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By Sian Thompson A lot of plants generally do well in the summer. It’s a great time for gardening, with plenty of sunlight to go around. But, just like humans, plants can start to suffer if the summer is too hot and too dry. So, how can you keep your plants healthy in the middle of the summer?  Image by Sandie Clarke Watch What You Grow
Some plants might struggle in summer simply because they aren’t designed for your climate. If you live in a hot area, plants that are native to cooler parts of the world or that naturally grow at different times of the year aren’t going to thrive. The best solution is to research what plants grow locally. These plants will be perfect for your garden and are more likely to do well. If you do want different plants in your garden, look at plants from climates that are similar to yours. You should also consider where you put your plants. Even local plants might struggle if they’re in the wrong environment, so think about the type of soil you have and how much sun an area might get. More sun isn’t always better, sometimes shady areas are ideal for specific plants. Regular Watering One of the biggest dangers in the summer is that your plants don’t get enough water. Soil can dry out quickly, which can make your plants wilt. However, you don’t want to push things too far the other way and overwater your plants. Make sure that you check how dry the soil is around the plants before you water. Rather than drowning them and letting your plants sit in water, monitor how much water they need and use. You also want to water at certain times. Try watering in the morning so that the soil can absorb more water before it evaporates. Sprinklers can help you control when you water and how much water you add. Use a grass hole system to protect your sprinklers, especially when they’re in the middle of lawns, so you can garden without worrying about them. Look Out For Leaf Burn One of the common signs that your plants are suffering in the summer is leaf burn. As the name suggests, leaf burn describes scorching marks on the leaves of plants. It looks unsightly, and it can also make the leaves less effective, so your plants struggle. It’s also a sign of damage, much like sunburn. Leaf burn is caused by too much sun or sunlight being reflected from surfaces like windows or metal, but it can also be caused by overwatering combined with constant bright sun and heat. Other causes of leaf burn include chemical burns, caused by fertilizers and salts. These cause the plant to grow too quickly, while also making it more dehydrated. You can prevent leaf burn by making sure that you grow appropriate plants for your climate and that you have a balanced watering system. Some plants might grow better than others in sunny areas. |
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