How to Take Care of Outdoor Plants in Summer
Summer is the best time to enjoy the beauty of nature in the garden. Flowers, fruits, and vegetables all thrive in the heat and humidity of the season. But, adequate care must be taken to keep outdoor plants healthy and flourishing during hot weather. From proper watering to extra fertilizing and extra protection, there are several steps to ensure outdoor plants survive summer conditions. Let’s take a look at the different ways to take care of outdoor plants in summer. Be careful of the temperature in summer.
Watering Smartly
Water is essential for outdoor plant survival. But, too much or too little water can affect plant health, impairing growth and even killing it. During hot weather, plants need lots of water. However, it’s important to water plants in the right way. Over-watering can cause waste of water, as well as water-logging that can lead to root rot. To ensure smart watering, check soil regularly to determine if it’s dry or wet. If it’s dry, water the plant with water that is lukewarm or near temperature. Check that there’s no standing water around the plant. Also, water it slowly and deeply, near the base. Slow irrigation helps the plant absorb much more water than a quick shower. Water early in the morning, as the plants will have the whole day to absorb it.
Adding Fertilizers
Fertilizers provide vital nutrients such as Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium to the soil, helping plants grow better and bloom more often. However, don’t overdo it as it can lead to an imbalance in soil nutrients that can be fatal for the plant. Use the right type of fertilizer as per the soil type. Liquid fertilizers tend to work best in summer as they are easily absorbed by the plants. The best time to fertilize is right after watering, as the water helps the fertilizers get absorbed into the soil. Additionally, avoid applying fertilizers on plants with wilted foliage, as they are not in condition to take up even the good nutrients.
Protection from Pests and Diseases
Plants need extra vigilance in hot weather as pests and diseases become more active during these times. Monitor plants for signs of pests and diseases and address them immediately. Start by removing and destroying diseased or damaged parts. Place wooden or plastic barriers to protect the plant from pests. Try to maintain a more humid environment around the plant or use soap and water sprays to repel the pests. Add mulch or bark chips to keep weeds away.
Identifying Heat Stress
Lastly, it’s important to identify signs of heat stress in plants, as too much heat can be damaging. Look out for wilting or drooping of leaves, yellowing, or browning of leaves, and leaf curling or blistering. Make sure to prune the plant in hot summer to create a more airy structure. Move plants to a cooler location and place them in a container for better temperature control.
Conclusion
Outdoor plants need special attention in summer to ensure they are healthy and thriving during the hot weather. Smart watering, fertilizing, pest control, and identifying heat stress are all important steps for optimal plant care during summer. With these tips, you too can enjoy the beauty of garden plants in the summer season.