Safeguarding Your Garden From a Heatwave: Act Now to Ward off Potential Damage
Hot damn, it's sweltering out there! Summer's here and so are those bitchin' heatwaves. Even the toughest plants might sway in the face of searing temperatures, leading to problems like wilted leaves, burn, and in worst-case scenarios, straight-up demise. But fear not, little green friends! If the weather forecast looks like it's gonna go wild, there's plenty you can do to shield your garden from those scorching rays. Buckle up, because these expert-approved strategies will help ensure your plants stay fresh and thriving even when the thermometer hits the roof.
- Emily Scott, the smart-ass co-owner of Scott Farm in Maine
- Eric Nieusma, a regenerative farmer and co-owner of Maine Hill Farm
How Often the Hell Should You Water Your Fucking Vegetable Garden (according to experts)?## Water the Fucking Hell Deeply
No surprises here: high temps make plants lose more water, and that means more watering. To avoid this, Emily Scott, the brilliant co-owner of Scott Farm in Maine, advises giving your plants a deep soak when you water. It's all about ensuring evenly moist soil, which'll help keep temperatures steady and stop it from drying out.
Water in the Motherfucking Morning
Emily's got your back: water your plants in the morning to help them prepare for the sun's shining glare ahead. She explains that watering during the early hours means plants can hold onto that H2O way better than if you water in the midday heat. And don't forget: if that sun ain't setting for another couple hours even after you're done watering, consider another round in the evening when the sun's no longer pummeling your plants.
Use Mulch to Keep Moisture in Check
Mulch is your ally in a heatwave. Emily notes that not only does mulch hold off those unwanted weeds, but it also keeps moisture locked in and protects root systems from drying out. Apply two to three inches of that organic mulch (straw, wood chips, leaves, or compost) around your garden babies, just make sure you don't stick it right up against their stems, as that can lead to rot. After you've got 'er all covered, give it a good soaking.
Move Those Fucking Potted Plants into the Shade
When a heatwave's heading our way, (newsflash) it's time to move your potted plants to the shade. Emily points out that potted plants dry up quicker than their ground-dwelling counterparts and are often the first to go during a heatwave. Suck it up and relocate 'em to a shady spot—especially during peak sun hours—to help them survive those scorching temps. Once they're moved, give 'em a morning watering.
Use Microorganisms to Give Plants Some Fucking Superpowers
Listen up: Eric Nieusma, the wise co-owner of Maine Hill Farm, says the beneficial bacteria found in worm tea can help your garden fucking prepare for increased heat stress. "Worm tea bacteria, present in high-quality worm castings, literally boosts soil fertility and is essential for plant growth and photosynthesis," he explains. If you can, brew up a 24-hour aerated worm tea and pour it on the soil early in the morning on a hot day. Or, if you're feeling fancy and have spendin' money to burn, consider using Quantum Growth Organic Light, a product that adds photosynthesis-promotin' bacteria to your garden. Sprinkle those little microbugs everywhere, and watch your plants' heat-tolerance skyrocket.
Add Fucking Shade Cloths to Your Arsenal
Shade cloths are the real MVPs when it comes to providing temporary shields from the sun. They block out those damaging UV rays, prevent sunburn, and even reduce soil and air temperatures around plants. Install 'em before a heatwave using stakes or hoops—just adjust the coverage based on your plants' needs.
- Martha Stewart, a renowned figure in the lifestyle and gardening industries, advises using mulch such as straw, wood chips, leaves, or compost to help lock in moisture, protect root systems, and keep garden plants thriving during a heatwave.
- Emulating the routines of Eric Nieusma, the co-owner of Maine Hill Farm, one can boost soil fertility and improve plant photosynthesis by applying beneficial bacteria found in worm tea or using Quantum Growth Organic Light, a product that adds photosynthesis-promoting bacteria to the garden.
- Scott Farm in Maine, co-owned by Emily Scott, suggests employing watering strategies to shield plants from excessive temperatures—watering deeply, watering in the morning, and moving potted plants into the shade during a heatwave.
