Can your Plants Handle

the DOG DAYS OF SUMMER?

(Grower Talk)

By: Ashley Borzick

Head Horticulturalist

Bloch’s Farm, Green Lake, WI

Everyone loves the summer, including plant materials. When it comes to the hottest days of the year, we’re ready to see those falling leaves!  Thee plants love the summer for the ideal growing conditions, but they sometimes can’t  handle the summer heat. There are many ways to help your plants through the summer heat. One way is to have water readily available. Use a hand watering wand to ensure the roots of the plants are getting adequate water, this is crucial on a 90 degree day. Another way to water efficiently is with soaker hoses or with drip irrigation.  Don’t assume that if your plant is wilting that it needs water, just like humans, plants can get heat stress. One sign of heat stress is wilting. Always check the soil moisture before watering especially during the hot weather.

Water wisely and water early in the morning before the heat of the day to minimize evaporation. Allow nature to do her share; you do not need to water your garden after a heavy rain. Water deeply and less frequently as opposed to shallow and frequent watering. Deep watering means deeper, more efficient root systems on your plants. Do not water your plants unless they need it. Mulch is a great way to help the plant retain water. 2-3 inches of mulch, such as double shredded bark or peat moss around the plant will help keep the soil moist. Make sure your gardens and landscapes are weed free. You don’t want your plants competing for the water and nutrients. Do not fertilize water stressed plants. The fertilizer will burn the plant and make it more susceptible to diseases.

One other solution is to plant drought resistant plants. There are many different varieties of plants out there that are beautiful and will handle the summer heat with out watering everyday.  A few examples of drought resistant perennials are; Sedums, Yarrows, most day lilies, and many varieties of ground-covers. There are many trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals that come in a variety of sizes and forms.   For a list of drought resistant plants, log on to www.blochsfarm.com or visit Bloch’s Farm Garden Center in Green Lake for a huge selection of drought resistant plants.

What do you want to learn about?  

 Email ashley@blochsfarm.com and she may pick your topic for the next article.