The weather is unusually warm for us here in Ireland and with the hot weather comes new challenges in the garden. Here I will just give a few tips and tricks to make sure you and your plants stay happy and healthy during the warm spell.
This is plant growth season for most and so they are putting extra energy into leaves and flowering with this however comes an added need for water. Watering in very sunny conditions can be tricky as if you water during mid-day when the sun is at its strongest you can run the risks of your plants getting leaf burn which is basically a good scorching from the sun. To avoid this always try and water either in the early mornings or in the evenings. If you have no choice but to water when the sun is high, try and water the base of the plant rather than a shower from above.
Due to water being scarce and drying quickly when watering from above this often means that it's not soaking through to the lower parts of the soil, this discourages your plants to grow deep roots and you will end up with weak plants. To avoid this in pots you can place a tray beneath and let them soak up the water from below the pot. To avoid it in garden plants try running the water for a little longer into the ground beneath the plants.
Mulching is important in this weather as it helps retain the moisture for longer.
If you have any hard pruning to do leave it till it cools down a bit, the plants are already struggling and the added stress may be too much for them
Avoid overly using fertiliser, because it's not washing away as much and it can hang around and end up burning your plants.
For any plants that are tender and struggling in the direct sun you can use mesh such as the Grow It Mesh Grow Tunnel to give them a little added shade.
If you have plants that are in partial shade already beware of watering them too frequently from above as it can make the perfect environment for fungi and other diseases to creep in.
Now is a great time to sweep away any moss that has died off, use a firm yard brush and be sure to place any of the sweepings well out of the way because it will contain spores that will regrow once the rain comes. After removing it wash down the area with the likes of HG Garden Algae & Mould Remover this will kill off any leftover bits and make it slower to come back in the next season.
Finally, don't neglect to look after yourself while tending to your garden. Heat stroke and sun burn can happen very quickly. Be sure to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and a hat. Take frequent breaks in a shaded area, try not to do too much in one day and most importantly enjoy the good weather!! :)
