Preparation of Coconut Sugar Recommended for Gardeners during Heatwaves - Quick Solution for Reviving Heat-Stricken Plants Immediately
In the scorching heat of summer, keeping plants healthy can be a challenge. Here's a helpful guide on how to use organic substances, watering techniques, and pruning methods to promote soil health and revive heat-stressed plants.
**Using Organic Substances for Soil Health**
While coconut sugar isn't typically used for soil health or plant revival, other organic substances like molasses or other plant-based amendments can support soil health. Here's a general approach:
- **Application Timing**: Apply organic amendments during the cooler parts of the day to avoid adding stress to the plants. - **Application Ratio**: For organic amendments like molasses, a common ratio is 1-2 tablespoons per gallon of water. - **Application Frequency**: Apply once a week unless the soil is highly depleted, in which case you might apply more frequently. - **Pest Control**: Be cautious, as sugars can attract pests. Monitor for signs of pests and adjust applications accordingly. - **Soil Balance**: Ensure the amendment doesn't disrupt the soil's nutrient balance. Monitor soil health and adjust applications based on soil test results.
**Promoting Soil Health with Coconut Coir**
If you're looking to improve soil health and help plants under heat stress, coconut coir is a more suitable option. It enhances soil structure and retains moisture.
- Apply coconut coir during soil preparation or when repotting plants. - Mix approximately 10-20% coconut coir with the soil to improve moisture retention and structure. - Apply coconut coir once during potting or soil preparation unless the soil needs frequent replenishment due to high water usage. - Monitor for overwatering, as coconut coir can retain a lot of water. - Ensure the coir is free of contaminants and salts.
**Watering Techniques for Heat-Stressed Plants**
In hot weather, follow the same guidelines for watering plants, and avoid watering during the hottest part of the day. Water in the early morning or evening when temperatures are cooler.
Using a watering can with a shower spout, like this one from Amazon, can provide a more gentle watering for heat-stressed plants.
For an additional boost, consider using a coconut sugar water mixture. Apply the mixture after temperatures have cooled down. To make the mixture, combine 1 tablespoon of coconut sugar with 1 liter of water. However, remember that too much sugar can attract harmful bacteria and pests, and may cause some fungal diseases. It's important to only use the coconut sugar mixture on plants every couple of weeks, and in between, flush away any build-up of sugar with plain water.
**Pruning Heat-Stressed Plants**
Pruning heat-stressed plants is a good idea to remove damaged foliage, flowers, and stems that won't recover, but only do so once temperatures have cooled down again. Use essential pruning tools, like these pruning shears from Amazon, when pruning plants to ensure clean cuts.
Rachel Bull, Head of Gardens at Homes & Gardens, recommends using coconut sugar for plant recovery after heat stress. Using coconut sugar water can help rejuvenate plants that have been affected by heatwaves. Rachel is a gardening editor, flower grower, and floral designer with a background in journalism and floral design.
Remember, it's essential to read up on how to protect your lawn during a heatwave to ensure it stays thick and green this summer. Coconut sugar can be purchased from Walmart and Amazon. Coconut sugar is a food source for beneficial microbes in the soil, improving soil structure and making essential plant nutrients more available.
For more tips on reducing watering in the garden while keeping plants hydrated, read our guide. And, as always, happy gardening!
- Maintaining a healthy home-and-garden environment during the hot summer months involves not only proper watering techniques but also careful use of organic substances like molasses for soil health.
- After applying coconut coir to improve soil structure and moisture retention, consider adding a gentle watering method, such as a watering can with a shower spout, to help heat-stressed plants recover.
