Do You Water Plants More in Heatwave?

The answer to the question above is a resounding yes. When the weather is extremely hot and dry, plants need more water to survive. The reason for this is that plants lose water through transpiration, which is the process of water evaporating from the leaves and stems. When the weather is hot, the rate of transpiration increases, which means that plants lose water at a faster rate than they would in cooler weather.

What Happens to Plants in a Heatwave?

Plants undergo a number of physiological changes when they experience a heatwave. For example, their stomata (tiny openings in the leaves) close to conserve water. This reduces the rate of transpiration and helps the plant retain moisture. However, when the stomata close, the plant cannot absorb as much CO2 from the atmosphere, which reduces the rate of photosynthesis. As a result, the plant may not produce as much growth or fruit as it would in cooler weather.

How to Water Plants in a Heatwave

When watering plants in a heatwave, it's important to do so in the right way. Here are some tips:

Water early in the morning or later in the evening when the temperatures are cooler. This reduces the amount of water that evaporates before the plant has a chance to absorb it.

Water deeply and infrequently. This encourages the roots to grow deeper, which helps the plant access more soil moisture. It also prevents the soil from becoming waterlogged, which can suffocate the roots.

Avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can lead to sunscald or fungal diseases. Instead, water the soil around the base of the plant.

Consider using mulch to help retain soil moisture. A layer of organic matter such as compost, straw or wood chips can help keep the soil cool and moist, while also suppressing weeds.

Signs of Overwatering and Underwatering

Knowing when to water your plants is important. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases, while underwatering can cause wilting and stunting. Here are some signs to watch out for:

If the leaves are yellow or brown and the soil is soggy, the plant may be overwatered.

If the leaves are wilted and the soil is dry, the plant may be underwatered.

If the leaves are crispy and brown on the edges, the plant may be experiencing heat stress.

If the leaves are curled, the plant may be experiencing drought stress.

Conclusion

Watering plants in a heatwave can mean the difference between life and death for your plants. By watering deeply and infrequently, avoiding getting water on the leaves, and using mulch to retain soil moisture, you can help your plants thrive in hot and dry weather. Just be sure to watch for signs of overwatering, underwatering, heat stress, and drought stress, and adjust your watering accordingly.