Chumasande MatiwaneIt might be tempting to do some gardening when the sun is strongest in the middle of the day, but doing this comes with many risks. It’s not the best idea, as these actions may severely stress out your plants. These plant-related chores should be avoided by all means possible if the sun and heat are intense.
Watering your plants
Gardeners know watering your plants in the early morning or evening is key and should never be watered at the height of the day. This is because the water will evaporate before it hits the plant’s roots. This is not only wasteful, as water is a precious commodity, but also runs the risk of scorching foliage as water droplets act as a magnifying glass, potentially damaging the leaves.
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Planting seeds
Seeds should not be planted during the peak hours of sunlight. The intense heat can dry out the soil, negatively affecting germination. As a result, your seeds may not take root or grow at all, or their growth may be significantly delayed. Experienced gardeners recommend planting seeds and watering them in the evening to avoid stressing the seeds.
Transplanting your seedlings
Avoid transplanting seeds during peak sunlight. While transplanting young seedlings can be stressful for the plants, doing it at the hottest part of the day can further weaken them, leading to wilting or even death. The best time to transplant is in the evening, which helps ensure the plants thrive.
Heavy pruning of your plants
Most plants do need pruning, but if you do this task during peak sun, the plant will get sunburnt and stressed. Pruning should be done during the plant’s dormant season. This is because cutting off dead blooms and leaves exposes the inner part of a plant’s system to heat, oxidation, and dehydration. If you have to prune, save it for the evening and then follow the pruning with a good, deep watering to let the plant heal and adjust before the next day of full sun.
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Applying fertilizer
It is important to feed your plants nutrients when the sun is not at its peak, especially if you are using chemical-based fertilisers. Heat and harsh chemicals do not work well together, so the best time to fertilise is during non-peak sunlight hours. Feeding your plants in the middle of the day can prevent them from absorbing the benefits of the fertiliser, which may lead to burning their roots and leaves. Therefore, it is recommended to fertilise them in the morning or in the evening.
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