Gardening Tips: How to Beat the Summer Heat

by Stephen Gent, Owner
McDade's Nursery
Stephen has 14+ years of experience in horticulture as Publisher and Marketing Director for Nursery Management and Production, Greenhouse Management and Production and Garden Center magazine. An avid gardener with a lifelong passion for plants, he enjoys sharing his knowledge and experience with customers.

With temperatures in excess of 100 degrees and a severe lack of rain in the Cedar Creek Lake area, your landscape and garden plants are experiencing extreme heat stress. Here are a few simple tips for lake home owners and gardeners to keep your yards looking their best during the summer heat.

First, don't give up on your plants. All because leaves turn brown and drop doesn't necessarily mean the plant is dead. Some trees and shrubs naturally react to heat stress by dropping leaves. Give them some tender loving care and wait to see if they recover. Don't write-off your plants just yet.

Make sure you are watering on a regular basis. The recommendation is to water 2-3 times a week in the morning, if possible. Be sure to water long enough so the root system grows deep rather than staying close to the soil surface.

Check your irrigation system for leaks, clogs or breakages to make sure water is getting to all areas in your lawns and beds. If you water out of the lake, make sure your pump is operating correctly.

Adjust the height of your lawn mower blade to allow your grass to grow taller during the summer months. A thicker turf will be protected from the heat and will require less watering.

Plants in hanging baskets or pots require more attention as they can dry out very quickly. A granular product called 'Soil Moist' when added to your soil will help retain water and reduce the need for frequent watering.

Check your garden regularly for insects and fungi. Plants with heat stress are more prone to disease. If you find a problem, take care of it as soon as possible using a recommended insecticide or fungicide. Both organic and non-organic products are available to stop and protect against insects and fungi.

Applying a fresh layer of mulch will reduce water evaporation and keep the soil temperature cooler helping plants to survive the heat, especially in the late afternoon and early evening. Mulching also saves on watering and always improves the appearance of your landscape.

There are plants that produce beautiful blooms here at the lake in the summer and actually thrive in the current heat wave. For sun loving plants look for vinca, purslane, Spanish moss, portulaca, zinnia, hibiscus, potato vine, lantana, pentas and esperanza. In the shade caladiums, impatiens, ferns and nicotiana provide excellent color. We stock these plants at McDade's Nursery.

Remember, it will get cooler soon! September is just around the corner. As the days become shorter, day and nighttime temperatures will drop, weather patterns will change and we'll start to see rain again in the forecast.

Looking ahead, Fall is the best time to plant, especially larger shrubs and trees. Planting in September, October or November allows the root systems to get established during the winter months. When Spring arrives the plant is acclimatized to its new environment and is ready to put out strong leaves, new top growth and lots of flowers.

Happy Gardening!

Stephen

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