The heatwave is currently raving India, jeopardizing the flow of normal life. Here, not only human but also plant lives require rescue.
As India faces a severe heatwave with temperatures crossing 50 degrees, this article provides eight crucial tips for protecting garden plants from extreme heat.
Let’s start!
Don’t use more fertilizers: During the heatwave period, fertilizers should be kept to a minimum, as applying too much causes stress in plants; the more the stress the more water is needed. However, in heatwave time, the plants need to conserve as much water and energy as they can to survive.
Shade them well: Use a shade cloth to provide immediate relief from heat. It also blocks direct sunlight and reduces the temperature around them.
Shield them from dry wind: Heatwave conditions bring dry winds along with them. Dry wind causes dehydration in plants and dry out soils. So, use tools like old sheets and wooden panels to shield the plants from dry wind.
Move your plants around: Most people like placing plants on a balcony or terrace. However, in balcony areas, plants are likely to get direct sunlight which can cause some serious damage to them. Hence, it’s better to move plants to shady areas.
Water well: Watering well during the time of heatwave is essential. However, it needs to be done right during early morning and evening to avoid evaporation and let the roots grow deeper.
Prune the plants: Plants with dead or damaged leaves and branches become more stressed during the heatwave and peak time of the day. Trimming and cutting those dead parts reduces stress and allows them to grow well.
Place the plants together: During the peak time of the day between 11-2 pm, group plants together. Their water and shade create a microenvironment that retains humidity and reduces total water loss.
Mulching: Acting as an insulating layer, mulching with straw, leaves, wood chips, or compost shields soil from heat, creating a cool and hydrating environment around your plant.