Published: June 20, 2009 11:52 pm         

It’s easy to keep plants thriving during hot summer temps

Summers in Oklahoma can get hot, really hot, and people often have problems keeping their gardens nice looking through the dry arid months.

Some local plant and gardening experts provided some advice to those who like to keep their lawns and plants pretty during the summer.

Mulching and proper watering are some of the best practices for gardens. There are a number of types of mulch, including cedar, because it keeps animals away and has a good smell, but eucalyptus also is popular, said Connie Smith, owner of Plants A’ Plenty. Smith said she does not care for using rubber tires as mulch because other items must be placed on top and must be periodically added to it.

“It’s not the complete problem-solver it was cut out to be,” Smith said.

Proper watering also is essential. Smith said people should water in the morning and night so it does not evaporate as much. During periods of high humidity, fungicide should be sprayed on plants and trees, especially pine trees, she said.

“It’s real hot, and humidity breeds fungus,” she said. “Sometimes warmth will burn it off, but it takes a while, and it seems to be more humid than in the past years.”

Smith suggested slow-release irrigation systems, or “gator bags,” which can be placed around trees or bushes or by plants and will provide a slow drip for irrigation. The bags come in 14-gallon or 20-gallon sizes.

Kate Morrison, a member of Garfield County Master Gardeners, said mulching is the most important thing that can be done to help plants during the summer. She recommended some type of organic mulch to help conserve moisture and keep ground temperature cool and stable.

Sometimes the amount of water and the manner in which people water can be damaging, she said. It is better to water your garden in the morning, so foliage can dry before night time, which will help cut down on fungical diseases, she said. She said any type of drip irrigation puts water down at the roots so none is lost to evaporation.

“It’s important to water deeper. Some people tend to sprinkle with a hose, and all that does is wet down the topsoil and doesn’t soak down,” she said.

She also recommended watering over a longer period of time and in smaller amounts. She also recommended deep, slow soaking.

“When things really get hot, they will wilt. Wait until morning. Sometimes people over-water because it’s wilted a little,” Morrison said.