The Heat Is On

As temperatures increase in the summer, gardeners often get discouraged to see newly planted material wilt in the heat. Some are quick to give up on plants and pull them out of the ground. This is usually not necessary. Patience and some helpful habits are keys to surviving hot Utah summers.

 Don’t plant trees, shrubs, or flowers when temperatures exceed 90 degrees. Excessive heat puts extra stress on plant material—especially when just planted. If possible, hold off planting until September 1^st. Not only is it cooler, but days are shorter, allowing more nighttime hours for plants to recover and hydrate.

 If you cannot wait until fall, try to plant in the evening, giving plants at least 12 hours to acclimate.

 Use mulch. I know I say this a lot but that’s because it can make such a difference, especially in hot weather. Mulch (gravel or bark) moderates soil temperature and helps it to retain moisture. These factors reduce stress in trees, shrubs and flowers. Mound mulch at least two inches thick around the base of all plants.

 Water deeply every other day.  Watering every other day provides sufficient moisture for the roots while still encouraging roots to grow deeply to find water. If spray sprinklers water your trees and shrubs, try to water them deeply once a week with the hose. Resist the urge to water every day.

 Don’t fertilize.  You may think that fertilizer would help your plants adjust more quickly and overcome transplant shock. But this is not true. Fertilizer forces the plant to grow as well as adjust to its new environment, further stressing the plant. Withhold fertilizer until the following spring.

 Accept that in the heat, your new plants may not look their best. This is where patience comes into play. Heat stresses plants. If you have put down mulch and are watering regularly, wait for cooler weather to see what your trees and shrubs can do. Sure enough, you will see new growth emerge as soon as temperatures drop. Do keep nursery receipts so that if your plant materials fail, you can exchange them for new material.