Protect your Garden in a Heatwave

7 hot tips to beat the heat !

As you know, your precious plants will suffer in the heat so we have some tips to help them get through the heatwave and beyond:

Move potted plants into a shaded area and water them well. During heat waves, it's OK to keep pot saucers filled with water, as the plants can draw on that water over the day.

Spray exposed plants and seedlings with Yates® Waterwise™ DroughtShield to help reduce water loss from leaves and increase the plants' chances of survival. Yates® Waterwise™ DroughtShield is a fabulous product which helps to prevent leaf burn, and which reduces the amount of water lost through the leaf on hot days. It is particularly useful on sun sensitive plants such as English and Japanese Box, hydrangea, camellias and other plants susceptible to leaf burn. Spray on until it runs off, and you will find it dries clear. As with any product, do follow the instructions on the bottle.

Temporary shelters made from shade cloth, or even a beach umbrella erected, will shield vulnerable plants can help them through the worst of the heat wave.

An application of Yates® Waterwise™ Soil Wetter around the root zone in garden beds and also on potted plants will help get water where it’s needed by breaking down the waxy water repellent layer that can develop on soil surfaces and potting mix.

Water garden plants thoroughly the night before an expected hot day and apply a 3-5cm of mulch around the root zone of plants. Mulch is also beneficial for potted plants, as potted plants dry out faster than in-ground plants.

After a heatwave and ensuring your plants have been well watered you can give them a gentle boost by applying Dynamic Lifter Liquid Concentrate.

DON'T FORGET THE BIRDS, INSECTS AND LIZARDS: be sure to pop water out for the animals too. They are so important to the success of your garden, and to the environment.