Keeping plants healthy and happy during the soaring heat of the summer

requires less effort than many would imagine. For the beginners and the

experts gardening is a great hobby and really satisfying. Gardening is not too

difficult as some would imagine, it’s about gaining basic knowledge and

applying common sense. Always remember, Prevention is better than cure.

Let’s see the useful tips on keeping your plants healthy and blooming during

the summer time.

1. WATER

During summer months, your plants require additional water needs. Plants

grow actively during summer months. Keep your plants well hydrated at all

times. Make sure, potted plants get adequate water as they are more

susceptible to under watering. Adequate watering also helps in transport of

minerals from the soil to the tips of the plants.

2. PRUNING

Pruning should be done in the beginning of the summer months, ideally after

the rainy months are over. We prune plants, to remove dead branches, bad

foliage and also unnecessary branches. Pruning plants also helps the plants

conserve energy otherwise lost on repairing unnecessary branches, and also to

stop the loss of excess water through transpiration.

3. PEST CONTROL

As the summer months are known as the growing season, we cannot loose

time due to pests. They not only hamper growth, also suck away vital nutrients

off the plants. Use recommended organic or bio pesticides that may not harm

the plant and the bio diversity around your garden. During watering session,

look out for signs of pest like pest nibbles on leaves, pest droppings, disfigured

leaves and discoloured leaves.

4. MULCH

Always keep your plants covered with a layer of mulch. This helps with

reducing water loss and evaporation due to heat. Use hay, dried leaves or even

coco peat on the top of the soil. This top layer coverage will keep the soil moist

at all time during the day.

5. FERTILIZING

Plants growth is at its maximum during summer after a dormant cold season.

They need a lot of energy during this period. Fertilizing them during this period

is a must. Be it indoor, outdoor, flowering varieties or the fruiting type, they

need food for growth. Apply cow dung, vermicompost, bone meal, neem mix

powder or even mustard cake. Talk to your nursery about, which type of

fertilizer your plant needs the most.

6. SUNLIGHT

Plants love sunlight. Plants need sunlight for photosynthesis and growth. Even

though uninterrupted sunlight is good for your plants, morning sunlight is the

best for potted plants. Relocate your potted blooms and veggies, so they get

maximum morning sunlight.

7. MISTING

Misting your plants, helps in increasing the humidity around the plant and it

also helps in removing dust and dirt on the leaves. Clean foliage promotes

maximum photosynthesis and makes the plant look clean and healthy.

8. VENTILATION

Many gardeners take ventilation of their garden for granted. Never place

plants around AC units. The hot air from the unit will burn the leaves of your

beautiful plants. Stagnant air invites pests and increases the heat around the

area. Make sure there is sufficient air movement around your garden,

especially during summer days.

9. PLANT CLUSTERING

Arranging plants in clusters helps the plants to maintain humidity around the

plants. Arrange tall plants with short ones, as the shorter plants will not only

get shade, but water evaporation in the pots will be reduced. Arrange pots in

clusters towards the wind direction.

10. SHADE/ FILTER FROM THE SUN

All plants love the sun, but like it more than the others. Plants like Aglonemas,

Philodendrons and Arums don’t like the afternoon sun and love a bit of shade.

Place them, where they receive morning light and shade in the midday. Also,

we can use shade net for the garden if we have a lot of plants to cover. Shade

nets filter not only the harsh midday sun, but also reduce water evaporation

during the day. It also helps in maintaining the humidity underneath it.

We have listed some of the tips above, but you can also invest in automated

drip irrigation or sprinkler system, if you find time is hard on you. A moisture

meter is a handy tool during summer days if you find your plants drying up on

you quickly.

End of the day, follow what works for you the most, and enjoy your gardening.