Help Your Plants Beat the Heat

(CBS)  Gardens take a beating from the sun in late summer. So how do you keep your plants looking fresh?

Master gardener William Moss appeared on "The Early Show" Wednesday with some timely tips on how to help your plants beat the heat and still conserve water - even when you're on vacation.

But why do plants wilt so quickly in summer?

Moss explained evaporation rates are high with strong sunshine and that transpiration rates are highest when temperatures are highest. Evaporation plus transpiration, he said, equals evapotranspiration, which translates to lots of water being pulled from the soil. He added dry winds during late summer months pull more moisture from the soil and plants.

To help your garden beat the heat, Moss recommended choosing plants that are already adapted to drought, deserts and dry areas, such as agave, aloe, cactus, sedum, and basket-of-gold.

Placement is also essential. Keep your plants sheltered from full exposure, he said, using trees, buildings, and other screens to shade/shelter plants and reduce transpiration. He also suggested using mulch with a decorative covering to reduce evaporation from the soil.

But every plant needs water, so watering frequently and thoroughly is essential for a green garden. However, he said you can conserve water by watering your plants in early morning or early evening when evaporation rates are lower.

But what do you do when you're going on vacation?

Moss said you should make sure to water your plants thoroughly before you leave. He also suggested employing timers or a friendly neighbor to help your thirsty plants. However, if you're a rooftop or container gardener, you can also use water globes or wine bottles that will drop water in your plant periodically during your vacation.

He joked you can also try a rain dance during your vacation, which he said may -- or may not -- help keep your thirsty plants watered.

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