Plants could use a shot of fertilizer during hot days
Ah, the final hot and lazy days of August! Fish in the pond, usually splashing about to investigate every flickering shadow, are now hibernating in the shade of outcropped rocks or listless water lily pads. Blooms and seed heads hardly stir in the breezeless afternoon heat. Bees typically droning overhead in need of an afternoon drink have even postponed their mission until cooler air arrives. I yearn for the exercise and solitude of the garden, but especially the cooler days of spring and early summer. I’ll settle for an iced drink and a great new garden journal.
Actually, there is a lot of hot activity going on outside that we may be missing. The soil factory below our feet has been in high gear, its microbial workers are so small we can’t even see them. The billions of microorganisms in every inch of soil work overtime to digest organic matter into nutrients that will feed the root systems of plants. They ravenously devour dead and decaying plants and organisms in the soil to enhance their own growth and survival, unknowing that no plant or animal life on earth could exist without them.
Healthy plants in our yards and gardens rely on organic rich materials. Organic matter creates a healthy soil structure and environment that will encourage microbial factories at the root level of each plant. Yet, as the hot summer heat settles over the garden these miraculous workers recline into their own stifled, sluggishly paced summer mode. Plants must then rely on a back stock of nutrients stored in soil during the height of microbial production. Plants looking necrotic or ailing these days may need a shot of commercial fertilizer to get them moving a bit. More importantly, add more organic material in the fall and spring.
Composting is a prime example of these microorganisms on the job. As the hot weather wanes, start gathering yard and garden wastes for compost piles. Shredded or chopped yard debris and dry leaves are rich in carbon. When combined with high nitrogen materials like grass clippings and kitchen scraps, microbes have a feast. Keep the pile turned periodically and wet like a wrung-out sponge, and decay-eating organisms will do the rest.
In the meantime, while microbes are hard at work, I’ll enjoy my yard and garden from vantage points deep in the shade thinking we all need a rest. I wonder, would those microscopic critters like some of my lemonade?
Things to do in the garden this week
Water any drought-tolerant plants and beds, especially if they are newly planted this year. Even drought-tolerant plants must establish adequate root systems.
Consider naturalizing areas of your yard to better withstand the heat and drought typical of our summers. There are multitudes of drought-tolerant summer flowering shrubs and perennials available from local nurseries and mail order catalog companies. Many are offered for fall planting and can be ordered with your fall bulbs.
Prevent root damage in potted plants on hot patios and decks by removing them to cooler ground where possible, or protect them with insulating materials that keep containers off hot surfaces. A plate of water beneath containers will help roots keep their cool and supply extra humidity to plants.
Re-evaluate sprinkler system adjustments if dry spots are showing up in lawns or flower beds. Growth spurts in shrubs and trees throughout spring and summer may be blocking coverage to these areas. An extra rotation may also be necessary until cooler weather and rain arrive in the fall.
Say hello to your houseplants. Their care can be overlooked in the busy final days of summer.