Summer can be a stressful time for your plants, especially when the heat becomes intense. High temperatures can irreversibly damage your garden. To keep your plants robust and healthy, it is crucial to put in place effective strategies to protect them. In this article, we will explore various mulching techniques and methods for creating shade, allowing you to get through the hot season without trouble.
The benefits of mulching on your plants
The mulching is a simple horticultural technique that consists of covering the ground around the plants with various organic or inorganic materials. This practice offers several advantages:
- Reduction of water evaporation: Mulch retains the soil’s moisture, thereby reducing the frequent need for watering.
- Soil temperature regulation : It helps to maintain a more stable temperature, thus protecting sensitive roots from extreme temperatures.
- Weed removal weed removal : By covering the soil, mulch prevents weeds from receiving the necessary light for their growth.
- Improvement of soil structure: Organic mulches decompose slowly, enriching and aerating the soil over time.
Different types of mulch can be used, such as wood chips, dead leaves, lawn clippings, and even special fabrics. Each has its own properties and is better suited to certain types of gardens and climatic conditions.
Choosing the Right Mulch for Your Garden
There are different types of mulch, each with its own specifics. Here is a detailed overview of the available options:
Organic Mulches
These mulches are made from natural materials and have the advantage of decomposing over time, adding nutrients to the soil:
- Wood chips : Ideal for sandy soils, they provide a durable cover but need to be renewed periodically.
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- Dead leaves: Easy to find, these mulches improve the soil structure while retaining moisture.
- Lawn clippings: A quick and economical solution, however, they can retain too much moisture and cause mould if applied in thick layers.
- Compost : Recycle your green waste into compost and use it as a nutrient-rich mulch.
Inorganic Mulches
Less common but useful in certain specific situations:
- Gravel : Often used for arid gardens, they drain well but do not retain moisture as well.
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- Plastic films: Practical for greenhouses and vegetable gardens but can suffocate the soil if they don’t have micro-perforations.
Create shade areas for your plants
The other crucial method for protecting your plants from the heat is to create shade zones. Shade solutions help to reduce the ambient temperature around the plants, thus limiting thermal stress.
Use Temporary Structures
Simple and mobile structures can effectively provide shade when needed:
- Shade sails: Available in various sizes and shapes, they are easy to install and very flexible.
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- Garden Parasols: Convertible and adjustable according to needs, perfect for small spaces.
Create natural shade
And what if we intervened little? The creation of a permanent shaded area thanks to plantings:
- Hedges and shrubs : Use fast-growing plants to create natural walls that provide shade and shelter from the wind.
- Trees: Planting trees strategically around your garden ensures long-term protection from direct sunlight.
By judiciously combining the above elements, you can significantly reduce the impact of heat on your plants.
Tips for proper watering during hot weather
Watering correctly during the summer requires some precautions to avoid wasting water and ensure that your plants stay hydrated:
- Morning watering: Watering early in the morning reduces evaporation and allows plants to absorb water well before the temperature rises.
- Use drip irrigation systems : These systems deliver water directly to the roots, minimizing waste.
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- Monitor specific needs: Some plants require more water than others. Adjust the watering frequency according to each type of plant.
The morning remains the most opportune time to water because it gives the water a chance to penetrate deeply into the soil without evaporating immediately.
Some additional treatments for optimal protection
Aside from mulching and shade, some treatments can further strengthen your plants’ resilience to the heatwave:
- Use of fertilizers: A balanced nutrient supply can help plants better tolerate thermal stress.
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- Compost application : Enhances the structure, water retention, and overall quality of the soil.
By implementing these techniques, you maximize your chances of keeping a vibrant and healthy garden throughout the summer.