How to Water Plants during a Heatwave
As gardeners and weekend warriors, we strive for a garden that’s beautiful, healthy, and thriving whether it’s a flower, vegetable, herb garden, growing fruit trees, or ornamental plants we work the soil continuously to reap a good harvest from our time spent outdoors as we connect with nature but if the truth could be told there is much that goes into gardening successfully, from the soil to choosing the right planting location, fertilizer use, to disease and garden insect pests control but one practice that is so vital to plant survival and is misunderstood mostly by the beginner garden is how much water should plants receive, especially during a heatwave.
The wrong watering methods have done so much damage to plant life from injury and in some cases even death but we are here to help you get a better understanding of how to water plants during a heatwave. For more on how this is done continue reading.
Watering Plants In Hot Weather
8 tips to effectively water garden plants during a heatwave.
1. Most garden plants should receive irrigation in the cool of the day and in the evenings time, keep in mind however not to irrigate too late in the evening because plants receiving water too late during the evening hours will go into the nighttime with moisture that can lead to fungus issues.
2. Mulches have many benefits including retaining moisture for garden plants along with helping the soil temperature to remain cool. A 1-2 inch layer of mulch is ideal.
3. Before the high temperatures arrive it’s best to water deeply or give your plants plenty of water.
4. During the duration of a heatwave it’s best to move potted plants to a shaded area also consider setting up a shade cloth.
5. Consider installing native plants that are drought-tolerant will decrease water usage.
6. To ensure your plants are getting sufficient water, water slowly to avoid water runoff, this approach will allow for deep watering causing the soil to be nicely soaked. Slow deep watering will also encourage deep rooting that will protect your plants against hot weather and drought.
7. Installing a drip-irrigation system or soaker hose will ensure that your garden plants are well watered, this system disperses water slowly into the soil.
8. Watering the plant’s leaves will do no good because during a heatwave the water on the leaves will evaporate quickly so irrigate or water plants from the soil.
Watering Containers and Hanging Baskets
Container gardening is a great way to garden in small spaces beside the many benefits when choosing this garden method but the downside to container gardening is the soil tends to dry faster with this garden type. During a heatwave, if possible containers can be moved to a shaded area until the heatwave passes.
Another option is choosing the right container, containers such as terracotta and coconut/coir fiber baskets tend to be porous and leach moisture and nutrients more quickly. A better choice would be solid stone or glazed ceramic pots. Metal containers also heat up quickly as well as containers that are of a darker color that will cause the soil to dry out much faster. Hanging baskets can also be taken down and placed in a shaded area that gets indirect sunlight.
Giving your Herbs a Drink of Water
Growing herbs from our home garden is a great way to have an almost endless supply while saving a few dollars (grocery bill). Garden herbs do need their share of water to continually give a bountiful harvest. The soil of garden herbs should be damp or evenly moist at all times, ensure that the first top 1-3 inches of soil are wet. As said earlier the best time to apply water is early in the morning or during the evening hours before nightfall.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables should get their share of water, especially during a heatwave because as these edible plants are drawing near to harvest needs adequate water to continue to grow and mature. You may have to irrigate edibles twice a day, especially during a heatwave, Keeping your tomato plant evenly moist is so important because consistently watering your tomatoes will help to prevent Blossom End Rot.
The practice of adding lime to the soil when planting along with spraying your tomatoes with Fertilome Yield Booster will not only aid in the prevention of Blossom End Rot but will also correct calcium deficiency. Before spray application read the manufacturer’s directions for the best results. Once temperatures have dropped below 85 F you can proceed to spray your tomatoes. Leafy greens such as lettuce and other leafy crops can be kept from bolting or going to seed by misting their leaves during the afternoon hours
Bonus Tips just for You!
Signs that your Plants May Need Water.
- The plant’s leaves may be drooping
- The plant pot becomes lighter in weight
- The plant leaves start to wrinkle
- Poor production of fruit and flowers
- Plants may develop powdery mildew
- The leaves lose their luster, may appear dusty, and have not grown to the size their suppose to be
- The plant may be dying or dead
- The plant may be growing slowly
- The plant’s leaves begin to curl
- The plant’s leaves start to turn yellow and brown however before applying water check the leaves because overwatering can also show the same symptoms
- The plant pot may blow over in the wind especially if the wind is not that strong
- The leaf’s tips are brown
- The soil may be dry
- The plant is drooping
- The plant isn’t growing
- The plant’s flowers are drooping and drying up
The final word on watering plants in hot weather
A heatwave can really place a damper on our garden plants, the good news is we can strike back by giving our plants a boost with the proper water practices. Following these steps as discussed will ensure that your garden plants are getting adequate water to thrive and grow healthy while providing you with a good harvest.
About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.