Care Tips For Potted Plants Struggling In The Summer Heat

This dry, blustery weather has been really tiresome, hasn't it?

It dries out our garden beds and lawns, and heats up our potted plants, leaving them looking straggly and dull.

But there are a few things you can do to help your potted plants through this punishing summer heat. And they will serve your plants well as the months get colder too.

• Select your pot wisely. While Teracotta and ceramic pots look fabulous, they are extremely heavy to move once they have been planted out, and if they are unsealed, they dry out the soil in double quick time. This is fine if you are growing plants that like dry soil, but if not, it is a good idea to seal the inside of the pot before you plant anything in them.
• Choose a high quality soil to plant into, and mulch to press down around the plant to lock in the moisture and further protect the plant from the sun and heat.
• Sit your pots in a sturdy saucer, to prevent the soil from draining away with the valuable moisture when you water them.
• Instead of placing the pot directly into the saucer, fill the saucer with sand. This prevents the roots of your plants from getting waterlogged and root rot, and will also discourage mosquitoes from breeding in the saucers.
• Water your plants first thing in the morning, or late in the afternoon for maximum absorption of water. If you water during the heat of the day (or in really strong wind), much of the moisture will evaporate.
• If you find that your potted plant has really dried out, immerse the entire pot in a tub or bucket of water for around 30 minutes to help it re-hydrate.
• These tips will help to keep your potted plants looking lush and beautiful, even during the hottest, driest season.