As our summer seasons get hotter, keeping your garden happy is becoming more of a challenge. However, with a few of these tips, you can help your plants not only survive but also flourish in the heat.
Mulching
Mulch acts as a protective barrier for your plants. It helps retain soil moisture, keeps the roots cool, and suppresses weeds. Organic mulches like straw, leaf mould, or compost are excellent choices. Apply a 2-3 inch layer around your plants, being careful not to pile it up against the stems.
Watering Wisely
The CRD has recently updated their recommended water times for gardens and they now suggest to water between 4-10am and from 7-10pm to reduce the demand on our municipal water supplies. That also happens to be the best time to water your plants because it reduces water loss due to evaporation and allows the roots to absorb moisture more effectively. Deep watering is better than frequent shallow watering, as it encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil and become more drought-tolerant.
Soil Care
Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden. Regularly adding organic matter to the soil such as compost, enriches the soil microbiome which enhances your soil's water-holding capacity and provides essential nutrients to your plants, making them more drought resilient!
Shade and Shelter
Some plants are more sensitive to intense sunlight. Providing shade with old bed sheets, shade cloth, or even strategically placed taller plants can protect them from scorching. Also, keep in mind to move your pots and containers to shadier spots if needed.
Pruning and Deadheading
Regular pruning helps improve air circulation and reduces the risk of plant diseases, this is especially important for shrubs and trees. Deadheading which is the act of removing spent flowers before the plant has gone to seed, encourages plants to produce more blooms. This not only keeps your garden looking neat but also promotes continuous growth.
Pest Control
Summer brings a variety of pests. Keep an eye out for aphids, spider mites, and other common garden pests that like to take advantage of stressed plants. There are many organic and natural remedies available to treat pests before using pesticides. Better yet, try inviting beneficial insects such as hoverflies, lacewings and ladybugs that can help keep the pest population in check.
Proper Plant Selection
Choose plants that are well-suited to your climate. Native plants or those known for their drought tolerance can withstand summer conditions better than most ornamental plants. Grouping plants with similar water needs together can also make watering more efficient. If you've noticed a particular plant has been suffering from heat or drought stress for multiple years, perhaps it's time to reconsider if that plant is in the right location. Some good options are to transplant it to a more suitable part of your yard or replace it with something more drought-tolerant to adapt to our new climate reality.
Fertilization
Feed your plants with a balanced organic fertilizer to support the soil health and the health of the plants during the summer. A great organic fertilizer to use is Gaia Green All Purpose!
Take Care of the Gardener
Don't forget to take care of yourself while tending to your garden. Stay hydrated, wear a hat, and take breaks in the shade to avoid heat exhaustion.
By following these tips, you can help your garden survive and even thrive during the hot summer months. Happy gardening!
