Gardening in a Heatwave
We just got thru one, there will be more.
I am going to a trusted source for this info - Rutgers’ Master Gardeners of Mercer County. I’m in Essex. AFAIK, Essex County Master Gardeners do not have a weekly email of timely info/. If I’m wrong - can someone please let me know?
Anyway, from yesterday’s email - here are tips for dealing with a heatwave and possible drought.
Sharing the salient points from the email —
“Protect Your Plants and Yourself from Heat and Drought - We have experienced dry periods and drought in recent years, especially mid to late summer, and there are a number of things you can do to protect your plants:
Any plants or seeds planted in July or August will require more frequent attention to watering.
Keep on top of weeding and use mulch. (Don’t let the mulch touch the plants - JY). Weeds will take up precious water and mulch will help keep moisture in the soil and suppress weeds.
Consider allowing your lawn to go dormant. In other words don’t water it during periods of drought. The vast majority of our lawns consist of cool season grasses. They should recover nicely when cooler and usually wetter weather returns in the fall. Be sure to mow high to protect grass roots from the baking sun and to shade out weeds.
Water at the base of the plants and water deeply instead of sprinkling.
If the sun is taking a toll on valued plantings, consider shading them temporarily with light coverings or umbrellas. You may need to move them into shadier areas, especially if they are in containers.
The sun and humidity can also take a toll on you. Remember the steps to avoid heat stress: water, rest, and shade. If possible, work only in the cooler morning or late evening hours. Be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Here is information from the US Department of Agriculture.”
The last part is just as important as the first part.
I also love they have gardening events posted as well - if you love NJ tomatoes - the tasting should not be missed.
“A highlight for tomato lovers is the Open House and Tomato Tasting event on August 27 from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Rutgers Snyder Research and Extension Farm in Pittstown, New Jersey. Check their website for registration information. The event includes a chance to taste more than 50 varieties of tomatoes, old and new.
Plan for Fall Crops and Harvest and Preserve Herbs - Mid and late summer is a good time to plant fall cool-season vegetables such as lettuces, kale, bok choy, Swiss chard, and some root vegetables. For a guide to the appropriate time to plant specific vegetables, check the chart in this Rutgers fact sheet. Penn State has a specific guide for growing fall vegetables and further extending the season to increase your harvest.”