How to avoid burning your garden when it's very hot

Tropical heat can cause enormous damage to the vegetable garden: some crops begin to suffer already after a few hours, especially if there is a lack of water, when the temperature is around 35 degrees, and above 40 degrees leaves and shoots can wilt and get burned within the same day.

To avoid heat damage and waste a year's worth of work, the garden and its crops should be protected from the heat in advance. Here's how:

• Water early in the morning or late in the evening, avoiding the middle of the day. In extremely hot weather, it's best to water thoroughly, sparingly but frequently.
• Water at the base, directly on the soil, not on the leaves: this reduces evaporation and the risk of sunburn.
• Apply a mulch of straw, dry leaves or other organic material, about 5–8 cm: it keeps the soil much cooler and more moist.
• Use shade netting on hot days, especially for exposed salads, young plants, peppers, and tomatoes. You don't necessarily need to cover the entire garden: partial shade may suffice during the hottest hours of the day.
• No fertilize during heat waves: plants already under stress can suffer further.
• Avoid drastic pruning on hot days. Vegetation can help protect fruit and soil from the sun.
• for potted plants, temporarily move them to a bright but filtered sun position between 12pm and 17pm.

Read also:

• How to water your garden without wasting water
• The best natural fertilizers for plants
• How to care for plants during the holidays