The choice of material you use for your planter. They all have their pros and cons. For example, terracotta is a favorite because it’s heavy and adds character to a space, but it’s also porous and loses moisture fast! Terracotta may be a good option for drought-tolerant herbs. Plastic pots in lighter colors seem to be the common and affordable choice for most climates. Wood is a great organic choice but can rot easily unless you buy cedar or teak, which tends to be pretty costly. Metal is a classic look for planters but warms up quickly in the sun. As you can see, choosing a pot will be highly dependent on where you live and what your growing goals are. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

My recent favorite has been the use of “grow bags” which are breathable and stay cooler at these higher temperatures in Florida!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Water in the A.M.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Plants are kind of like us in a way and need fuel first thing in the morning to sustain them throughout the day. The morning time is cooler and less water will evaporate from the plants giving them fuel for optimal growing. Watering midday when the sun is really hot out increases the chance of burning leaves or creating an ideal environment for pests and disease. Being proactive with watering is really the key, rather than trying to fix problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Grow native plants.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the easiest (but maybe not so obvious) ways to beat the heat is to use native plants! Native varieties are used to the weather and have adapted to conditions over time to flourish. This includes flowers too. Include the vegetation that is common in your area to attract local wildlife and pollinators. You’ll have less maintenance and upkeep since they’re acclimated to the surroundings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Group in threes.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Did you know grouping your plants in threes will help increase the moisture for plants? Try this super easy method for indoor and outdoor plants to increase humidity levels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try elevating them at different heights to create visual interests for guests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s the perfect no-fail decor tip!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Fertilize often.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A soil that is healthy and high in organic matter will be able to retain moisture for longer. Compost is completely organic and can be used not only as a top-layer mulch, but a natural slow-release fertilizer! If you don’t have a backyard to compost in, that’s ok. Here is a simple guide on how to compost in an apartment, with no mess or critters involved! Add finished compost as a top layer to your plants about once a month and then water as normal. This will help for a higher yield of fruits and vegetables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Keep pots elevated.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Place your pots on bricks or any hard surface to make sure you’re not restricting airflow underneath the pot. This keeps your plant cool and off the ground that’s really hot and can transfer to your pot. This also prevents mold, mildew, and other bacteria from growing on the bottom of your pot. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You’ve just read How to Protect Your Plants from Extreme Heat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Did you find any of these tips helpful? Leave a comment and share or pin with friends! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do you keep your plants cool during the summer?<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Need a way to keep plants cool during a summer heatwave? Here’s 11 simple tips to help your plants thrive under the sun!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3629,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1173","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-container-garden"],"yoast_head":"\n