Dealing With Heat Stress: How To Protect Vegetables In Hot Weather
Heat stress can cause serious problems for vegetables, leading to wilting leaves, shriveled fruit, and even plant death. Extra protection is essential.
In many parts of the country, gardeners have considerable anxiety when summer temperatures rise, especially when they rise in combination with low rainfall amounts. While some vegetables suffer more than others, all feel some degree of stress with rising temperatures. Dealing with heat stress can be frustrating, so it's important to find ways of protecting vegetables in hot weather.
Protecting Plants in Scorching Temps
Continued exposure to high temperatures can cause leaf scorch, leaf drop, and even leaf sunburn. In addition, high temperatures interfere with photosynthesis and can cause a buildup of toxins in plants. Plants that are stressed because of the heat may develop misshapen or bitter fruit.
Here are the best ways to protect vegetables in hot weather in order to avoid irreversible damage.
1. Shade
One of the most popular ways of protecting plants in the summer heat is by using a shade cloth for gardens. A simple garden shade cloth can be strung between supports or a more elaborate structure can be constructed in areas that are prone to oppressive heat. Trellises and pergolas can also help create shade to protect plants during the hottest time of the day.
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2. Irrigation
providing plenty of water during times of high heat is useful in dealing with heat stress. It is best to use a drip irrigation system and check this regularly to be sure that all plants are being fed an adequate supply of water.
A misting system is also useful and helps reduce plant tissue temperature. Keeping plants well hydrated gives them the ammunition that they need to fight off the stress caused by scorching temperatures.
3. Mulch
You should provide mulch around plants to help with moisture retention as well when protecting plants in scorching temps.
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