As the summer heat returns to Denver, many gardeners are faced with the challenge of maintaining their plants amidst scorching temperatures.
Even seasoned green thumbs can find themselves questioning their watering schedules as hostas droop and lawns turn brown.
Mike Bone, associate director of horticulture at Denver Botanic Gardens, reassures gardeners that heat and drought are natural occurrences in Colorado.
He notes that even native plants can go dormant during excessively hot conditions.
To help keep gardens thriving during these tough times, Bone offers several valuable tips.
First and foremost, timing your watering can make a significant difference.
Bone advises against watering plants during the hot midday sun.
Instead, aim to hydrate plants in the early morning or evening when temperatures are cooler.
Watering during the day can create excessive humidity that may heat up plants instead of helping them.
Next, consider adjusting your watering frequency based on the temperatures outside.
If you usually water twice a week, increasing to three times a week can help during heat waves.
However, it’s essential to revert to the standard schedule once the weather cools down.
Certain plants, like Rocky Mountain columbine and red osier dogwood, may require spot watering due to their higher water needs.
Understanding the signals your plants send can also be crucial.
Wilted leaves could indicate various problems, including both heat stress and overwatering.
Bone explains that both stressed conditions can disrupt the fine root hairs responsible for water absorption.
Overwatered plants can lead to poor oxygen levels in the soil, while drought conditions may leave cracked, dry earth.
Distinguishing between these two states will help prevent missteps in plant care.
Furthermore, maintaining ground cover can protect your plants from the heat.
Bone warns that tidying up garden beds too much can be counterproductive during a heat wave.
Big leaves and even weeds can help retain humidity in the soil, providing essential moisture to roots.
Postponing cleanup efforts until autumn can benefit your plants during the summer months.
Creating temporary shade for sun-sensitive plants like peonies is another effective measure.
Bone suggests using items such as cloths, umbrellas, or small tents to shield these plants, even if it looks a bit odd in your yard.
Choosing plant varieties that are adapted to Colorado’s climate can also save you time and effort.
Bone highlights that many popular hybrid plants struggle with the state’s dryness.
For example, while Echinacea (coneflower) is often labeled as drought-resistant, many available varieties come from wetter climates.
It’s smart to choose local varieties, like Echinacea angustifolia, that are better suited for Colorado’s conditions.
Lastly, accepting natural plant responses to heat can help keep you calm as a gardener.
Bone reassures that wilting is a common reaction to the heat, and plants often recover once temperatures drop.
He encourages gardeners to allow their plants some time to recuperate overnight rather than panic at the first sign of drooping.
Overall, as Denver’s summer heat persists, understanding your garden’s needs and these strategies can help ensure that your plants remain vibrant and healthy during the changing climate.
Adopting these practices not only nurtures your garden but also enhances your overall gardening experience amid one of Colorado’s toughest seasons.
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