Gardening

Help Plants Cope With Heat

When a heat wave strikes, many of us have the option of retreating to our air-conditioned homes. But what about your plants? According to Craig Jenkins-Sutton and his wife Sara, co-owners of Chicago urban garden design company Topiarius, there are some simple techniques you can use to help plants survive the stress of hot days. Here are their tips:

1. Start with the right plants.
While that exotic plant may look lovely at the nursery, the conditions in your backyard—including heat, when it comes—may not be right for it, Craig and Sara say. Often the best choice for any garden is a plant that would have grown there naturally. Native plant varieties and their cultivars will often be best adapted to your soil conditions, the climate and the amount of rainfall you get.

2. Practice proper watering.
In-ground sprinkler systems have been the norm for many years, but they may not be the best choice for all situations, Craig and Sara suggest. Drip systems are better at delivering water to exactly where the plants need it: the roots. During hot periods, give special attention to new plants, since they haven’t had time to establish a deep, healthy root system. And consider collecting rainwater to make the most of natural resources.

3. Mulch.
A thick layer of mulch can help regulate both the soil temperature and the amount of water that the soil retains. Craig and Sara recommend choosing organic mulch that doesn’t contain dyes and has been properly composted so that it doesn’t draw any nutrients out of the soil as it decomposes, but there are many choices. Go here for more information on choosing allergy-friendly mulch.

4. Provide shade.
While this is more of a long-term technique, planting larger trees and shrubs that give shade to more vulnerable plants during the hottest parts of the day is an excellent way to manage the stress caused by heat, Craig and Sara say.

5. Be careful with fertilizer.
A proper fertilization program can help build deep and healthy root systems that will serve plants well during a heat wave. Over-fertilization during the heat of the summer, however, can also cause plants to push new growth that can be difficult for them to sustain in the heat.

Find Craig and Sara and read more tips at www.Topiarius.com.

TIP

Although mulch is a great way to protect your plants from the heat of the day, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America recommends using gravel or oyster shell rather than wood chips or other mulches that can encourage mold growth. Likewise, the AAFA suggests careful use of hedges, which, in addition to providing shade for other plants, can also unfortunately collect pollen, mold and dust; if you plant them, be sure to keep them well pruned.