Summer recently started in the UK, and it’s going to be a rough time for some of your plants and lawn. If your area’s temperature spikes to above 29 degrees celsius, a lot of your plants might undergo heat stress. Its symptoms include withered leaves and flowers. And it gets worse, causing stunted growth, failure to produce seeds, and even death. Plus, other problems could arise, like diseases caused by fungus and insects.
The U.K. is headed for a hot summer, as forecasts predict temperatures above 30 degrees celsius in some areas like Kent. As always, the best way to treat these problems is through prevention. Don’t let your garden designers’ hard work go to waste. Here are ways you can maintain your garden’s health during the summer.
Get Rid of Weeds
Weeds are notorious for stealing the nutrients of your plants. They can grow even in the harshest soil conditions. The tall cover they provide also attract pests to take shelter in your garden. And no matter the species, weeds can create thousands of seeds every year, allowing them to spread rapidly. Effective ways to remove weeds include:
- Digging them out – Weeds regrow even if you trim them. Get a digging fork and extract them from their roots. This can take a lot of time and effort to do, but it’s worth it when your garden is weed-free.
- Pulling them out – If you lack the tools for digging, you can simply pull them out. Use gloves for the job to protect your hands. Pull the weed as close to the ground as possible to ensure you get most of its roots out.
- Trimming – If you’re not up to the task of digging or pulling weeds from their roots, you can also chop them off every time they grow to prevent them from spreading their seeds.
Water Your Plants Properly
One of the most effective ways to prevent plants from dying due to heat stress is by watering them more during summer. Start early in the morning and water at least an inch into the soil. Apply it directly on the dirt, too, so that you don’t get standing water on the leaves. If the earth gets dry around noon, add a few sprinkles of water to keep your plants hydrated throughout the day.
Keep Pests Away
During summer, pests look for cool and shaded areas to get away from the heat — like your plants. A natural way to keep bugs and slugs away is to attract their natural predators. The best one would be a frog or toad. They hunt and eat just about any small animal in the wild, including grasshoppers, spiders, worms, and more — all while leaving your plants alone.
Build a toad house by creating a U-shaped cutout on an unused clay pot. This will stand as their entryway into their makeshift shelter. Place it on the soil and push it about an inch into the dirt and put a rock on top of it to keep it secure. Give your amphibian friends some water as well on a small dish to keep them hydrated and ready to catch those pesky pests.
The summer can be brutal on your plants, as it brings heat stress, weeds, and a lot of pests. Give them the special care they need by following this short summer maintenance guide. With regular weed extermination, proper watering, and pest control methods, your plants are sure to make it through the hot season bright and healthy.