Beat the Summer Heat
12:00 AM - Jun 30, 2010
The heat is here and there's no denying it. I finished a run at 9 am on Sunday and it was already 90 degrees! Working hours on end in upper 90's to 100 is hard on most of us, especially those that don't do it every day. Here are a few strategies to help keep the garden looking good and to keep yourself from melting.
First, work early. The sun is up at 6 am these days. I know people like to sleep in on their days off, but consider hitting the yard work early, then taking a siesta later in the day. The real heat of the day is between 3-5pm, so don't even try to work outside then. Take a beak, nap in the hammock, make a quick run to the garden center, anything to give you a chance to cool off. Early morning is best for the following activities: mowing, raking, general cleanup, spraying (fertilizers), and digging.
The late afternoon / early evening is still pretty warm in summer, but it has cooled some. I wouldn't advise too much activity during this time of day, but there are a few things that you can do in the last 30-45 minutes of daylight. That time when you can still see, but you aren't standing under that blazing orb. These activities include: spraying (plant health products), dead-heading, weeding, general cataloging of the garden.
You know the night time is the right time for making...well, for watering. If possible, I really advise watering at night. If that isn't possible EARLY in the morning, but night is best. There are a few advantages to watering when the sun is down. #1- Water will not evaporate nearly as much after sundown. A large percentage of water can be lost when sprinklers, even hose end types, run in the hot sun. #2- Plants will respond to the water better when air and soil is cooler. One of the issues some plants have with our summer temps isn't solely due to the temperature, but soil temps and moisture. Soil temps can reach 130 plus on sunny summer days. Add lots of water to the equation and you can literally cook the roots of some plants. If you water in the evening, the soil will have time to "breath" and dissipate some moisture before the heat of the next day. Also, water on foliage can cause burn spots, so plant leaves will have time to dry. #3- Watering can be boring. I like to put out a spot sprinkler (Dad's 'Ol Reliable brand) and start it running at the beginning of a TV show. When that 15-20 minute commercial break hits, i run out and move the sprinkler to a new spot. Plants are watered well and I don't go loco watching water flow for hours.
Finally, just a few words about heat illness and how to identify them. I have fallen prey to heat a couple of times in my life and it is no fun at all. Even mild heat stroke can leave you feeling like you were on the losing end of a battle with a gorilla. The stages of heat illness are as follows: Stage 1-Heat Cramps. Not everyone will experience cramps, but muscle cramps (usually in legs or abdomen), excessive sweating, and headache or dizziness are signs. Immediately get out of heat, SLOWLY drink water (not too cold), and rest for at least 30-45 minutes. Stage 2- Heat Exhaustion. This is where we are really getting in trouble. Look for pale skin, lack of perspiration, and possibly nausea or vomiting. Pulse may be rapid but weak. Get this person out of the sun immediately. Give water and try to cool their core temperature. This can be done by running cool water or placing a wet rag over the wrists, neck, or behind knees. Anywhere lots of blood run near the skins surface. Slowly drink water and stay out of the heat for the rest of the day. Be cautious the next day if working outside. Stage 3- Heat Stroke. A person in heat stroke needs immediate attention. They may be disoriented or acting unusual. Skin will likely be red, dry, and very warm to the touch. Temperature may be over 104 degrees. They may even pass out (I did!). This person needs immediate medical attention. Begin the processes mentioned above, but get this person to a doctor or hospital quickly. Call an ambulance if necessary. If you have a heat stroke, don't count on doing much for a few days. You will be down and exhausted. I don't recommend it.
So, hopefully i didn't scare you out of the garden for the summer. Just be careful, work when it's cool, take breaks, drink lots of fluids, and enjoy the garden.
