If your garden looks more wilted each time temperatures climb, dont give up just yet.
What happens to plants when theyre exposed to extreme heat?
Just because plants rely on photosynthesisdoesnt mean unlimited sun is goodfor them.
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Plants have small pore-like openings called stomata, which help regulate the amount and distribution of water thats absorbed.
The stomata then opens upusually at nighttime when temperatures coolwhich regulates the plants temperature and reduces overall water loss.
This is why a heat waveplus the especially dry environment it causescan cause some serious problems.
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Humid heatcan wreak havoc on the system, too.
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How can you tell that your plants need a little extra care?
The short answer is that it really depends on the plant.
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Lawns will wilt, and theyll dull in appearance.
In the meantime, whats the solution for this predictability problem?
Checking your soils moisture.
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If you stick that probe down into the soil, itll slide through the moist soil, says Chamberland.
Its a nifty trick to figure that out.
Trees and other bigger plants need a significant soak so that the water reaches their large root systems.
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They apply a little bit of water every day, Chamberland says.
This can deprive the roots of your plants of oxygen, a vital part of their photosynthetic diet.
Just be sure to check the soilespecially when the temperature is highto ensure youre not over- or under-watering.
Cycle-and-soak irrigation can be done by hand, or integrated into alandscapes designwith more technical irrigation systems.
Adding drip irrigation to your planting areas really is a water saver, Fry says.
Starting the plants off in a stressful environment wont set them up for success.
At that time of the year, its stressful on a plant to be planted, Chamberland says.
They’re going, usually, from a pot into the soil, so the root environment is changing.
I cannot stress mulching enough, she says.
Mulching does so many things.
Its also nice to look at, but it decreases weeds.
So I cant stress mulching enougheven your container plants can benefit from mulching.
Just check that you still have enough water to maintain the mulch.
Simply move your potted plants toshadier areas(even inside will do) when the heat hits.
Even if they normally need full sunlight, this will give them the chance to cool down.
What types of plants thrive in extreme heat?
Luckily, many resources exist to help you identify the best choices for your backyard.
Fry suggests reaching out to your local master gardeners or botanical gardens to see which varieties they recommend.
Chamberland recommends looking intoplants that are nativeto your area so youre working with nature, not against it.
