Summer Gardening Tips: The Best Time To Water Plants In Hot Weather
Summer is in full swing and with the July heat bearing down on us, it’s time to take extra great care of your plants. When it comes to watering your garden, your first hope may immediately go to the natural rain. Most experts define “significant” rain as one inch and as a general rule, plants need that much every week. Depending on where you live, it can get even trickier to determine how much water your plants really need. When it comes to watering your plants by hand, it’s important to know the best time to water plants in hot weather.
Nature is rarely generous enough to give us a full inch of rain each week, so what can we do to help our plants continue to thrive in the summer heat? The easy answer: Water them. The more complicated answer: Water them correctly. Read on for a few quick tips on how to properly water your plants, and information on the best time to water plants in hot weather this summer from George Bernardon, our VP of Grounds Management at SSC Services For Education.
- Begin Watering With A Slow, Morning Soak
- Water The Roots, Not The Leaves
- Consider Shade Protection When Planting
While it can be tempting to put off watering your plants until you return home from work, starting early in the morning is actually the best way to encourage growth. Proper watering is a slow soak in the morning that will encourage roots out of the container medium. Use organic mulch that retains moisture for added protection. Do not water late in the day as leaves need time to dry, especially roses that will develop black spots when warm and moist.
Most plants absorb more water through their roots, rather than leaves. It’s important to water your plant’s roots slowly and deeply. Keeping most of the water off the leaves also acts as another way to protect your plants from developing black spots caused by moisture and humidity.
While it may be too late in the season to provide natural shade to your current garden, if you are just starting out or planning for next season, consider strategically planting trees. Study the position of the afternoon sun to determine where a tree will provide relief from the summer heat in the future, then make plans for fall planting.
Planting Tip: Fast-growing species are not usually long-lived and should be combined with others that your grandchildren can enjoy. Our VP of Grounds Management has had excellent success shading his home by planting fast-growing maples and tulip poplars along with slower oaks and beech.
Save your plants from stress this summer by following these helpful tips. Looking for more helpful information to use at home? Check out our Resource Center and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.