June Checklist for your Hot Container Garden
Post On Your Fridge!
Extra Tips as June Starts Topping 100°F
Signs of Stress and Sunburn
Stress will be evident by wilting. Make sure the plants are getting enough water in the early morning hours. If you see wilted leaves in the afternoon, don’t rush out with the hose – check to see if the soil is still damp. If it is, it is heat wilt. Plants with broad flat leaves are more apt to experience this afternoon stress in sunny areas in the summer. Using the mist setting on your hose nozzle, mist water on the leaves (make sure the hose water is not hot) and they should recover by morning.
If the plant is still wilted in the morning before watering, it might be root bound. If the plant(s) has been in the pot for a few years, this is the logical conclusion. If it is a new plant, did you clean out all old roots at the bottom of the pot before planting?
Root Bound Soil or Plants
Now is not the time to change out the soil in the pots. It will add too much stress to the already stressed plant. Try to dig around the outside of the root ball and remove anything easy to pull out – old soil and even some roots. Add fresh soil and keep the pot well watered until fall when it is safe to repot the plant.
“Blast” Your Plants
I always teach people in my classes to jet spray their plants as often as possible. Read this post to learn why I insist on this habit and why it’s not so scary to do.
Happy Potting!
Thank you for sharing on your social media! ~~~~~ Marylee
I am a transplanted northern gardener and so appreciate your tips on how to grow healthy, happy plants. I’m afraid I’ve had many failures, but am determined to find what works for my predominantly sunny yard. Thank you.
Thanks Ann! Even if we follow the tips, our homes have different microclimates and idiosyncrasies. I’m here if you need any help!
Happy Potting!
Marylee
I sincerely appreciate all this information. Every June I ask myself what I can do to keep beauty going in my irrigated yard…yet, be realistic and appropriate to the hot season. I’m learning so much from your posts. Thank you!
Hi Lisa! I am glad you don’t give up. You can see from the photos I share that we were able to keep up flowers gardens all summer long in the desert heat. Thank you for the compliment – you made my day!