Growing plants in super hot weather (like 90–110° Fahrenheit) can be tough, but it’s totally doable with the right tricks.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help your garden rock despite the heat:
1. Improve soil with organic matter: Add compost and worm castings to make sure your soil holds water and your plants can handle the heat. You can also use biochar to make the soil even more stable and packed with nutrients.
2. Mulch heavily: Mulch acts like a blanket, keeping your roots cool and dry. Organic mulch (like straw or bark) breaks down over time and improves the soil.
3. Watch for signs of heat stress: If your leaves are wilting in the morning, or if your tomatoes or peppers are dropping their blossoms, it’s time to take action. Sunscald on fruit can also be a problem, so watch out for white or pale patches on the fruit.
Here are some things you can do to combat heat stress:
Water your plants more often, especially in the morning and evening.Prune your plants strategically to improve airflow, but make sure to keep some leaves for shade.Use shade or row cover to protect your plants from the sun.
4. Fertilize lightly: Heat can slow down how quickly your plants absorb nutrients, so fertilize them lightly.
You can use compost tea or diluted fish emulsion to give your plants a gentle boost. Avoid heavy nitrogen fertilizers during extreme heat, because they can burn your plants.
5. Monitor pests and disease: Hot weather can bring out more pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. To keep your plants healthy, encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings. You can also use neem oil or insecticidal soap in the early morning or late evening to control pests.
With these tips, you can grow beautiful plants even in the hottest weather! Happy gardening! For more gardening tips do to www.deltaworms.com