Hot weather has adverse effects on plants, but the sun and heat also have an impact on gardeners. The last week of June was brutal due to the heat and high heat index. We didn’t set any records, but at the same time, it was a very tough week to be working outside during the day.
My advice is simple: know yourself and your limits. You want to understand how to reduce or minimize heat stress or heat-related illnesses. Here at The Great Big Greenhouse, we encourage staff to take frequent breaks to cool down, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, wear a hat, and apply sunscreen. Most of us have no choice but to be out in the sun and heat. It’s our job.
WATER WISELY THIS MONTH
To minimize July heat stress on yourself and your plants, try to complete your outdoor chores and watering as early in the morning as possible. I do hand watering. I watered all my containers this morning around 5:30. Birds were out and singing. Sunrise was pretty. I enjoyed my “therapy”. If you don’t do hand watering, then the next best option is drip irrigation or using a soaker hose. And, try to concentrate all your watering on the soil. You can add some fresh mulch around your plants. I add some mulch to my containers. Mulch helps to keep the soil cooler and moist longer.
WEED, WEED, WEED
Don’t let weeds overtake your garden or landscape. Unwanted weeds will take moisture out of the soil as well as nutrients. When it is hot and sunny, weeding is best done either early in the morning or later in the evening when the sun is less intense. If you water first then weeds are a little easier to pull up. Try to get as much of the root system as possible. A fresh layer of mulch can also help control weed growth.
RIGHT PLANT / RIGHT LOCATION
I stress this point all the time. Plant survival is based knowing the plants’ needs when it comes to sun exposure. Knowing your plants requirements will help to maximize plant vigor and health throughout the growing season. If it is a hot and dry location then you want to choose plants that are sun and drought tolerant. Keeping all this in mind will then lead to less maintenance for the plant which means less time needed outside in July.
FOR US GARDENERS – HEAT RELATED ILLNESSES
The majority of heat related illnesses such as early heat illness or fainting, heat cramps, heat rash, and heat exhaustion – are considered minor. BUT, IT’S TIME TO GET INTO SOME SHADE OR INDOORS WHERE IT IS COOLER. The one heat related illness considered major is heat stroke. This can be life threatening.
It is summer. It is July in Richmond. We know it is hot and humid this time of year. Be smart and be careful in this July heat.
Take care of yourself & plant a little happiness in July!!!!!!!!!!!