How To Protect Your Garden & Plants During a Heatwave

There is always at least a week or two of searing hot temperatures in the summer, which is great if you love the heat (and are fortunate to have air conditioning) … but what about your garden?

The heat can definitely be tough on your plants and shrubs. Shallow surface roots usually struggle when the heat dries out the top few inches of soil. This is why it’s really important to keep a close eye on things.

Here are some things that you can do as protective measures for your garden and plants:

Apply a layer of mulch around your plants, such as dry grass clippings to act as the first line of defense. This will protect the soil from direct sun exposure and help keep it moist around the surface. It will also help to prevent water from evaporating super quick.You can also use bark mulch around your shrubs, which prevents weed growth, helps conserve water, and shades the soil. Just be aware that the bark mulch may contain weed seeds that could end up invading your soil.

Water your plants, garden beds, and grass early in the morning. Not only will it be more comfortable for you at this time of day, but when you do this when the temperatures are a bit cooler, there is going to be less sprinkler water lost due to wind … and again, less water evaporation. This can also help prevent “heat scald”. This is when you risk damaging leaves that are watered at the same time that the sun is overhead

Cover your plants and garden with a protective cover / shade cloth for temporary relief from the sun. You will be able to purchase these at your local garden center. Just be sure not to completely enclose them.

Because the heat will be the hardest on your transplants, it is probably a good idea to wait for the heat wave to pass to actually transplant them. The root systems of transplants are shallow and more prone to drying out from being close to the surface.

Maintain a lawn of at least 3 inches high in really hot periods. The taller grass will be more protective, as well as cast shadows and help the soil retain moisture.

Don’t apply any fertilizers until the weather cools down. During extreme heat, the plant roots won’t be able to properly absorb the nutrients.

For landscaping services in the Coquitlam area (Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows), including strata and commercial landscape maintenance, please call ATC Landscape for a FREE estimate at: 604-720-2853