Homestead Journal- Heat Wave
🚫 5 Heat Wave Mistakes Gardeners Make
1. Watering every day for a few minutes.
Shallow watering creates shallow roots.
✅ Water deeply 2–3 times per week instead.
2. Watering in the middle of the day.
Much of the water evaporates before reaching the roots.
✅ Water early in the morning or in the evening.
3. Heavy pruning during a heat wave.
Leaves actually help shade fruits and protect plants from sunscald.
✅ Only remove lower leaves for airflow.
4. Fertilizing stressed plants.
Extra fertilizer can push growth when plants are trying to survive the heat.
✅ Wait until temperatures cool down.
5. Leaving bare soil exposed.
Bare soil dries out incredibly fast.
✅ Add 2–3 inches of mulch to keep roots cool and retain moisture.
