This summer in Southern Indiana and the Louisville area has been exceptionally hot, with temperatures rarely dipping below 90 degrees. This can have a detrimental effect on your meticulously planned landscape design, particularly on plants in certain growth stages.
Have you noticed dry soil, wilting plants, and increased susceptibility to pests? These could all be signs that your plants are suffering from extreme heat.
Luckily, most plants will bounce back if temperatures relent, but here are some things you can do to avoid permanent damage and keep your landscape design looking fresh throughout the season.
1. Mulch, Mulch, Mulch
Mulching is one of the most effective ways to protect your plants from extreme heat. Not only does it keep your plants cool, but it helps retain soil moisture.
How to Mulch:
- Apply a 2-4 inch layer of mulch around your plants.
- Ensure the mulch is spread evenly and not piled up against plant stems or tree trunks. (Saplings are some of your most susceptible plants to extreme heat, so this is an important point.)
2. Water Wisely
Watering your landscaping is extremely important to protecting your plants from heat, but not just in the way you might think.
Overwatering is actually one of the most detrimental things you can do to plants during heat waves, according to Karen Mitchell, a consumer horticulture extension specialist with Purdue Extension.
This happens because some plants protect themselves during extreme heat by going into a mode where they use less water.
Because of this, it’s recommended to deep water your plants every three days. This means making sure that your water actually goes past the surface and soaks into the soil.
Tip: Water your plants with a trickle rather than a blast. This increases the likelihood of deep water absorption.
You should also water your plants in the morning to prepare them for a long day of photosynthesizing in the sun. Water them too late and they won’t absorb the moisture properly.
3. Provide Shade
Protecting your plants from direct sunlight can prevent scorching and dehydration.
How to Provide Shade:
- Use shade cloths or garden fabric to cover delicate plants.
- Plant taller shrubs or trees to create natural shade for smaller plants.
- Consider building a permanent structure like a pergola.
- Consider building a permanent structure like a pergola.
4. Maintain Healthy Soil
Healthy soil can better retain moisture and support plant growth during heatwaves.
Improving Soil Health:
- Avoid using fertilizers or other chemicals during extreme heat as plants are stressed and may not absorb nutrients effectively.
- Add organic matter such as compost to improve soil structure and water retention.
5. Regular Monitoring and Maintenance
Regularly inspecting your landscape for signs of heat stress can help you address issues before they become severe.
Signs of stress include:
- Wilting
- Leaf rolling and cupping
- Dry leaf edges
6. Choose Heat-Tolerant Plants
Some plants can take the heat better than others. Incorporating heat-tolerant plants into your landscape design can ensure your garden thrives even in extreme conditions.
Best Heat-Tolerant Plants:
- Ornamental Grasses: These are a good plant-it-and-forget-it option as ornamental grasses are low maintenance survivors.
- Flowers: Limelight hydrangeas, Brown-Eyed Susans, and Coneflowers all do well in the heat.
- Shrubs: Good options include Blue Star Juniper, Lantana, and butterfly bush.
- Groundcovers: Sedum, Blue Fescue, and Moss Phlox are all drought-resistant landscaping options.
Final Thoughts on Protecting Your Landscape Design
A lot of time, effort, and money goes into crafting a beautiful landscape design. You don’t want to let a little heat ruin everything you’ve worked for.
That’s why monitoring for signs of heat damage and treating your plants accordingly is so important.
We hope this guide has helped you. And if you would like to create your own beautiful landscape design worth protecting, contact us here.
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