As temperatures soar, gardeners are being urged to take some simple steps to protect their plants from wilting and perishing in the heatwave
Gardeners with flowers are being urged to put a bed sheet in their garden during the current heatwave in the USA(Image: Getty Images)
Gardeners often get caught off guard by sizzling weather, leading to droopy plants when they should be surging in their summer growth. Indoors and shade provide relief for people, yet our green companions aren’t as lucky.
Sure, sunlight is vital for blooms and lawns, but overdoing the heat can spell trouble. Some greeneries might thrive in heat, but plenty need extra attention to survive those scorching beams without keeling over. LeAnne Samuelson, a gardener from Prestige Botanicals, emphasizes knowing your plant’s preferences is crucial during heatwaves, reports the Express.
She said: “While sunlight is essential for plants, it’s important to remember that some thrive on it more than others.”
Shade lovers like peperomia and begonia don’t mix well with relentless rays, so those with sun-kissed spots should consider moving them to chiller quarters to prevent harm, Samuelson advises
But what about those grounded in the garden? There’s a clever workaround involving your linen closet. Samuelson suggests: “A bedsheet or even a net curtain can do the trick, offering some relief from the direct sun.”
Gardeners have been urged to put a bed sheet outside to help flowers and other plants(Image: Getty)
Just don’t forget to whisk away that makeshift shield when it cools down so your flora can soak up sun nutrients.
She also reminds avid gardeners: “Just be mindful that this can make it harder for the soil to retain moisture, so you’ll need to water more often.”
Many plants can wilt and perish during a heatwave(Image: Getty)
Gardeners intent on locking in moisture for their beloved greenery should mark the optimal time of day for watering, followed by a strategic application of mulch.
LeAnne says: “Mulch acts as a barrier between the sun and the soil, helping to lock in moisture and keep the roots cool.” She notes that “just a thin layer can make a big difference in helping your plants thrive, especially those that require moist soil”.
When it comes to choosing mulch materials, gardeners have a variety at their disposal, including compost, newspaper, bark, grass clippings, straw, or shredded leaves.
Parts of the US are experiencing record temperatures which have hit the east coast and midwest hard. On Tuesday, tens of millions of people in major cities across the northeast faced record high temperatures in an oppressive heat wave that has spread over much of the country since late last week.