Don’t waste your time struggling to revive annuals that are truly spent. Pull them out of containers or the garden and toss them into the compost bin or yard waste. Replace them with new plant material. If you do not have replacement plants waiting, mulch over the empty space in the garden.
Keep gardens well mulched. Mulch helps retain moisture in the soil and moderates soil temperature. Hot temperatures, hot soil and lack of moisture are deadly for plants.
Mulch can be a flammability hazard. Among organic mulches pine straw is highly flammable. It should not be used within 30 feet of your house or any wooden structure.
Pine bark (large and small nuggets) is not as readily ignitable as pine straw, but should not be used next to a wooden structure, either. Among wood mulches shredded cypress ignites more slowly and burns cooler and shallower than others.
During summer heat it is especially important to check regularly for pests. A few attackers can quickly build into a major invasion. Use a strong spray from your garden hose to diminish the insect population on plants. Follow up with soap spray or horticultural oil. If you find it necessary to use chemicals, always spray in the morning or evening. Read labels and pay attention to temperature restrictions during the hot weather.
Common bad boys of summer include aphids, grasshoppers, hornworms, lace bugs, leaf-footed bugs, spider mites, stink bugs and white flies.
Don’t apply fertilizer or insecticide to a dry plant that is under stress. Water the plant well and wait 24 hours. If you are using an insecticide keep the plant well watered and use a horticultural oil or soap. If you are fertilizing with liquid use half strength and keep the plant well watered. If you are adding a slow release fertilizer, water well before and after application.
Keep debris like dead leaves, spent blooms, dead plants and weeds cleaned out of your garden. They are the breeding ground for disease and insect pests
Heat takes a toll on gardeners, not only their plants. Work with the weather. Watch the weather forecast and take advantage of cloudy periods during the day. Make the most of a breezy day. Break jobs into short segments. If you do not accomplish a job during a comfortable work stint, finish it the next time out. Remember that gardening is an ongoing process without deadlines.
You may be surprised to find that with a breeze and shade gardening in the heat can be pleasant. You still need your hat and sunscreen, though.
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