Published Date 7/3/2024
During this summer of record heat waves, staying cool is not just a pipe dream. It’s necessary for sheer survival. But what about our plants, many of which cannot be brought indoors and must “shelter in place” just like we did during the pandemic?
Abnormally high temperatures can stress plants, resulting in sunburn, wilting, and even death. Plants in containers are more vulnerable to extreme heat and weather because the air temperatures can “fry” the roots and tops of plants. Plucking from Oregon-based Al’s Garden Centers’ blog, we learn that shallow-rooted plants such as annuals, especially those in your hanging baskets, can be affected the most from a heat wave, while succulents were literally made to tolerate the heat well.
What can we do to save as much green as possible as temps go triple digits? Al’s, which has been around since 1948 and originated as a fruit stand but grew into garden center locations all over Oregon, says – thankfully – there are methods that can be used to moderate damaging effects of summer heat.
First, extra water is a must. Water is lost from the plant’s leaves during intense heat. “This results in sunburn damage and wilting,” they explain. “Increase the amount of supplemental irrigation to your plants. The best time to do this is the day before a heat wave arrives, but if that’s not possible, the time of day you water is important as well. “Watering in the middle of the day will not be as effective because your shrubs, perennials, and plants are devoting their energy to surviving the heat, not taking in water. The best time to water plants is in the morning when temperatures are lower. Do not over-water because this can also harm your plants, even in a heatwave.”
Next, skip fertilizing. Your greenies cannot spare the energy needed to take in fertilizer. The fertilizer remains in the soil and can burn the plant. When the hot weather is over, return to your regular fertilizing schedule.
Pruning is a no-no. “Sunburned growth on your plants can be tempting to prune away but don’t do it. “This sunburned foliage is protecting the interior of your plant by providing shade and coverage from the sun. Wait to prune the sun-damaged growth until the temperatures return to normal in case there is another heatwave,” says the experts.
Shade. Shade is good. Bring shade to your plants with shade cloth and landscape burlap placed on top of the plants to protect them from the sun. If you have container plants, it is beneficial to have them on rollers so that you can move them around as needed to put them into shady areas.
We don’t ordinarily thing of roots as also being affected by hot temperatures. But adding a layer of mulch around ground covers, shrubs, and trees will keep the soil a couple of degrees cooler while stopping it from drying out. Apply the stuff about three inches thick around the plants, spreading it near the drip line or water source, but keeping it about six inches away from tree trunks.
So how can you tell if a plant is already dead or on its way to the great beyond? “Each plant has its own ‘permanent wilting point’ that determines if it can recover or not,” says Al’s. “If it goes past this point, there is no amount of water or care that can bring it back. If your plant’s leaves begin to plump up after you have watered it deeply, then the plant should be fine.”
As for sunburned leaves, check to see if the stems are pliable or green; if they are, your plant is still alive. “If there is any green present on the leaves, this also means your plant is salvageable. Avoid removing the sunburned leaves until the heat wave is over because they protect the healthy parts of your plant.”
Als-gardencenter, TBWS
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