Garden Care Tips: No Matter How Scorching the Sun, Your Home Garden Will Stay Lush and Green—Here's the Trick..

With the onset of the summer season, the impact of intense sunlight and heatwaves affects not only people but also plants. Due to high temperatures, garden plants and vegetable crops begin to scorch; their growth stagnates, and in many cases, the plants even dry up completely. In such a scenario, if proper care is taken in a timely manner, plants can be effectively protected from the heat. Dr. Sudhanshu, an agricultural scientist from Gonda, tells Local 18 that during the summer months, plants should be watered either early in the morning or in the evening.

Watering during the afternoon causes the soil to heat up rapidly, preventing the plants from deriving the intended benefits. Regular irrigation helps keep the plants healthy. Dry grass, leaves, or straw can be spread around the plants in the garden; this practice is known as 'mulching.' This helps retain soil moisture for extended periods and provides protection to the roots against intense heat.

**Why is Mulching Essential?**

Dr. Sudhanshu explained that mulching should be employed to maintain moisture levels in garden plants and vegetable crops. To achieve this, dry grass, leaves, straw, or other organic materials can be spread around the plants. This ensures that soil moisture is retained for a longer duration and shields the plant roots from scorching heat. It also helps in suppressing weed growth. To protect small and delicate plants from harsh sunlight, shade nets, greenhouse covers, or light fabrics can be installed over them. This mitigates the adverse effects of direct sunlight and creates a favorable environment for the plants to grow. It is particularly crucial to protect plants such as tomatoes, chilies, coriander, and other vegetables from excessive heat.

According to Dr. Sudhanshu, plants should not be over-fertilized during the summer season. Applying excessive amounts of chemical fertilizers can place undue stress on the plants. Instead, one should opt for organic fertilizers or compost. This supplies the plants with essential nutrients and promotes healthy growth. The incidence of pests and diseases also tends to increase during the summer months; therefore, plants should be inspected periodically. If spots appear on the leaves or if pests are detected, immediate remedial action should be taken.

The Disadvantages of Afternoon Irrigation
Dr. Sudhanshu advises that special care must be taken when irrigating your vegetable patch and garden. During the summer season, irrigation should be carried out exclusively in the morning or in the evening. If you irrigate during the afternoon, your plants will scorch due to the heat. If feasible, consider installing a sprinkler system; this helps the plants survive and thrive effectively.

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