Protect Your Garden Plants from Intense Heat with a Common Household Item You Probably Already Have On Hand
In the midst of a heatwave, keeping heat-sensitive flowers thriving can be a challenge. However, a simple and cost-effective solution has emerged—using old bedsheets as temporary shade structures. Here's how to do it effectively.
By stretching old bedsheets over vulnerable plants, you can form a makeshift canopy that reduces direct sunlight exposure and lowers the temperature around the flowers. To secure the sheets, you can use stakes, poles, or garden furniture. This setup is ideal because it allows some light and air to pass through, providing shade without completely blocking sunlight or restricting air movement.
It's crucial to ensure air circulation to prevent overheating or moisture buildup that could encourage disease. Keep some space between the fabric and the foliage to maintain proper airflow.
The orientation of the shade should be adjusted as the sun moves during the day to maintain optimal protection, focusing on the hottest hours when sunlight is most intense. For south-facing yards, the bedsheet should be kept in place all day for maximum protection, while east-facing yards may not need the bedsheet all day, as intense sunlight is in the morning hours.
During a heatwave, it's essential to keep the garden hydrated. While shaded, ensure heat-sensitive plants are well watered, as shading reduces evaporation but the heatwave still stresses plants. A sprinkler with 4 nozzles and adjustable angles can help keep the garden hydrated.
Robin Phelps, a Gardening and Preserving Coach with over 20 years of experience, recommends using old bedsheets for garden heat protection. She is an expert gardener who began her journey in a small apartment with a balcony and has since expanded to growing on 3 acres. She is passionate about nurturing green spaces and preserving the bounties of nature.
Alternatives to old bedsheets for garden heat protection include UV-protected and heat-reducing materials. The bedsheet should not be in direct contact with plants to avoid heating them up. Instead, it should be used as a barrier from the sun, blocking the hottest and most intense hours.
By following these guidelines, you can provide shelter, shade, and protection for your heat-sensitive flowers during a heatwave. A little extra care can help your favorite flowers bounce back strong when cooler weather returns.
To safeguard heat-sensitive flowers during a heatwave, consider using old bedsheets as makeshift canopies. Secure them using stakes, poles, or garden furniture to ensure some light and air flow while blocking direct sunlight. Adjust the orientation of the shade to follow the sun's movement for optimal protection, especially during the hottest hours.
