As landscapers, there are many things we can do for you to make and keep your landscaped garden looking at its best. However, one power we do not have is being able to control the weather. Much as it would make our lives, and those of our clients, easier, we have to leave how hot it gets in the hands of Mother Nature, although given the focus on climate change and global warming, it would seem the human race is also beginning to influence how hot it gets.
Unfortunately, for much of the plant life that might be growing in your landscaped garden, extreme temperatures, especially for prolonged periods, are not conducive to them thriving. We might include in a landscape design many plants that are native to the area and thus are more attuned to a warmer climate. However, that does not mean they should not be given some protection from consistent extreme heat.
Thankfully, there are many ways that you can protect the plant life in your landscaped garden, and if you read on, you will discover seven of our top tips, which we provide to all our clients if they are concerned about the high temperatures in their local area being a problem.
Install Shade Cloths
Just as animals and us humans will head for shade in baking hot sunshine, that same principle applies to your plants, although, unfortunately, they cannot move, so they rely on you. You can create shade for your most sensitive plants using anything you like. However, the best solution is shade cloths or sail shades, which can be placed throughout your garden.
Add Organic Matter To Your Soil
In hot temperatures, water evaporation is an issue, so you want to help maximise the water that remains within the soil that reaches roots. One way this can be achieved is by adding organic matter to the soil. Compost and even manure can be used, which act like sponges so more moisture is retained within the soil rather than evaporating due to heat.
Add Mulch To Your Soil
Every landscape gardener knows how beneficial mulch can be, and here is another example. Mulch helps keep the soil cool. Therefore, it reduces the amount of moisture that is lost to evaporation. Not only can mulch be used to cool plant and flower beds, but they are also ideal for cooling potted plants too.
Let Your Lawn Grow Longer Than Usual
There is a very simple way to help the grass on the lawn help itself, and that is to mow it to a higher height than you would normally. With longer grass blades, they act as a shade for the lawn and the soil they are growing in.
Increase Watering Frequency
Logic tells us that when the temperatures reach high levels, the amount of moisture evaporates increases. Although providing shade and cooling your garden where possible helps, you can go further by increasing the frequency at which you water your plants and lawn. Be careful not to over water, though.
Only Water In The Morning Or Evening
A further tip regarding watering your garden is that you should water out at the times when temperatures are at their highest so that more water is retained in the soil. This means watering in the morning and evening when it is somewhat cooler than it is in the middle of the afternoon.
Move Potted Plants Out Of Direct Sunlight
Whilst many of the plants, bushes, flowers, and trees in your landscaped garden cannot be moved, some plants can be. Specifically, it is your potted plants we are referring to here, so, whenever possible, you should move them out of direct sunlight to keep them cool.