The heat is on and some simple gardening practices can protect your plants from suffering. It is tempting to automatically water plants on hot afternoons, but this is not always what’s best. On average, vegetables gardens need about one-inch of water per week. During a heat wave (above 90 degrees F) it may be necessary to water daily or every other day. Before adding water to your garden insert your finger one to two inches into the soil and check for moisture. If the soil is wet, hold off watering.
In advance of a heat wave consider adding several inches of straw mulch around your plants. This will help reduce evaporation from the soil and will regulate the soil temperature keeping plant roots cooler.
Make sure the plants are well-watered prior to the heat wave. Water as early as possible in the morning to reduce the amount of evaporation and prevent plants from drying out. Drip irrigation is ideal, but regardless of the method, avoid watering the leaves. Keep the source of water as close to the soil as possible. If you’re using sprinklers, opt for the type that keep the water spray closer to the ground to minimize evaporation.
Cynthia Domenghini, Extension Agent
