How Fresno County nurseries protect plants amidst heat
FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – With these hot summer days, it seems like we’re using more effort to cool down, and the same can be said about caring for plants. It’s not easy, but local nurseries are using more resources to keep plants alive.
“It’s hard right now, not a lot of things can survive outside when it’s 110,” Fresno Ag Hardware COO Ian Williams said.
The heat has hit the Central Valley like a giant wave. As the temperature rises, so does the likelihood of your plants wilting. For those who can’t transfer their plants to a cooler, indoor area, watering their plants more often is recommended.
“Make sure you are watering your plants thoroughly at least twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening,” Belmont Nurseries Ruth Ann Paschall said.
Belmont Nursery says they have doubled the amount of water used for their plants. They also stress the importance of not over-watering, or else plants could flood and die. How owners water their plants is also a difference-maker.
“What happens is the leaves transpire, the moisture, and they lose it real quick that tends to dry out, so you want to make sure you’re watering the root ball right around the base of the plant real thoroughly,” Paschall said.
Fresno Ag Hardware says plant owners can use a more effective watering device.
“Switching over from just a straight spraying sprinkler, lay some drip line down. Get the water to get right into the root system, that way they’re able to absorb all of that,” Williams said.
Fresno Ag also says plants can benefit from their own shade.
“Throw out some solar shade. A lot of people do that for their vegetable plants,” Williams said.
“It basically keeps off the UV rays on direct plant use as a matter of fact, so basically it’s a shield, what we’d say is between the sun and the plant,” Paschall said.
Those without the means for a solar shade can DIY their own solar protection.
“You can do something as simple as putting up umbrellas. Just create a little bit of shade and just enough to drop that temperature so they’re not withering in that hot sun,” Williams said.
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