What to do in May...

THE DIRT ON GARDENING

From the LATE BLOOMERS

 borrowed from Peggy

WHAT TO DO IN MAY

Fertilize citrus trees, annuals and vegetables.  Spray roses to control black spot disease.  Control oleander caterpillars by hand picking or spraying with any insecticide labeled for worms or caterpillars.  Questions and suggestions?  Call or text Jane Owen (813)381-4570.

DO PLANTS WILT IN THE HEAT??

 

WHY DO PLANTS WILT ON A HOT SUMMER DAY?

Written by Janet Beal; updated 12/15/18

When temperatures climb, it used to be said that men sweated, but ladies wilted.  Plants frequently wilt

in hot weather allowing both leaves and flowers to droop, sometimes to an alarming degree.  Wilting

occurs when the pace at which plant leaves dispel moisture into the air, in a process called

transpiration, outpaces the ability of plant roots to supply enough water.  Like human perspiration,

plant transpiration is in part a self-protective mechanism plants use to survive excessive heat.

FROM YOUR FRIENDS, THE LATE BLOOMERS.....BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED!

DO PLANTS SWEAT?

 Not exactly....rather, they transpire...

HOW TRANSPIRATION WORKS

Covered with a water-impermeable cuticle membrane on their top surface, leaves discharge or evaporate water through stomata, or pores, on their undersides.  Stomata can open discharge water and close to conserve it.  When stomata are open, the leaves draw water up through plant tissues from the roots.  The suction created by evapotranspiration both cools plant tissues and provides the means by which nutrients absorbed by roots are distributed throughout plant cells.  Water vapor is required for leaves to absorb carbon dioxide which is critical to photosynthesis.  Transpiration occurs as a regular self-feeding behavior even when temperatures are moderate.  Although usually triggered by sunlight, the stomata of some plants in high-temperature desert climates open only at night when air is cooler.

FROM YOUR FRIENDS, THE LATE BLOOMERS....BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED!

WILTING

 So… What does it mean when my plants wilt??

What Wilting Means

Wilting means plant roots are unable to supply as much water as the leaves need to function at full capacity. Although leaves frequently appear damp or dewy from transpiration, they discharge water much better than they absorb it, so that plants depend primarily on soil water. On a hot day, the roots may not have adequate water reserves for leaves to draw on.

Factors Intensifying Wilting

Prolonged hot sun and dry soil are the primary, but not the only, causes of wilting. Leaves are likely to droop more when air is dry as well as hot. High humidity on a hot summer day can reduce the quantity of water from roots needed by leaves. Wind can increase water needs and cause more drooping. Plants in soil with poor nutrition or poor drainage also have a hard time on hot days because root development has been impaired by growing conditions and the roots may be closer to the soil's surface than those in rich, well-draining soil.

FROM YOUR FRIENDS, THE LATE BLOOMERS… BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED!

WHAT CAN I DO FOR WILTING PLANTS?

Wilt-Reduction Strategies

Wherever possible, improve soil conditions before you plant. Adding organic material for nutrition and sand, peat moss and other drainage amendments gives your plants the best opportunity to send down strong, abundant roots, equipping the plants to survive stress of all kinds. Factor wilting into your garden plan, if you can. For example, all kinds of hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.), varieties of which are grown in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 9, are well known for wilting. Plant them where they get morning sun but get some afternoon shade. Keep an eye on annuals with broad leaf surfaces, like cucumbers (Cucumis sativas), and use their drooping leaves as an early-warning watering reminder. Watering techniques can decrease wilt. Deep-watering several times a week, rather than brief, daily watering, provides enough for growing plant roots in hot weather. Aim water at the roots when you water, and water the soil beyond the visible spread of branches. A thick layer of mulch keeps plant roots cooler and helps prevent water evaporating from the soil. Give wilted plants time to recover before declaring them dead -- wilting signals distress but also serves as a way for plants to survive it.

FROM YOUR FRIENDS, THE LATE BLOOMERS… BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED!

THE LATE BLOOMERS NEED YOU...

Some of our clubs are experiencing "dwindling participation syndrome." For various reasons,

the membership has gone down...people moving back up north or to assisted living, members

passing, etc.  Taking part in the activities in Strawberry Ridge is a great way to make friends,

meet people, and have fun.

Is gardening and caring for plants your thing?  The Late Bloomers is just the club for you! They've

contributed their talents to us by adding new plantings around the clubhouse pool area.  Are you an

"indoor gardener"?  They have a lot of great tips for you.  They meet monthly on the first Tuesday of the

month at 11:30 AM at the Activity Center in the back room or contact Jane Owen 813-381-4570.

http://gardenclubstrawberryridge.blogspot.com

LATE BLOOMERS INFORMATION