Diary of a Gardener Combating The Heat of Summer
August and September in Florida are always the hottest and steamiest months of the year. While the northern states are gearing up for fall, we are still in the throes of summer. Our gardens are starting to wane, flowers are wilting, pests are taking over, weeds are growing exponentially, daily waterings do not seem to be enough. It is hot and humid to the point that stepping outside takes your breath away. Considering the heat cranked up in May and has not let up, by August us Floridians are tired of sweating and pampering our gardens just to keep them alive until October. Throw in the threat of tropical storms and hurricanes and it is a Florida gardeners’ nightmare.
Here are a few tips to keep your garden and you going until our nightly temperatures cool down and the daytime temperatures will follow shortly.
Water early in the morning, preferably before sunup or as close to sunup as possible. The water will have dried on the leaves before the sun can burn them and as the temperatures slowly (not so slowly) heat up, the plant has time to wake up and prepare for the day. If hand watering, water at the roots.
Water as often as your plant is telling you. There are many drought tolerant plants out there that can live in this heat with little to no watering, but there are plants that will require extra waterings in extreme heat. However, on the other side of that, some plants show signs of wilt when their roots are rotting. If you have been watering consistently and the plant is still wilting, check its roots are not damaged by rot or a pest.
Drink plenty of water prior to a day of gardening and then continue to consume several ounces of water each 30 minutes to stay hydrated. Water is often not enough, some type of electrolyte drink or powder or even home aid drink of juices and salt will help to keep your body from dehydrating. Also remember to eat to keep your blood sugar up.
Work as early as possible. I work in my front garden where the sun is hottest, during the morning hours before the heat gets too hot. Then I move to the sides and back where there is shade coverage.
Wear a large, brimmed hat. I love my Hemlock Hat and Farmers Defense hats. They are straw hats, so they breathe but keep my head, face and shoulders sheltered from the sun. They keep me cooler and from getting sunburnt. Also remember to wear loose-fitting clothing and sunscreen. I also wear arm sleeves to keep my arms from being sunburnt and scratched, but they also help keep my arms cooler because when I sweat it cools my arms off.
Monitor your plants OFTEN for pests. In the heat, lack of rain and too much rain, pests are rampant. You are your number one line of defense against pests. If you are not monitoring, then be assured you will have pests. I feel like every August the mealy bugs decide to make their way onto plants as well as thrips and aphids. Prune, spray with the water hose, use non-chemical methods of treatment before trying chemical controls. It is called Integrated Pest Management. Only use chemical pesticides when all else has failed and the threat of the plant dying is at risk.
Add umbrellas and shade clothes to protect plants in extreme heat.
Lastly, but should have been number one, plant drought tolerant, heat tolerant plants preferably Florida native plants and/or Florida Friendly plants. The more native and Florida Friendly plants your landscape has the better. Those plants have proven to us they can withstand what weather the Florida sunshine dishes out.
Summers are not for the faint of the heart in Florida. You either deal with it or stay inside. Our plants do not get that option though. If you are looking for a landscape that can withstand the heat and does not need additional waterings, schedule a consult with me. We can help design you a drought tolerant landscape that will continue to look nicely during the summer months.
If you are interested in the Farmers Defense hats or arm sleeves, use the discount code butterfliesandblossomsfl to receive 10% off your entire order. I do receive a small commission when that code is used, but you also get a discount.
