To say Canadian summers are hot is an understatement. High heat and heavy humidity make us feel like doing nothing but staying indoors with the AC on full blast. If you’re feeling the heat, just think about how your poor plants are feeling. On the hottest summer days, taking care of your plants can feel like a tedious task. And for many of us without a green thumb, knowing how to properly water your plants can be challenging. Read on to learn how to best water your plants in summer without breaking a sweat.
Time Check
When taking care of your plants, timing is everything! Firstly, avoid watering when the sun is out and already shining on them. Watering in full sun is not detrimental, but the plants will thrive better having absorbed their water first. The best time to water your plants in the summer is before the sun comes up, or after it has gone down for maximum flourishment and growth. If you tend to be someone who forgets to water or is too busy, try inquiring with a professional about installing a sprinkler system! This way you can ensure your plants are getting the water they need when they need it.
Sad Plants
Sad plants are easy to spot as they will look drooped or wilted. This can occur from a few different factors, but heat deprivation is the most prevalent. Check back at night after a long hot day to see if temporary heat stress is the cause. Give them a load of water and come back in the morning to see if they rise and look happy again. If they still look sad, there may be a more serious issue of diseases or pests. Tip: This can also happen from overwatering, so make sure you check the dampness of the soil prior to watering again.
Annuals vs Perennials
There are many differences between annuals, that only last one season, and perennials which will come back each year, that require them to have different care.
Annuals need a tremendous amount of water because they do not have deep roots to source and store it. If possible, water these plants daily to keep them in top shape. If the soil on top is dry, do not waste time before watering again!
Perennials are not as high maintenance, since they are more established and stronger. Their deeper root systems will allow them to survive without water a lot longer. Watering once or twice a week will likely suffice for most perennials. Make sure you water their soil directly and not the head to allow the water to be fully absorbed.
Trees & Shrubs Should Not Be Snubbed
The deeper the root the less attention needed, but that doesn’t mean no attention at all. Rainfall can sometimes be enough for older plants. However, this does not mean that watering them won’t benefit their growth. While transporting these ones, make sure you water twice a week to ensure they survive their trip. For longer-lived trees and shrubs, watering directly into the root system until the top 8 inches are very wet is your best call. Tip: Watering after a light rainfall can be the most beneficial strategy to reach a deeper level of the soil.
Container Plants
In this category of plants, there are fewer restrictions on when and how to water, just remember they need a lot of it! The more care, the more flourishing you will see. Since their drainage is constant, and they don’t hold onto water well, try going for a bigger container. This will allow the water to be held for longer before leaving the container, giving the plant more to drink from. If you do choose a bigger container you won’t have to water as often, but twice a day will still be ideal for an average-sized pot.
Much like humans, each plant has its own recipe for success. Scorching summer months can be very harsh on all greenery, especially during heatwaves. This makes it extremely important to be attentive and notice if your plants are struggling. Now that you know the best way to water your plants in the summer, you can get started to get some help. Connect with a pro who can install a sprinkler system for you so you can ensure your plants are getting the water they need. Watering your plants can be a delicate process, but watching them grow will be rewarding!
