Summer is here — and it’s bringing the heat! With hot temperatures threatening to fry your cultivated crops, you must take some measures to protect them from drying up. Fortunately, we have some tips for you to keep your plants healthy and hydrated.
Water in the morning
The best time to water your plants is early in the morning before the sun shines and makes the air very hot. If you water your plants around noon or early afternoon, the water will most likely evaporate before reaching your plants’ roots – which can make your plants wilt or droop.
Don’t fertilize during a heat wave
During hot spells, your crops may experience some stress. When a plant is experiencing stress, it doesn’t need additional nutrients to survive as they are not prepared to use them. If you add fertilizer during a heat wave, you’re more likely to put more stress on your plants — which can cause growth deficiencies and, worse, permanent damage.
Add a light mulch
Adding mulch to your crops this summer can help the soil retain moisture as it protects the soil from direct sun exposure. There are different types of mulch that you can use, but for best results, it’s best to use a light-colored mulch to reflect the sunlight.
Don’t over water your crops
While watering your crops from time to time this summer can certainly be tempting to help them be hydrated, overwatering your crops may cause excessive moisture in the soil. When that happens, there may not be enough air pockets for your plants to breathe.
Put shade covers or build a DIY greenhouse
There are different ways to add shade covers to your plants. You can build a DIY greenhouse that can protect your plants from extreme weather conditions, or you can buy a shade cover from a local store. If you choose to buy a shade cover, make sure that it blocks out about 50% of the sunlight.
