Good Lifestyle

Temperatures have reached amazing heights this summer. A sustainable heat wave continues to burn the southwest, and some experts say that the current hot time sequence could be the hottest in recorded history. Your first concern should be to take care of yourself, however, you may also wonder how to take care of your outdoor plants because many are vulnerable stress and dehydration during prolonged periods of extreme heat. Continue to read to learn the best advice from gardening experts to take care of your outdoor plants during a heat wave - so your favorite flora will live to fight another day.

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Just as you can quickly dehydrate during a heat wave, your plants are also desperate to have a drink.

Andrew Laurier , a gardening expert with Be green , recommends increasing the frequency of watering during a heat wave, focusing on deep watering rather than spraying on the surface.

"Water early in the morning or in the evening to minimize evaporation," suggests Laurier. "Make sure water reaches the root zone to support plants during these hot days."

Fern Berg , a gardening expert and founder of Trees vitalize , should that deep watering is essential and says that you should regularly check the humidity levels of your soil to determine if more water is necessary.

"If the upper floor is dry, it's time to provide water to your plant! You can also buy a moisture counter that will give you an indication of the humidity levels of your soil without having to dirty you Hands, "she says.

Deep watering helps provide an essential humidity during a heat wave - and mulch is the key to keeping this humidity throughout the day. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

"Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as wood shavings or straw, around the base of your plants", advises Laurier. "Mulching helps keep humidity in the soil, reduces the growth of weeds and regulates soil temperature. It also prevents excessive evaporation and protects the roots of direct sunlight."

Gene Caballero , co-founder of Greenpal , should that the mulch is an excellent insulation for plant roots during prolonged heat periods. He recommends installing two to three inches of organic mulch around the base of your plants to help them regulate their temperature and humidity levels.

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Just as you should look for a shelter by a burning day, your plants will also benefit from a break in the glare of the sun.

"It is a good idea to provide a temporary shade for your plants most sensitive to heat. It is as simple as using old sheets, shade fabric or even a pop-up umbrella or a Gazebo For the biggest plants, "explains Berg. "By protecting your plants from direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day, you will reduce the probability that they become too stressed by heat."

Laurier adds that the reduction in the intensity of sunlight minimizes the loss of water by evaporation. "In addition, consider moving pots in pots in shaded areas during extreme heat," he suggests.

Just as your plants need a sun break, they could also use a break in hot winds.

"If the heat wave is accompanied by a warm and dry wind, protecting your plants with a wind break will also make a big difference in their ability to survive to the extreme," explains Berg. "Not only will the wind expose additional pressure on an already stressed plant, but it will dry the surrounding floor even more quickly than the sun alone."

Berg says that an effective windbreaker can be as simple as hanging a sheet of plastic, wood or metal above your vulnerable plants. "A large tank, a wheelbarrow placed on its side or other garden furniture can also be used. Just make sure your windbreak is secure and does not become a danger!"

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When you see your plants in difficulty, you can intervene instinctively with fertilizers. However, experts warn that it can do more harm than good during a heat wave.

"High temperatures can stress plants, making them more likely to burn fertilizers," said Laurier. "It is preferable to avoid fertilization during a heat wave because it can attach the plants more. Instead, focus on maintaining their hydration and waiting for time to cool before resuming fertilization."

Another way to help reduce thermal stress in trees is to whiten their trunks. This helps to reflect the sun's sunlight and reduce the risk of sun flesh, especially on fruit trees and flower trees.

“If you have trees susceptible to thermally stressful stress - for example, an avocado tree - it can be time to take out the brush. Burned by the sun during a heat wave, "explains Berg.

The expert gardener explains that the process consists in mixing equal parts of paint with white interior latex with water and applying the mixture on the trunk or any exposed bark using a new brush (preferably).

"This is particularly beneficial for young trees because they have a more tender bark which is very sensitive to sunburn," she said.

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Finally, an increase in temperatures means that you should close your plants closely until the time cools.

"Keep an eye on your plants for any sign of stress or damage caused by the heat wave," said Laurier. "Search the wilting sheets, yellowing or browning foliage, as these can indicate dehydration or sunburn. Adjust your care routine accordingly, providing additional water and shadow if necessary . "

Caballero notes that pots May require high -level care during a heat wave because they dry up faster than those on the ground.

"You may have to water them one or even twice a day," he said Better life . "Remember that each garden and each plant species are different, so you may have to adjust these guidelines according to your specific situation."