Just like you and me, plants need protection from the heat

Because heat can negatively impact plant health, I spent the morning getting my plants ready for the week ahead. Lisianthus, planted here, does okay in hot temperatures, but I worried that this week’s extreme heat will be too much. Burlap allows light to filter in; it’s just not as intense.

It’s not beautiful, but it works: burlap over hoops made from 9-gauge galvanized steel coil smooth wire.

This is a little hard to make out, but I also mulched around the lisianthus plants to keep the soil cooler. Mulching with leaves and straw/grass helps keep the soil moist and the weed pressure down, both of which can reduce stress on the plant.

Grass clippings used to mulch around lisianthus.

Remember also to give your plants, trees, and shrubs lots of water this week. It’s best to water deeply early in the morning or later in the evening.

The Bob Vila website provides more information here about how to protect your plants from extreme heat: 14 ways to help your garden survive a heat wave.

Happy gardening and stay cool and hydrated!