based on this that you’re advised to focus on the younger, more vulnerable plants.
Mature grown-up plants can usually fend off the effects of drought and come out mostly unscathed. But younger seedlings won’t have any fighting chance. Pay special attention to them and provide as much protection from the heatwave as you can.
Invest in an Irrigation System
There’s nothing more of a time waster than using a water can on your plants during a heatwave.
It will simply tire you out and there’s no guarantee the water is reaching all the plants. This is why it’s a good idea to invest in a more advanced irrigation system.
Irrigation systems are designed to fully target the plant roots and they are very convenient to use. Sprinkler system installation will also go a long way in keeping your plants moist and healthy during a heatwave.
Move Containers
For those of you who have container gardens, then you’ll have an easier time dealing with a heatwave.
The only thing you need to do is move the containers into a shaded area until the heatwave has passed. This can be a little tiring, but it will certainly be worth it to keep your plants alive and healthy.
Need some help to take care of your plants during summer? Contact local landscaping companies and request a free quote!
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