According to data that was gathered by Weather.com, one of the world’s most trusted weather authorities, this summer is expected to be even hotter than last year. Extreme heat can kill plants and actually cause them to go dormant or even stop growing altogether. High temperatures also prevent plants from producing fruit, because extreme temperatures can kill pollen. Therefore if you live in an area with a hot climate, you need to practice your due diligence when it comes to maintaining the health of your garden.
1) Grow Heat Resistant Crops
One of the most effective things you can do is to focus on plants that were designed to withstand the heat. This entails melons, eggplants, tomatoes, spinach, cowpeas and peppers. Additionally, okra, southern peas and sweet potatoes are highly resistant to heat as well. In most cases, many of the aforementioned plants will stop providing fruit, if temperatures rise above 90 degrees F.
2) Hydration
Needless to say, watering your plants is critical, even in colder climates. However, many gardeners overwater or underwater their plants. Most experts suggest that water should be able to penetrate at least 6 inches of soil. When it comes to using sandy soil, you should water your garden twice a week and once a week when it comes to clay soils. Additionally, be sure that you use a trowel to determine just how deep the water has penetrated the soil. Over time, you’ll learn just how much water you need to pour into your garden to maintain adequate moisture levels. Additionally, when there are lengthy periods of extreme heat, you may need to water them even more.
3) Organic Matter
Even though it may not seem relevant, ensuring that your soil has an adequate amount of organic matter can help it to withstand extreme temperatures. Organic matter such as mycorrhizal fungi, can help your plants to tolerate droughts.
4) Cover Soil with 3 Inches Of Mulch
You can use grass cuttings, wood chips, shredded leaves or dried straw to create mulch. Mulch operates as a barrier that helps to prevent the soil from drying out. It can also help to control the temperature of the soil. Mulch can also help to prevent excess water from penetrating deep into the soil as well as to absorb water in itself.
5) Pick Fruits As Soon As They Are Ripe
Plants need vast amounts of water to produce and maintain ripe fruits. In fact, some trees will dislodge fruits, if they aren’t able to get an adequate amount of sunlight or water. By picking your plant’s fruit as soon as they’re ready, it’ll help to reduce water and heat stress on your plants.
6) Summary
When it comes to helping your plants thrive in a hot climate, you can make your task significantly easier by focusing on plants that are naturally resilient to heat and droughts. But, by ensuring that your soils maintains an adequate moisture level as well as to use mulch to protect it from over drying, you can significantly improve your garden’s chances of surviving the summer regardless of what you choose to plant.
Author Info: Alex Capozzolo is a partner of Cash Offer Kentucky. We buy houses in Louisville, KY. Alex has been writing for the real estate industry for several years. Cash Offer Kentucky focuses on single-family and small multi-family houses.
Photo Credits:
Melons and Peppers
Garden Sprinkler
Fruits and Veggies