Summer is in full swing and that means the hot temperatures are scorching! Caring for your garden when the heat is high requires extra care for your well-being, as well as your flowers! Read on to learn some tips about how to care for your garden and you during summer.
Early to rise
Gardening early, just as the sun rises, is the best time of the day to work with your plants. Not only do you avoid the harsh heat at the height of the day (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), you still have daylight on your side. Give yourself 30 minutes to an hour to water plants, which should be enough time to accomplish your plans. Do not forget your sunscreen!
Water twice
When watering your plants in the summer, they may require more than one watering a day. Small pots less than a foot wide and tall usually contain plants which will need a little extra TLC to make sure the roots are properly soaked. Be careful not to overwater, pay attention to directions for each plant or research online.
Watch for bugs
While the warm temperatures and sounds of summer are upon us, so are the pests of summer, mosquitoes and ticks! Protecting your skin against insects is important to do, as mosquitos and other pests can spread serious viruses and diseases, leaving you very sick.
Dressing appropriately to avoid pests is a great way to keep them at bay. Wearing light-colored clothing is another way to repel mosquitos, as the pests are attracted to darker colors. Opting for long-sleeved shirts, pants and socks to cover your skin can help protect yourself from mosquitos and tick bites. After spending time outside, it’s imperative to check your body for ticks when returning inside.
Hold off on fertilizing
Promoting additional growth (of leaves and stems) will create stress to plants trying to maintain its roots. Fertilizer causes plants to grow more leaves and stems, which in turn the roots try to supply with water. Plants stop growing when the heat is high and try to conserve their moisture. Waiting to fertilize when it is cooler out is better for your plants.
Being a prepared gardener is the best way to assure your garden continues to prosper even during the hot heat of summer.
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