The summer is an exciting season for gardeners as it’s the time they see their flowers and plants thrive. However, the increasing temperatures make it even more important for gardeners to take extra care to ensure their plants are protected from the heat.
Hot weather can cause a series of issues for plants and flowers, including dehydration, reducing the ability to photosynthesize, and even causing sunburn. Therefore, while many celebrate and enjoy the balmy conditions, gardens can often suffer from the consequences. As a result, gardeners are being urged to avoid one task that would usually be done.
Woodlands Water has shared one job that all gardeners should avoid doing amid a heatwave and, with temperatures expected to reach 30C this week, all gardeners should take note of the advice.
Gardeners are being urged to avoid fertilising. Fertilisers provide plants with essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
As a result, it has many benefits for plants, such as forming healthy foliage, producing more fruits, faster growth, and establishing strong root systems.
However, while it may be helpful to use fertiliser during other seasons, the rules are a bit different in summertime.
The Woodlands Water website provides information on how to care for plants during a heatwave.
It states: “Fertilising during very hot weather can stress your plants further. Excess growth, lots of stems and leaves will outgrow the root system and create stress as the roots try to maintain the plant roots. It’s best to fertilise when the temperatures are cooler.”
Adding fertilisers to plants in one of the many gardening tasks that are advised not to do whilst temperatures are high to protect them.
Another protective measure you can use during a heatwave is to create shaded areas in your garden to help further protect your plants from any scorching heat.
Not only will the protective areas provide relief from the sun but they will also reduce water evaporation from the soil, which is another thing gardeners need to think carefully about.