PORTLAND, Ore. — With Portland facing possibly five straight days of triple digit heat, it's important to take care of yourself and your pets, however it is also key to keep an eye on your plants during this extreme heat.
Here are a few tips on how to keep your plants alive during the impending heat dome.
Water at the right time
Watering during the extreme heat seems like the right idea in principle, however it can lead to the water drying up and not absorbing well into the plant's roots.
It is best to water your plants during the morning when it is coolest or in the middle of the day before the sun is at its hottest in the afternoon. This allows the water time to absorb into the roots, properly hydrating the plant before it gets too hot outside.
Don't keep plants in direct sun
It may sound obvious, but keeping your plants in their colorful pots in the heat can easily cause damage to them and cause them to wilt.
It is best to move your plants into the shade, so they are not directly affected by the sun's rays.
Move plants into lighter colored pots
When plants are potted in a darker colored pot, it is a lot easier for them to absorb the heat, thus drying up the roots much quicker.
Planting your flowers, herbs, etc., in lightly colored pots will reflect the sun more, causing the roots and plant to take on less heat than they would while in a dark pot.
Don't overwater
As mentioned previously, watering at the right time is key, however not overwatering is also important.
While it is always tempting to water your plants whenever it gets extremely hot, it can end up doing them more harm down the line, causing problems at the roots such as fungal growth.
Watering is key to the plant's survival, however, make sure to do it at the right time, and just enough where you are not drowning the plant.
Over the next five days, Portland will see one of its longest hot spells of all time. Make sure to keep yourself and pets safe, but make sure not to forget about your plants.
Sources: epicgardening.com and homesandgardens.com