Garden Heat Wave Protection:What measures should be adopted to protect balcony garden plants during heat waves? What is the right time to water plants in hot summer and why? Which plants can easily survive in extreme heat and heat wave conditions?
Maintaining a balcony garden in hot summer is a very difficult task. Strong sunlight, hot walls and scorching pots have a bad effect on plants. Due to the increasing heat wave in cities like Delhi, Noida, Jaipur, Lucknow and Mumbai, plants start withering within a few days. The leaves start drying up. However, by taking proper care and adopting some easy measures, you can keep your balcony garden safe.
Make arrangements for shade for plants in advance
Often people wait until the leaves of the plants start scorching, but by then a lot of damage has already been done. Strong sunlight can be reduced by installing green shade net, bamboo curtains or cotton sheets in the balcony. Especially in the west facing balcony, the afternoon sun causes the most harm.
Irrigation at the right time and deeply
The best time to water during heat wave is considered to be before 8 am. Instead of watering lightly, soak the soil thoroughly so that the roots can get deep moisture. Check the soil by inserting two inches of your finger, if the soil seems dry then water it.
Do mulching in pots
Mulching is the easiest way to maintain soil moisture. Dry leaves, coconut husk, chaff or coco peat can be used for this. Due to this, the soil does not dry out quickly and the temperature of the roots also remains controlled.
Reposition plants as per their need
In every balcony, some parts are hotter and some are relatively cooler. Place delicate plants near a wall, under a table or in a place where direct sunlight is limited. Basil, mint, spinach and small plants need special protection.
protect roots from heat
Heat affects not only the leaves but also the roots. Black plastic pots get hot quickly. Instead use terracotta or light colored pots. Covering the pots with jute or sack also provides additional protection to the roots.
Stop fertilizing in extreme heat
Plants are already under stress during a heat wave. Applying fertilizer at such times may put additional pressure on the roots. If the leaves are turning yellow or curling, instead of applying fertilizer immediately, pay attention to shade, water and soil moisture.
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Choose heat tolerant plants
Some plants can naturally withstand hot weather better. Plants like bougainvillea, aloe vera, snake plant, jade plant, rosemary and hibiscus grow well even in bright sunlight. Whereas lettuce and some delicate flowering plants require extra care in summer.
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