Vegetable patches need urgent attention come the height of summer, as longer and stronger UV rays make it much easier for plants to wilt and even die if neglected
Gardeners are being told to protect the roots of some popular vegetables as they grow during the warmer months of the year.
Now that the temperatures are getting warmer, there’s one important task that gardeners need to complete to ensure that their fresh produce does not die of thirst. According to Gardeners World, in June, anyone growing their own vegetables must place mulching around the plants.
With the UK’s temperatures poised to hit highs of 29C this week, keeping our fruits and vegetables moist is important to stop the plants from wilting, then dying, before they’ve even produced anything.
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An increase in temperatures and longer hours of sunlight can lead to water loss and plant stress, which is why plants need the more attention – but experts urge caution over over-watering which can be just as fatal.
According to Gardeners’ World, this can simply be fixed by spreading mulch around thirsty crops, especially vegetables such as beans and courgettes, “to hold in moisture around their roots.”
For gardening novices, mulch is a mixture of material, which can be organic, and is strategically placed to regulate temperature and hold in moisture around plants. It can also add nutrients to the soil and help control weeds.
Mulch can contain anything from bark, compost, or straw, to pebbles or any other hardy materials. Some home-made mulches containing the likes of manure, old leaves and grass clippings can benefit the soil and the wildlife around it.
How to apply the mulch
For the best results, gardeners have to apply the mulch directly on top of the soil around the plants, keeping it a few inches away from the base to avoid diseases that might harm the plant.
Applying an extra layer of mulch, such as compost, around the vegetables, will ensure the moisture is well kept in the soil.
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When is best to water my plants in June?
The best time to water your outdoor spaces during the summer is in the late evening when the sunlight’s UV rays aren’t prevalent and temperatures are bearable compared to the rest of the day. It will also give the plants enough time to soak up all the water before it gets too hot again.
The Royal Horticultural Society says: “Water in the mornings, if you can, as this is when the sun comes up and plants will start to use water. The foliage and soil surface is also likely to stay drier for longer than evening watering, discouraging slugs, snails and mildew diseases.”
