Certain practices done ahead of time will ensure that your plants make it through the hottest time of year
Assummerapproaches it will bring with it farsighted and sunny days , more and more warmer temperatures , and scorching conditions that can tip our region into heatwave dominion .
Here on thePacific Coast , we have had rich rain to replenish our groundwater sources this class , and our landscapes and plant have reflected this with abundant new development , bumper outpouring crops , and bountiful blooms . Everything is beat along nicely in our gardens the right way now , making it the perfect time to plan ahead and get quick for the inevitable summer heat . The following confidential information will facilitate maintain the health of your plant and keep your garden fly high , not just live on , throughout this summer and fall .
1. Add compost
Whether they ’re in your vegetable patch , container , or perennial seam , your plants ’ root systems need adequate access code to moisture all summer long to keep them flourishing . To control your dirt is up to the task , enhance its wet - hold character by apprehend in well - aged , organiccompost . Not only does this add constituent material , which soaks up and go for moisture longer , but it also improves soil complex body part , attracts beneficial organism , and adds valuable nutrients .
2. Ensure your containers are properly equipped
Larger container carry moresoiland need less - frequent watering than smaller weed , which dry out out quicker on a hot day . For summer planting , hive away by your little pots for wintertime utilization , and make your life easier by just using heavy mess ( the bigger the better).Terra - cotta , concrete , and ceramic potsare all slower to warm up than charge card pots . pondering metallic element or unaccented - colored planters are less probable to steep heat than darker containers . If it works for the plants , consider moving more heat - sensible container into shadier locations for the hottest months , or when you leave for any extended periods .
3. Install and check irrigation
Make certain you have awateringplan in place to keep your plants appropriately hydrated all summer long . Adrip systemis the most efficient room to ensure that moisture reaches directly to their root systems ; plus , it use less water than overhead watering . Educate yourself about the various irrigation systems available as well as your plants ’ needs to assure you have the rightirrigationfor each plant . For example , a 5 - gallon drip emitter turn in water to a 4 - inch succulent will overwhelm the piteous industrial plant in no time . Already have a drip mould irrigation system in place ? Now is the time to inspect it , yield attention to every tube and emitter for view any leaks , breaks , or blockages that always seem to occur during wintertime . As wonderful as a dribble system is , check it frequently during the season , and be sure to get out there with the garden hose during exceptionally hot go . Regular , uniform water is all-important for the survival of the fittest of your garden during the summertime months . Keep in nous that it is full to irrigate early in the dawning or latterly in the afternoon to minimize pee loss through transpiration , and to avoid potential fungal problem .
4. Keep the weeds out
Weedsare resilient , opportunistic flora that will gazump your precious plants of much - needed wet , so it ’s life-sustaining to snip off that trouble in the bud . bide on top of weeding throughout the summertime and into the fall .
5. Be sure to deadhead
Remove spent flowers regularly from allflowering shrubsandperennials . Setting seminal fluid expends a caboodle of a plant life ’s vim , and your plants may already be try from hot summer temperature .
6. Provide a little shade
project forwards and found your more heat- and sun - sensible yearly and vegetable crops in the shade of tall plants ( sunflowers , towering tomatoes , fruit trees ) if potential . Be quick with shade material or a sunshine umbrella during particularly scorching days .
7. Switch crops in the vegetable garden
Switch over to heat - loving summertime crop ( for instance ,tomatoes , melons , cucumbers , squash , pepper , pumpkins , corn ) , and debar plant cool - season vegetables ( e.g. ,peas , brassicas , escarole , onion , chard ) to ensure the best results from your veggie patch . coolheaded - time of year carrots , Beta vulgaris , and dough can be grown in afternoon shade all summertime long ( though they prefer full sun during the cool months ) , but monitor for signs of bolting , and be sure to harvest while the leave are youthful and tender .
8. Mulch, mulch, and mulch again
Mulchnot only suppresses weeds and adds constituent matter , but it also keeps ground temperatures cooler and reduce water expiration from the soil ’s surface . head off bare plot of ground anywhere in the garden by adding a 3- to 4 - in layer of your favorite mulch to your perennial bed , flower borders , andvegetable garden .
9. Don’t forget the wildlife
Keep your garden ’s wildlife population happy by topping up your birdbath on a regular basis so thatfeathered visitorscan last out hydrated and bathe happily even on the hottest days . Well - placed rocks in your birdbaths provide bee and otherpollinatorsto rest and snuff out their thirst too , while submerging a terra - cotta saucer filled with guts or territory right under an irrigation emitter creates the perfect watering hole forbutterflies .
— Fionuala Campion is the owner and coach of Cottage Gardens of Petaluma in Petaluma , California .
Photos : Fionuala Campion
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When the sunflowers start to bloom, you know the summer heat is about to hit. Undertaking a few simple tasks ahead of time will ensure your landscape makes it through the dog days without stress.
Compost does wonders for helping retain precious soil moisture during the summer. Be sure to amend beds in advance of hotter temps.
Big, reflective metal containers like this one are a good option for keeping plants happy during the summer.
Having a properly installed irrigation system in place prior to heat waves will help you direct water to where it is needed most. Inspect your emitters and lines for any wasteful leaks.
Any cool crops, like lettuce, that are still going strong will need to be shaded during the summer. For areas in full sun, it’s better to rotate to a heat-loving crop like squash.
Perhaps the single most important thing you can do for your garden in summer is be sure it is mulched. A 3- to 4-inch layer helps regulate soil temps, retains moisture, and keeps thirsty weeds at bay.
