Gardening for hot climates
For the last 2 months walking out my front door I am hit with an oppressive, sweltering sauna. The temperatures at 6 AM have been 80 degrees and by 11:00 AM the heat index is over 100 degrees. For those of us who love gardening the heat brings a new level of caution not only to us but to our plants as well. Not only are the temperatures cautionary, in Sarasota and surrounding areas we have had very little rainfall. Our normal afternoon showers have been more like 3-4 times in the last several months. Much like your body feels stressed in the heat our plants do as well. Anyone who lives in a hot climate knows the heat is normal but the summers are very long. I try to see the bright side though and realize when the rest of the United States is under a blanket of cold I am outside (in my shorts) still tending to my garden and have blooming plants 12 months a year, not just in the summer. There are trade offs for those of us who love our plants and gardening. I have a few extra steps I have to put in place during the summer months to protect myself and my plants. This year alone I almost had heat exhaustion, I’ve had several heat rashes and many of my plants are stressed out. I personally enjoy being in my garden no matter the heat so I figure out how best to work outside. I spend my morning in the part of my garden that heats up first and worst. By the time it feels like I am inside my childhood easy-bake-oven I’m finished and I move on to the side and back garden that’s shaded until late afternoon, but I can still work under my shade house where the temps are tolerable, plus we have a large shop fan that I can use to keep my skin cool.
Here are a few of my tips with links to what I personally have used.
Choose plants that are drought tolerant, native and Florida Friendly. These plants are accustomed to our heat and lack of rain. When new plants are installed they need to be watered every day for a week, then every other day for another 2 weeks. Once established it is best to carefully watch your plants for signs of stress.
If possible install micro-irrigation, if you do not have an irrigation system. I did this for my front garden and found it not only to be fairly easy to install but cost effective and more efficient watering for my plants. I used this Rainpoint Sprinkler Programmable Timmer to attach to my water hose spout. I’ll do a separate post on what I used to install the system, but this is very helpful.
Wear proper clothing to be outside in the heat. Not only do you need to wear moisture wicking, loose fitting clothing but protecting your skin from sun using arm sleeves and hats are key. My favorite sleeves are Farmers Defense and my favorite hat is Hemlock Hat Company. I also found I need clothing that doesn’t move around much on my skin. I sweat a lot and the more I sweat the more my clothes start to move around creating heat rash. For the ladies, these are my new go to shorts to wear alone or under my overalls. They are very comfy and soft yoga/biker shorts. I don’t have to tug or move them and they dry fast.
Along the lines of protecting your skin…. I learned the hard way the more you sweat heat rash and chaffing is an issue. A friend of mine told me about Lume and it’s a game changer. My favorite scent is Clean Tangerine and I use both the cream deodorant and the invisible cream deodorant. I put it everywhere my clothes may rub and I have NO more heat rashes. Also wear your sunscreen and sunscreen lip balm. I’m a huge Sun Bum fan. It smells nice and does the job.
Purchase a $1 bandana. Wet it and tie around your neck loosely. For even better cooling effects, place in the freezer or fridge prior to going outside.
Lastly but most important. HYDRATE! I can’t tell you how important this is. I almost had heat exhaustion at the beginning of the summer. It was not pleasant. Drinking water only if you are outside for too long will not replace the electrolytes lost sweating. I keep two bottles with me outside. One with just cold water and another with my homeade Gatorade. I put 4 cups of filtered water in a blender, add 1/4 cup of lemon juice, 1/2-2/3 cup of orange juice, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey and 1/8-1/4 teaspoon of Himalayan Salt. Blend in the blender and put in an insulated tumbler. Alternate between drinking the electrolyte drink and water throughout your day.
Listen to your body and have fun. I turn on some tunes and dance my way to digging holes or pruning. I’m sure the neighbors either laugh at me or think I’m crazy but between the singing and dancing I can forget how hot it is for just a minute. Enjoy your garden and if it’s too hot for you… then leave it! If you are the crazy plant lady like me then go for it, but with precaution. I garden not only because I love plants, but it keeps me grounded. I hope it does for you too.
Always keep growing,
Tenille
*** links are affiliate links to Amazon where I do receive commission or to my website
