As spring turns to summer, temperatures rise. Sure, many of us might enjoy the warmer weather, but it can be too much for some. This is the case for gardens. Flowers, grass, and other plants can struggle in too much heat. They dry up. They turn brown. They die.
Such issues can be frustrating – especially if you pride yourself on having a green thumb. If that is you, then you’ve likely poured a lot of love, time, and money into your yard. Seeing all that effort shrivel up… It’s upsetting.
So, what can you do? Fortunately, there are ways to protect your garden from intense heatwaves. Whether it’s just the summer weather or you live in a state that is prone to high temperatures, you’ll be more prepared to protect your yard by following these four tips:
Water Deeply and Early
You need to act before high sun. High sun increases evaporation, meaning any water will disappear. This is not ideal for gardens. Instead, aim to water your yard between five and nine a.m. Not only does this allow plants to build up water reserves, the foliage is kept dry – and this reduces the risk of disease.
However, you need to water deeply, too. If you soak the soil 15cm to 20cm down, this forces roots to grow down into cooler and more moist soil. This would also mean that you only need to water two to three times per week, which is a big bonus.
Use Shade Cloths
Shade cloths are basically protective barriers. They filter harsh, direct sunlight, but they also allow air to circulate. Such features are crucial in reducing sunscorch and heat stress, which is possible when temperatures exceed 90°F. These high temperatures – the result of the “greenhouse effect” – cause plants to go into survival mode.
There are different options for shade cloths. This means you get flexibility. For example, 30% to 50% shade is ideal for vegetables, while 70% to 90% shade is best for very hot climates. No matter your choice, you’ll be able to set the cloth up easily – as many can be draped over hoops or pergolas.
Allow Lawns to Go Dormant
A brown lawn is a bit of an eyesore. It might be necessary, though. Dormant lawns turn brown and stop growing. This is beneficial during heatwaves for many reasons. For one, nutrient loss is reduced. Constant, light watering – while keeping the grass green – could wash vital soil nutrients away. As a result, the soil structure would be weakened.
This brown grass, when unmown, acts as a protective layer as well. The soil underneath is insulated. That manes it is better protected from the sun than a freshly scalped, dry lawn would be.
Of course, this is under the assumption you have a natural lawn. If you have synthetic grass, for instance, the care will differ. It is best to discuss your needs with a team specializing in artificial turf installation Fortworth. These experts will have the best advice on protecting synthetic lawns.
Postpone Pruning and Planting
It can be tempting to plant new flowers or prune the existing ones. This only adds more stress. Pruning signals a plant to grow, and this uses up energy and water. These resources would be better spent on survival. Plus, the new growth will likely be tender and easily scorched by high temperatures.
Similarly, planting is a strenuous task – not just for you, but for the plants, too. They need to establish new roots. This can be tricky when the soil is dry and hot. It might even cause roots to dry out, with the evaporation rate being so high in warmer weather.
To conclude, heatwaves hit hard. Your garden needs to be protected to ensure it survives. If you follow the four methods outlined above, your yard – and yourself – will be much happier once summer ends.