Hot-weather gardening tips: more water and mulch, fewer weeds and pests

By BRAVETTA HASSELL World Scene Writer on Jul 6, 2013, at 2:26 AM Updated on 7/06/13 at 7:25 AM

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Water will be best absorbed when temperatures are cooler, but don’t wait to water if your plants are showing signs of heat-stress. MATT BARNARD/ Tulsa World

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Tulsa made it through a treacherous and hot week last month, and don’t think we’re out of the woods yet.

Here are a few hot weather gardening tips to keep in mind as we march toward the thick of summer. Keeping an eye on your garden – observing your plant beds, shrubs and trees – will help you decide how to remedy problem areas that crop up during this season.

Weeds

During the summer, weeds have a way of seemingly springing up overnight, stealing away the nutrients the plants you want to survive need. Get rid of them by picking them out by hand.

Water

Be mindful of the weather forecast. When you see a cool day appearing soon on the horizon, hold off watering until then. That way more of the water is absorbed by the soil and plant roots as opposed to being vaporized by the heat. But if your plant is showing signs of heat-stress, water as soon as possible.

The amount of water needed will vary based on the plant variety, so pay attention to labels. Beyond that, when you do water, do it early in the morning if possible. During the hottest stretches of the summer, think about watering deeply (longer) and less frequently.

When it comes to container plants, you already know they will dry out the fastest – the smaller the container, the quicker. Check the soil, but plan on watering pots once to twice a day when weather really heats up.

Mulch

Mulch, mulch, mulch. It keeps plant beds warmer in the winter and in the summertime holds in moisture for your plants to use. Protect your garden beds and tree zones with it.

When considering what mulch to put down around perennials and shrubs, check with the OSU Extension Office to find out what mulch is most appropriate.

Fertilizers, pesticides

In terms of fertilizing, some light feeding of a stressed-out plant may be helpful.

For pest control, pick them off if you can. Strong blasts of water can propel some harmful critters off your plants as well.

And try to stay away from chemicals. During the summer’s most intense heat, your plants will have enough to deal with from environmental conditions. Chemicals also drive pollinators away.

Bravetta Hassell 918-581-8316

bravetta.hassell@tulsaworld.com