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Arizona's extreme summer temperatures can be a serious problem for gardeners. Plants that are continuously exposed to intense heat can experience heat stress, where the leaf is scorched, sunburned and can become droopy. High temperatures can also cause toxin buildup in plants, resulting in bitter fruit and at times irreversible damage. To avoid heat stress, there are a few things you can do to protect your plants: Evaluate water usage
Installing a watering spike or a drip irrigation system will ensure your plants are receiving enough water. Also, consider using mulch, water retention products, and organic materials-such as compost-to retain water and insulate your soil. Provide more shade
Shade your plants in order to give them a break from the hot sun, but continue to allow some sun exposure. Using a simple garden shade cloth is the most popular way to block heat. The cloth can be strung across supports in areas prone to excessive heat exposure. Increase wind-breaks
Wind can severely dry out soil, plants, and mulch. Fencing your garden can be an effective way to protect your plants from the wind. However, a garden with no air circulation can turn into a heat trap, so install a fence that allows some air movement. Take care of your seeds
Young seeds have a difficult time sprouting in the heat. Help seeds germinate quickly by soaking them in water overnight prior to planting. When planting during the hot summer months, place seeds in the soil deeper than usual. It's also important for gardeners to know that heat affects some plants more than others: Many vegetable plants will refuse to blossom in intense heat. Providing your vegetables with a reliable and abundant water supply will encourage them to keep budding. Small and flowering shrubs with delicate green leaves can become extremely weak from the heat. Gently trimming and misting these plants will promote more leaf growth. Lettuce and leafy greens can become wilted and dried out as they bask in the summer heat. Keeping these plants consistently and heavily shaded will help them stay fresh. Removing weeds helps reduce competition for scarce moisture, protecting plants that are more susceptible to the heat. Maintaining your garden through the summer months can be a challenge, but it can be done. As long as you put in the effort, your plants can survive the heat and thrive for months to come. Jim LaBrie is the owner of Bug & Weed Mart, a do-it-yourself retail chain that specializes in bug and weed prevention. To learn more about pest prevention and protection you can visit www.bugweedmart.com or on Facebook www.facebook.com/bugandweedmart.
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gardening, summer, plants, heat stress, mulch, shrubs, vegetables,
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