Summer Is Here:Â
Managing Heat and Maximising Plant Health
Summer has arrived, bringing soaring temperatures and intense sunlight that can challenge even the most seasoned horticulturists and landscape professionals. Excessive heat not only stresses plants but also creates the perfect environment for heat-loving pests like spider mites. To ensure your plants thrive during this demanding season, effective management of moisture, shade, and heat stress is critical.
In this blog, we’ll share practical strategies to safeguard your plants this summer, along with insights into solutions from Garden City Plastics (GCP) that can enhance your approach.
Combat Heat Stress with Moisture Management
Water management is the cornerstone of summer plant care. Maintaining efficient irrigation and consistent moisture levels is key to preventing stress.
Inspect and Maintain Irrigation Systems
Ensure drippers and sprinklers function correctly to distribute water evenly. Blockages caused by biofilms or sediment buildup can disrupt water delivery. Using water conditioners like Aquamate and disinfectants such as Vibrex can help keep irrigation lines clean and flowing efficiently.
Incorporate Wetting Agents
Wetting agents improve water penetration and retention in growing media. Products like Hydraflo Granule & Liquid or Moisture Aid are excellent options to ensure even moisture distribution. They can be incorporated during potting or top-dressed, reducing water wastage and maintaining hydration for longer periods.
Reduce Transpiration and Protect Plant Health
High temperatures increase water loss through transpiration, which can lead to wilting and plant stress. Anti-transpirants like Wiltnot create a protective layer on plant surfaces, reducing water loss without interfering with essential processes like photosynthesis. This extra layer of protection is especially beneficial during heatwaves.
Manage Heat with Shade Solutions
Excessive sunlight and heat can scorch leaves and exacerbate plant stress. Shading solutions offer a practical way to combat heat in controlled environments such as polytunnels and greenhouses.
Implement physical solutions like retractable screens, shade cloths, or shading films to regulate light levels and reduce heat buildup. These systems help create a stable environment, minimising plant stress and ensuring optimal growing conditions.
By controlling sunlight exposure, shading solutions reduce the risk of leaf scorching and excessive heat, maintaining a more balanced environment that supports plant health and productivity.
Manage Heat with Shading Agents
For an efficient and targeted approach to light and heat management, shading agents are indispensable tools.
Shading agents, such as Redusol, are applied to surfaces like glasshouses or polytunnels. They work by diffusing sunlight and reducing light intensity, creating a protective barrier against harmful UV rays.
These products provide consistent, long-lasting protection and are particularly effective in minimising heat stress during peak summer months. Shading agents help maintain cooler environments, reduce plant stress, and improve overall growth conditions.
Stay Informed
Managing plant health during summer is an ongoing challenge that requires staying updated on the latest tools and techniques. By incorporating these strategies and products into your care routine, you can protect your plants from summer stress and ensure their success.
Subscribe to our newsletter below for expert tips, product updates, and seasonal insights tailored to horticulturists and landscape professionals. Let’s make this summer a season of thriving plants and successful outcomes!
Summer Is Here:Â
Managing Heat and Maximising Plant Health
Summer has arrived, bringing soaring temperatures and intense sunlight that can challenge even the most seasoned horticulturists and landscape professionals. Excessive heat not only stresses plants but also creates the perfect environment for heat-loving pests like spider mites. To ensure your plants thrive during this demanding season, effective management of moisture, shade, and heat stress is critical.
In this blog, we’ll share practical strategies to safeguard your plants this summer, along with insights into solutions from Garden City Plastics (GCP) that can enhance your approach.
Combat Heat Stress with Moisture Management
Water management is the cornerstone of summer plant care. Maintaining efficient irrigation and consistent moisture levels is key to preventing stress.
Inspect and Maintain Irrigation Systems
Ensure drippers and sprinklers function correctly to distribute water evenly. Blockages caused by biofilms or sediment buildup can disrupt water delivery. Using water conditioners like Aquamate and disinfectants such as Vibrex can help keep irrigation lines clean and flowing efficiently.
Incorporate Wetting Agents
Wetting agents improve water penetration and retention in growing media. Products like Hydraflo Granule & Liquid or Moisture Aid are excellent options to ensure even moisture distribution. They can be incorporated during potting or top-dressed, reducing water wastage and maintaining hydration for longer periods.
Reduce Transpiration and Protect Plant Health
High temperatures increase water loss through transpiration, which can lead to wilting and plant stress. Anti-transpirants like Wiltnot create a protective layer on plant surfaces, reducing water loss without interfering with essential processes like photosynthesis. This extra layer of protection is especially beneficial during heatwaves.
Manage Heat with Shade Solutions
Excessive sunlight and heat can scorch leaves and exacerbate plant stress. Shading solutions offer a practical way to combat heat in controlled environments such as polytunnels and greenhouses.
Implement physical solutions like retractable screens, shade cloths, or shading films to regulate light levels and reduce heat buildup. These systems help create a stable environment, minimising plant stress and ensuring optimal growing conditions.
By controlling sunlight exposure, shading solutions reduce the risk of leaf scorching and excessive heat, maintaining a more balanced environment that supports plant health and productivity.
Manage Heat with Shading Agents
For an efficient and targeted approach to light and heat management, shading agents are indispensable tools.
Shading agents, such as Redusol, are applied to surfaces like glasshouses or polytunnels. They work by diffusing sunlight and reducing light intensity, creating a protective barrier against harmful UV rays.
These products provide consistent, long-lasting protection and are particularly effective in minimising heat stress during peak summer months. Shading agents help maintain cooler environments, reduce plant stress, and improve overall growth conditions.
Stay Informed
Managing plant health during summer is an ongoing challenge that requires staying updated on the latest tools and techniques. By incorporating these strategies and products into your care routine, you can protect your plants from summer stress and ensure their success.
Subscribe to our newsletter below for expert tips, product updates, and seasonal insights tailored to horticulturists and landscape professionals. Let’s make this summer a season of thriving plants and successful outcomes!