Heat Wave Watering
Question: The weather is heating up. Is it still safe to plant?
Answer: Heat stresses everyone and plants are no exception. August 11th in the San Joaquin Valley will be very hot. VERY HOT. Temperatures throughout the region will range from 105° to 111°F.
The most important thing to remember when it’s this hot is hydration. That’s the rule for us, for our pets and for our plants. It is okay to plant year round. Most plants will do fine as long as you remember to water newly installed plants separately from established landscapes.
Many containerized plants in the nurseries are watered daily during the warm summer months. Until a plant’s root system adapts to your soil conditions, it must be checked daily for watering needs. With new plantings, amended soils are sometimes more porous and water will drain past the plant’s root ball. Hand water with a garden hose independent of the irrigation system. Slowly water to saturate the root ball.
Check new plantings in the mornings and afternoons for water stress. A plant will appear sad with droopy leaves when it has moisture issues, water at the base of your plant slowly. Use a garden hose so the water saturates into the root ball. After watering, check 30 minutes later and the leaves should have perked back up.
For established yards, water first thing in the morning. With the heat, increase the watering time on your irrigation clock. Many irrigation clocks have water adjustments. Increase by 20 – 25%. With this feature you don’t need to change the irrigation times of the individual stations. After the heat wave, return the irrigation time back to its original setting.
Here are some heat tips for the avid gardeners.
· Eat regular, light, well-balanced meals and limit your intake of alcoholic beverages.
· Drink plenty of water. People who have epilepsy or heart, kidney or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
· Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
· Protect your face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
Answer: Heat stresses everyone and plants are no exception. August 11th in the San Joaquin Valley will be very hot. VERY HOT. Temperatures throughout the region will range from 105° to 111°F.
The most important thing to remember when it’s this hot is hydration. That’s the rule for us, for our pets and for our plants. It is okay to plant year round. Most plants will do fine as long as you remember to water newly installed plants separately from established landscapes.
Many containerized plants in the nurseries are watered daily during the warm summer months. Until a plant’s root system adapts to your soil conditions, it must be checked daily for watering needs. With new plantings, amended soils are sometimes more porous and water will drain past the plant’s root ball. Hand water with a garden hose independent of the irrigation system. Slowly water to saturate the root ball.
Check new plantings in the mornings and afternoons for water stress. A plant will appear sad with droopy leaves when it has moisture issues, water at the base of your plant slowly. Use a garden hose so the water saturates into the root ball. After watering, check 30 minutes later and the leaves should have perked back up.
For established yards, water first thing in the morning. With the heat, increase the watering time on your irrigation clock. Many irrigation clocks have water adjustments. Increase by 20 – 25%. With this feature you don’t need to change the irrigation times of the individual stations. After the heat wave, return the irrigation time back to its original setting.
Here are some heat tips for the avid gardeners.
· Eat regular, light, well-balanced meals and limit your intake of alcoholic beverages.
· Drink plenty of water. People who have epilepsy or heart, kidney or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
· Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
· Protect your face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
