You probably don’t need us telling you this, but it’s been HOT outside. With those sun rays beating down on your plants, it’s important to give them a little extra TLC to keep them happy; especially those that have been recently planted. So how do you protect your plants in the sizzling heat? Simple: Water, water, water!

With new plants especially, we always encourage folks to reference our Watering Guide for basic watering instruction, but when it comes to extreme temperatures, there are a few extra things you should keep in mind.

Timing is Key

Early morning is the best time to water since it gives the plant time to absorb the water and dry the leaves making them less susceptible to plant diseases and heat scorch, which is where the plant actually burns from the water sitting on the leaf. If you wait to water during the heat of the day, about half of the water can be lost due to evaporation.

Shady Plants Need Love Too

You might think that plants that are under large trees and in the shade won’t need to be watered as frequently as those in the sun. However, these plants can actually dry out due to the larger trees absorbing the water that’s in the soil, so it’s equally important to give those shaded plants a drink too.

Recovery Mode

Even toward the end of summer, with cooler temperatures and rain on the way, it’s important to remember to apply some recovery nutrients to replenish what was used by the plant during this stressful period. We have a full line of plant fertilizers and the team at Van Wilgen’s can help choose the right product for your specific need. When in doubt, give us a call. We’re here to help!