Struggling to handle the never-ending summer heat? So are your plants! Yes, the sunlight may be a delightful treat, but it can be easy for your plants to get dehydrated. There are some go-to strategies for watering your plants in the summer that you can always rely on. Here are our favorite tips.
Don’t Drown Them!
Yes, you can drown your plants! There are several ways to keep your plants from being over-watered. Take visual cues from your lawn or garden, or invest in a moisture sensor so you can water as little as possible. Also, when you water, take care to distribute moisture evenly. Make sure the water is enough to reach the roots, but not so much that it erodes your soil or blocks oxygen from the roots.
Keep A Schedule
Try to water your plants when the soil is cool. When you water in the early morning or after dark, the plants have time to “prepare” themselves for the hot day ahead. You also protect the plants when you don’t go from wet to dry and back again. This can destroy the quality of your soil, and it’s healthier for the earth your plants are in to be consistently damp. Watering when it’s cool also prevents evaporation from depleting the moisture too much, which keeps your plants from drying out, and also wastes less water. That’s a win for the environment and your wallet!
Know Where to Water
Distribute water in a way that makes it easy for all your plants to grow. Get every side of the roots, so that growth isn’t lopsided and nutrients are fully absorbed. Take care not to spray water on the leaves, too. Leaves left wet overnight can grow mold, which leads to diseases and decay. When you water in the morning, wetting the leaves can lead to sunburn for your plants, since water droplets increase the glare from sunlight. Keep water at the roots so you don’t see damage to the outer portions of your plants.
Different Plants? Different Needs
Your plants will need more or less water depending on their size, whether they bear fruit, and where they sit on your property. We don’t just mean the difference between a cactus and a chrysanthemum, either! Fruits and vegetables are prone to cracking and splitting if they get too dry and then see water again. Likewise, overwatering can lead to rot, or make your vegetables into happy homes for local pests. Take note of your plants’ needs and take action to meet them.
And if you need to call in the professionals, for a consult, maintenance or regular care, ABCScapes is here for you! Give us a call at 602-404-0568.