How to Take Care of Plants in Summer | Summer Gardening Tips

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Last Updated: 18.10.2023
Harpreet Monga
Written by
Harpreet Monga, a seasoned content writer and gardening enthusiast, has crafted over 150 articles at India Gardening. She expanded her writing journey with freelancing at the Times of India. Her passion for writing shines through her contributions to various book projects. Harpreet's commitment is to sow stories that resonate with readers, fostering a deep connection to the natural world.

Don’t let the heatwave put an adverse effect on the health of your plants. Here are the most potent tips on How to Take Care of Plants in Summer.

How to Take Care of Plants in Summer

Indian summers can be harsh and it is important that you keep the plants safe from the scorching heat. Here are some top tips on How to Take Care of Plants in Summer with minimum effort.

Check out our article on how to protect a balcony garden in summer here


How to Take Care of Plants in Summer

1. Follow a Right Watering Schedule

During summers, plants ask for extra watering than usual as it evaporates quickly. Water the plants deeply for a few minutes, so that it can penetrate the roots, and comes out of the drainage holes.

Potted plants may require watering once or twice a day depending upon the location they are kept in.

2. Water the Plants Only in the Evening

Water the plants only in the evening. This will give them all the time to absorb it without getting the water evaporated in the sun. The lower temperature will also keep the soil moist overnight.

3. Opt for a Shade

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During the harsh Indian summer, intense sunlight can burn fragile plants and may also hamper flowering. To tackle this, you can use a beach umbrella, canvas, or shade cloth in green or white color. Avoid using darker shades as they absorb more heat.

Make sure the plants in the shade cover have ample space for air circulation.

4. Mulch!

Mulching prevents the soil from direct sun exposure, reduces water loss, and keeps the temperature cooler. It is always better to go for organic mulch like shredded bark, leaves, grass clippings, straw, wood chips, or coconut husk.

Use 2-3 inches deep mulch layer for better root protection against heatwaves.

5. Keep a Tab on Garden Weeds

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Weeds steal nutrients and water from the soil that your plants essentially need to stay hydrated and healthy in summers. To combat this problem, weed your garden soil once every two to three weeks. Also, use a thick layer of bark mulch to suppress their growth.

6. Maintain Humidity for Indoors Plants

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The low level of humidity is a big concern for the container plants, especially those that are kept inside the rooms. You can keep the plants on the top of the shallow tray filled with water and pebbles.

You can also use a humidifier or mist the plants in the morning.

7. Do not Fertilize Plants During Heat Wave

Though plants are mainly fed in the springs and summers, but avoid feeding the plant during heat waves, as the plants are unable to absorb the nutrients in extremely hot weather. So, wait for the temperature to stabilize and get a bit cooler after the heatwave to resume fertilization.

8. Hold Back the Pruning

The purpose of pruning is to prompt fresh growth in the plants, but during the summers, it’s wise to either minimize the pruning or entirely refrain from it. Just snip away the yellowing, old, broken, or deceased parts until the summer passes.

9. Compost!

Compost is well known for its water-retentive property. Aged compost or well-rotted cow dung manure will also add the right amount of nutrients that are beneficial for the flowering and fruiting plants.

10. Choose the Right Pot

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Glazed terracotta or ceramic pots do wonders for plants in summers, as they are breathable and keep the roots cooler. Avoid plastic and dark-colored pots, as they absorb more heat and warm up the soil further. You can also wrap a wet cloth around the pots for keeping them cooler too.

 


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