PROTECTING your young plants from the hot sun and wind now will pay off in the long run.
LIKE most gardeners, our weekends lately have been taken up planting everything from seedlings to shrubs, flowers to (late) fruit trees.
And as strange as it seems to say it, this past weekend’s sun played havoc on more than a few of them.
Protecting young plants from intense sunlight is crucial for their healthy growth and development. If it didn’t shock them enough to have their young roots disturbed when replanted, exposure to excessive heat and sunlight also leads to stress, wilting, and unfortunately, sometimes permanent damage to smaller plants.
One of the most straightforward methods to protect young plants from the sun is to provide shade. This can be achieved by using shade cloth, row covers, or even natural shade from larger plants or structures.
Shade cloth comes in various densities, allowing you to control the amount of sunlight your plants receive. Opt for a cloth that provides the right level of shading without obstructing too much light.
Set up a structure that allows for the shade cloth to be easily placed above the young plants during the hottest parts of the day, typically from mid-morning to mid-afternoon.
Mulching is another effective technique to safeguard young plants from the harsh sun.
A layer of organic mulch, such as straw, wood chips, or shredded leaves, helps regulate soil temperature and moisture. It acts as a natural barrier, preventing the soil from overheating and reducing evaporation.
Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plants, ensuring it extends beyond the drip line of the foliage. This not only protects the soil but also shields the young plants’ roots from excessive heat.
Watering practices play a crucial role in protecting plants from the hot sun. Ensure a consistent watering schedule, providing an adequate amount of moisture to the soil. Water your plants in the early morning or late afternoon to minimise evaporation and allow the soil to absorb the moisture effectively.
Don’t water during the hottest part of the day, as the water droplets on the foliage can act as magnifying glasses, intensifying the sun’s rays and often causing leaf burn.
Consider creating temporary windbreaks to protect young plants from both intense sunlight and strong winds.
Erecting barriers on the windward side of the garden can reduce the impact of hot, drying winds on your plants. This can be especially beneficial in deeper summer, where hot winds can quickly dehydrate and stress young seedlings.
In addition to these protective measures, choosing the right location for planting is crucial. Select areas with partial shade or dappled sunlight, especially for heat-sensitive plants. If possible, acclimate your young plants to direct sunlight gradually, exposing them to increasing amounts of sunlight over a period of days or weeks.
The extra bit of work it takes will pay off in the long run.
