Comments on: Hot Tamale! http://blog.fbmg.com/2009/06/09/hot-tamale/ One method of sharing horticultural information Thu, 17 May 2012 23:52:10 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.2.1 By: Shari http://blog.fbmg.com/2009/06/09/hot-tamale/#comment-8 Shari Wed, 10 Jun 2009 13:39:33 +0000 http://blog.fbmg.com/2009/06/09/hot-tamale/#comment-8 Ahh! Yes, like us, plants show heat related symptoms in the hottest part of the day but recover when temperatures cool off. It is always important to check moisture levels before watering. Ahh! Yes, like us, plants show heat related symptoms in the hottest part of the day but recover when temperatures cool off. It is always important to check moisture levels before watering.

]]> By: txmg http://blog.fbmg.com/2009/06/09/hot-tamale/#comment-7 txmg Wed, 10 Jun 2009 04:00:09 +0000 http://blog.fbmg.com/2009/06/09/hot-tamale/#comment-7 When plants droop in the afternoon due to heat stress, some folks may think that the plants need water to restore turgidity. But first it's important to check the soil moisture level before watering, either by means of a moisture meter or by sticking a finger deep into the soil in the root area. If the soil is moist, the urge to add water should be resisted because it will only lead to root rot if done repeatedly. Typically, plants suffering only from heat stress will perk up in the evening. For example, impatiens are very subject to wilting in the summertime heat. Plants such as some gingers will sometimes fold their large leaves to reduce transpiration when temps climb, but should reopen when temps cool down in the evening. When watering is needed, it's a good idea to make a habit of always providing water early in the day so that plants do not have to endure the extra stress of being hot and thirsty, too. When plants droop in the afternoon due to heat stress, some folks may think that the plants need water to restore turgidity. But first it’s important to check the soil moisture level before watering, either by means of a moisture meter or by sticking a finger deep into the soil in the root area. If the soil is moist, the urge to add water should be resisted because it will only lead to root rot if done repeatedly. Typically, plants suffering only from heat stress will perk up in the evening. For example, impatiens are very subject to wilting in the summertime heat. Plants such as some gingers will sometimes fold their large leaves to reduce transpiration when temps climb, but should reopen when temps cool down in the evening.

When watering is needed, it’s a good idea to make a habit of always providing water early in the day so that plants do not have to endure the extra stress of being hot and thirsty, too.

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