Generally speaking, the heat stress of plants is manifested by withering, which is a clear sign of water loss. If ignored, the situation will worsen because the plant will eventually dry out and become brittle brown before dying. In some cases, yellowing of the leaves may occur.
On hot, dry days, plants lose more water through their leaves and if they can't replenish water quickly, they dehydrate, wilt, and eventually die. So, once it's hot, use a hand-held hose or underground sprinkler system to soak the soil around plants and lawns early in the morning and or after the sun goes down.
Here are their tips for dealing with the heat. Remember to grab a hat, lots of water, and sun protection gear of your own before heading into your garden.
1. Deep Watering
Deep watering is most effective since it goes right to the roots. Plan on deeply watering your garden frequently with a nice soak. Deep watering at the base of the plant for a long time is the best way to revive and protect plants because it coaxes roots deeper into the ground.
2. Use seaweed tonic
Nutrients apart from fertilizers will help your plants survive the hotter, drier months because the nitrogen in the fertilizer burns the roots of heat-stressed plants and forces them to grow instead of self-repair. Jenna Beck of Flower Power recommends using Seasol every week, which is a seaweed solution that can be used as a multivitamin to provide essential natural compounds and trace elements for strength and growth, especially root growth, which is essential for water absorption.
3. Setup some shade
Move your pots and planter boxes to the shady area of the garden or balcony, or combine them to provide shade for each other during hot months. If they need a little sunlight, place them where they can get sunlight in the morning or at night. Keep the pot away from heat-reflecting surfaces, such as light-colored walls and large glass windows and doors.
4. Do not prune or remove damaged foliage
The burnt brown upper leaves may look unappealing, but they are the first line of defense against the scorching sun and hot dry wind, at the expense of providing much-needed shade for the newer leaves and branches below (important next generation), and help keep the soil moist. So, put down the scissors and slowly leave the plant. You can do it! It's cold in the fall so you can cut everything.
5. Use mulch
Applying a layer of organic mulch after watering will insulate the soil from the heat and dry air while retaining moisture. With less water loss, you will not need to water too much, and another benefit of mulch-it helps prevent weeds!
6. Choose plants that can tolerate heat and drought
Choose plants that can adapt well to hot, dry conditions, such as the bottle brush and acacia (acacia) and other non-tropical native plants. They have efficient and robust root systems and tough, thin leaves, which can reduce water loss, succulents and Cacti can retain water in the leaves and use the stems when the soil dries out.
7. Invest in root-friendly soil
Soil that promotes deep water penetration and retains moisture and nutrients is essential for plants to survive and thrive in hot, dry climates. Use organic matter and sand to lighten heavy, dense soil so roots can grow deeper and water can penetrate more easily.
8. Avoid dark-colored containers
Avoid dark-colored containers, because dark-colored containers absorb more heat than light-colored containers and can fry plant roots. Try putting the potted plants in larger pots to provide them with some insulation and shade, but make sure both pots have a good drainage system. Plants will drown in standing water, even in very hot weather.
The heat stress of plants can also be identified by falling leaves, especially on trees. Many plants shed some leaves in an attempt to save water. In an overheated climate, many vegetable crops are difficult to produce. Plants such as tomatoes, pumpkins, sweet peppers, melons, cucumbers, squash, and beans usually bloom at high temperatures, while cold-season crops such as broccoli skyrocket. Flower end rot is also common in hot weather, most commonly in tomatoes, peppers, and pumpkins.