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Your Plants' Heat Wave Survival Guide

Thu 1:24 PMthesill

Hi there,

When temperatures climb, your plants feel it too. The good news? A few small changes can make a big difference. Here are my go-to tips for helping your plants through a heat wave.

Indoors
1. Skip the watering schedule. Check the soil instead. Plants dry out at different rates, especially during a heat wave. Before watering, make sure the top 1–2 inches of soil are actually dry.
2. Be mindful of hot afternoon sun. If a window gets intense afternoon sun, move plants back a few feet. A thin layer of pebbles or horticultural sand can also help soil hold moisture longer.
3. Hold off on repotting. Repotting can be stressful for plants, even without extreme heat. Wait until temperatures cool down.
4. Give fertilizer a rain check. Skip the fertilizer to let your plants focus on staying healthy instead of pushing new growth.
5. Skip the AC breeze. Keep plants away from AC vents, which can dry out leaves and soil more quickly.

Outside
1. Patio pots need extra attention. Containers heat up much faster than in-ground plants. Check the soil morning and evening – you may need to water more than once a day.
2. Temporary shade is okay. Even sun-loving plants appreciate a break during extreme heat, especially if they're newly planted or growing in containers.
3. Water deeply, not just often. Soak the soil thoroughly so moisture reaches the entire root zone.
4. New plants need support. Recently planted trees and shrubs need more frequent moisture checks. Consider adding mulch to help keep roots cooler and reduce evaporation.

And one last thing... A few droopy leaves in the afternoon don't always mean your plant needs water. Many plants wilt temporarily to conserve moisture and perk back up as temperatures cool. If they're still drooping the next morning, it's time to water.

Stay cool this weekend!

Paris
Plant Care Expert, The Sill



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