Plants and the Heat

Like people and animals plants need extra water in the extreme heat. The effect of heat damage is more subtle, unlike the extreme cold that can kill plants instantly. Different parts of the plant will show heat damage sooner, such as a wilting leaf. You may see flower buds wither, leaves droop and your plant may become more attractive to insects. If chlorophyll disappears the leaves will appear white or brown and the roots may cease growing. Plant death from heat is slow and lingering. Plants can survive in a stunted state for several years; if desiccation reaches a high enough level the enzymes that control growth become deactivated and the plant dies.

Plants will show you that they are in need of water.  Some plants will have drooping leaves, while others will fold there leaf like a taco shell. 

 

Hand watering between you scheduled irrigation is essential. Deep root watering will keep the plant alive, with a minimal amount of water. Water in the late afternoon if possible, the plant can use water more effectively in the coolest time of the day. Get the water to the ground where the growing point is located. 

Once the heat breaks I might spray a seaweed product or worm tea on your plants in the late afternoon, avoiding the blended the fertilizers until late August to early September, This means Labor Day Weekend should be your last time to fertilize in the high desert region.