The weather this summer has been challenging for every gardener: little to no rain, extreme heat, and smoke from Canadian wild fires so heavy that New York State issued health warnings. Will this weather harm our perennials? Our annuals?
Annuals grow mostly from seeds, for harvest in this growing season only. Seeds include tomato, peppers, cucumbers and melons. Also annual are root crops such as onions, carrots, beets and potatoes. We eat these vegetables when they are fresh and many more are canned or frozen for the winter season. There may be a shortage of these for the summer table and probably not many will be preserved for the winter, at least not in the quantities of the past. Even if it cools down and rain reappears, most of the plants will not produce enough to match a normal year. Next year will be a new start.
Perennials are another issue. Perennial flowers and other plants may suffer this season from inadequate water and heat stress, but probably not enough to kill them. Next season the plants should come up at a normal time, looking normal, maybe a bit smaller. Remember, these plants already under stress over most of the season will go into dormancy already weakened, and they’ll need to recoup in what may also be a hard winter. Exactly what we’ll get next spring is still a mystery. I am hopeful that at least the daylilies, tough as nails, will come through, even if damaged.
What do we do in this situation? Water if you do not have irrigation.
Most of us cannot water our yards as they are too big. An irrigation system would need to be put in to green up the grass and keep it green. If irrigation needs to be put in, there is no rush now, do it when it is cooler. Whoever puts it in for you will be able to see the driest parts of the lawn.
The garden should have drip irrigation installed. You will need to work with the installer to coordinate the water use of the yard and garden. Also, an estimate of the cost of water can be done, so you can evaluate the total cost of irrigation. If it is for looks only, you may decide not to do the yard, but just the garden this time. The garden should take less. The price of water may go up in the future, unless you have a well.
Water at night so evaporation is not as great from the sun and heat. There are also garden shades that can be put up for a family garden to provide shade during the hottest part of the day. Again, price them out and ask for a demonstration of putting them up and down. Be sure you are able to do it by yourself, if you are alone.
Gardening can get pricy. In the future, plan on planting trees so there is some shade during the hottest time of the day. Of course that is a long term option, so think about the reality of doing that for the desired effect.
The very first thing to take care of is yourself. If you get a bad sunburn, or you’re sensitive to heat, you must take care of yourself so that you can take care of the garden.
If you carry a lot of years, have a heart condition, mobility issues (frequent falls, or feeling like you are going to fall) bring out yard chairs, a walker, a wheelchair or adaptive garden equipment that you can use to rescue yourself if you need to.
Put on sunscreen and bug spray before going out. Wear a hat and sunglasses. Cover as much open skin as possible from sun exposure.
Bring a drink with you and sit and rest and drink frequently.
Do not stay as long in the beds as you usually do. Go out early in the morning and come in early.
If you have respiratory problems and the state warning system says “mask or stay in the house,” do that. Bring your inhaler with you so you can use it. Put your cellphone in your pocket or wear a device that allows you to call for help if you cannot rescue yourself. Do not lay there. Speak up as soon as you are in trouble. Your plants need you to be healthy.
When you get in from the foray out to the beds, be sure to drink more, put your feet up and rest until you have recovered.
Then, go look out the window to see how much you got done. It is better than it was. Good for you! Tomorrow is another day.
Garden on.