{"id":19028,"date":"2024-01-12T10:00:34","date_gmt":"2024-01-12T08:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/pretoria\/?p=19028"},"modified":"2024-01-09T11:39:45","modified_gmt":"2024-01-09T09:39:45","slug":"survival-strategies-for-heat-stressed-gardens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/pretoria\/blog\/2024\/01\/12\/survival-strategies-for-heat-stressed-gardens\/","title":{"rendered":"Survival strategies for heat-stressed gardens"},"content":{"rendered":"

Its been a hot summer. By November last year, temperatures were exceeding 30\u2070C in many areas, and it can only get hotter as we enter the hottest months of summer.<\/strong><\/h4>\n

To curb the higher demand for water there\u2019s likely to be water restrictions and an overload of pests which breed exponentially in hot, dry weather. All of this puts plants, and especially vegetables, under huge stress.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t skimp on plant nutrition<\/strong><\/p>\n

Healthy plants that receive the necessary nutrients through regular fertilising, are more able to withstand such stress, says Marlaen Straathof from Kirchhoffs Seeds.<\/p>\n

They develop strong root systems to go in search of water and an abundance of leaves to convert\u00a0sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into food through <\/em>photosynthesis.<\/p>\n

A monthly liquid drench like Margaret Roberts Organic Supercharger is especially beneficial for vegetables and bedding plants. It contains both macro and micronutrients. \u00a0Because it is diluted there is no danger of it burning the roots.<\/p>\n

For shrubs, roses, perennials and the lawn, as well as vegetables, the easiest way to top up nutrition is with an organic granular fertiliser. However, the fertiliser needs to be watered in well after application so that it doesn\u2019t burn the roots.<\/p>\n

Rose grower Ludwig Taschner recommends a once a month application of Vigorosa 5:1:5 (25). In addition to all the essential nutrients, it contains humic acid which ensures that the roots are easily able to absorb the nutrients once they are dissolved in water from rain or irrigation.<\/p>\n

Humic acid is also a powerful stimulant of beneficial fungi that are essential for soil health and it is high in carbon which is the life blood of good soil.<\/p>\n

Use water wisely<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Watering cans for careful watering.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Water is always the big issue but the good news is that gardens can survive with grey water.<\/p>\n

This is water from the bath or shower, and from the washing machine and dishwasher, provided that eco-friendly detergents are used and that the oil is rinsed off before stacking the dishwasher.<\/p>\n

It is surprising how much water can be saved from a shower. Keep buckets and tubs in the shower. During Day Zero in the Western Cape, householders would stand and shower in a plastic bowl and use that water on the garden.<\/p>\n

Other strategies that you can use:<\/p>\n