As of the end of July, it is quite hot in the Pacific Northwest. Since it is usually cool and wet, this heat can take a toll on our plants. There are some useful tactics you can use to keep your plants healthy and enjoy gardening in this heat. What’s important is not to overwater or let things dry out. Instead, the soil should be consistently moist and hospitable for the plants.
Shade cover
One of the best ways to keep your plants from getting scorched is shade cloths. They come in many varieties and colors, giving a percentage of how much sun they block out. They usually range from 30% to 90%, which is the amount of light that will be blocked out. The tighter the weave will block out more light than a thinner weave. When placing the shade cloth, you want it at least high enough not to touch the plants, but I recommend putting it up high enough to walk underneath. This will protect your plants as well as make your gardening area much more pleasant to be in during these long, hot days.
Proper watering
Timing is important when watering during the summer. Early in the morning or late in the evening are the most optimal times to water. Watering during the middle of the day will evaporate much quicker and may also cause the plants to burn. When the water hits the plants’ leaves during the intense sun, it creates a sort of magnifying glass on the plants, burning them in the process. Watering deeper every few days is also much more beneficial than watering daily. This helps the plant keep a more consistent moisture level. Rather than watering the top few inches, the whole container or root system gets a much more even soak. This not only helps cut down on watering but also promotes the roots to go deeper in the soil, creating a much healthier plant.
Olla
Ollas are a very useful tool during the summer months. They have been used for around four thousand years, and the method is still helpful in today’s backyard gardens. An olla is an unglazed ceramic that is buried below the soil with only the top visible. You fill it to the top, and it slowly releases water as needed for the garden. These can be either made out of a couple of unglazed clay pots or purchased in many different shapes and sizes.
Mulch
Last but certainly not least is good old mulch. Mulch not only suppresses weeds from sprouting but also helps keep moisture in the soil. Helping black out the sun and heat from the soil surface. This cuts down evaporation and keeps the soil surface much cooler, stopping soil from cracking as well. Two to four inches of mulch would help a garden keep moister and much more consistent.
Green Garden Nursery 