Here in mid-Atlantic areas such as Silver Spring, Frederick, and West Virginia, we all know that it’s a challenge to care for annuals, perennials and other flowers and plants during the hot summer months! While everyone loves to have a beautiful garden all throughout the year, it is not easy to bring your plants through the hot weather in good condition. In order to do so, you need to have a plan in place, and you need to know what to watch for as you go. Hopefully, with the help of the information below, you can make sure your flowers and plants make it through the summer in great condition.
Watch for the Signs
One of the first things to know about caring for plants in hot weather is how to spot signs of trouble. If the hot weather is taking a toll on your plants, you may notice that the leaves begin to wilt as the temperatures soar. This is a sure sign that the plants are not getting the water they need to remain healthy. As time goes by and the plants lose more and more water, they will continue to dry up – until they reach a point where the leaves turn brown and the plant dies. You don’t want to let any of your plants get too far down this road, or you might not be able to recover them in time.
Water, Water, Water
It probably isn’t a surprise to hear that providing your plants with plenty of water is the number one objective during the hot season. By giving them an ample supply of water, you may be able to hold off the negative effects of the heat which were listed above. At a minimum you should be planning to water your plants once per day when the temperatures rise, and you might even need to go to twice a day for plants which receive a lot of sun. If you are caring for potted plants, it is smart to move them into a shaded location for at least part of the day when the weather is particularly warm.
Mulch is Your Friend
In addition to providing your plants with extra water, you can also do them a great favor by mulching liberally. Mulch can be thought of as insulation for your plants, as it will help to prevent the hot temperatures from overheating the plants and causing them to dry out. Adding just a few inches of mulch throughout your flower beds can work wonders.
Pay Attention
Perhaps the best tip you can receive when it comes to caring for your flowers during the summer is simply to pay attention to them. Plants can become dehydrated quite quickly in warm weather, so get into the habit of checking on them often. As long as you are keeping a close eye on their condition, you should be able to provide the water they need before it is too late. Gardening may be a bit of work, but it is certainly worth it when you look out and see all of those beautiful colors each morning!