You protect plants from strong sun with shade (screens, shade cloth, and relocation), water at the right times, mulch with straw or dry leaves, and fertilizer that helps the plant withstand the heat. In emergencies, you can even save plants that have already been burned.<\/p>\n
If you've ever seen burnt or wilted leaves in the late afternoon, or plants that don't thrive in the intense heat, this guide is for you. Let's take a step-by-step look at what to do on normal sunny days and in emergency situations.<\/p>\n
Intense sunlight can cause plants to lose water too quickly, leading to dry or burnt leaves. This situation worsens during peak hours, such as in the afternoon, when the heat accumulates during the day. Therefore, it is common to see damage that hinders growth.<\/p>\n
For example, in S\u00e3o Paulo, someone growing basil in a west-facing apartment experienced heat waves and saw the leaves burning and drying out at the tips. This shows how prolonged sun damages even plants that like light. According to INMET (2023), issues like this are more common in Brazil today.<\/p>\n
Watch out for yellow or brown leaf tips, which indicate heat burn. Also, plants wilting even after watering seem to be a sign of stress from excessive heat. In these cases, acting quickly prevents greater damage.<\/p>\n
Other signs include wrinkled or drooping leaves, showing that the plant is unable to retain enough water. Imagine your ferns losing foliage due to direct midday sun.<\/p>\n
Plants that thrive in full sun, such as cacti or sunflowers, tolerate direct sunlight for hours without any problem. Sensitive plants, like ferns or basil, need indirect light to avoid damage. This difference helps in choosing suitable locations in the garden.<\/p>\n
To identify them, check labels in stores or try changing their positions gradually. However, excessively strong sunlight can affect any species if it lasts all day.<\/p>\n
Shade cloths create a light barrier against intense UV rays. They filter the sun while allowing the necessary light for photosynthesis. This protects plants without sacrificing their vitality.<\/p>\n
In Goi\u00e2nia, a resident installed 50% shade cloth over his backyard herb garden using simple wooden stakes. He noticed less wilting in lettuce and parsley during heat waves. According to Embrapa (2022), this use is growing in Brazilian urban gardens.<\/p>\n
In addition to screens, moving pots to shaded areas works well in emergencies. This quick change relieves immediate heat stress. Alternatively, combine it with other methods for optimal results.<\/p>\n
In the last paragraph, by creating fixed shaded areas in the backyard or garden, you achieve beautiful compositions. Ideas for a Shade Garden: Beautiful and Easy to Make<\/a><\/p>\n
| Plant Type<\/th>\n | Recommended Shading Percentage<\/th>\n | Example of Effect<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leafy vegetables (lettuce)<\/td>\n | 50-70%<\/td>\n | Reduces wilting and promotes growth.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | ||||||||||||
| Sensitive flowers (hibiscus)<\/td>\n | 30-50%<\/td>\n | Protects flowers from sunburn.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | ||||||||||||
| Succulents (cactus)<\/td>\n | 20-40%<\/td>\n | Avoid excessive dehydration.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\nWhat percentage of shading to choose?<\/h3>\nChoose lower percentages, such as 30%, for plants that can tolerate direct sunlight for a good part of the day. For more fragile plants, opt for 70% or higher, filtering more sunlight. Test on small areas before applying the entire amount.<\/p>\n Remember, high percentages can reduce growth if used all the time. So, adjust according to seasonal changes in heat.<\/p>\n How to install shade cloth in pots, flower beds and vegetable gardens<\/h3>\nFirst, secure stakes around the garden bed and stretch shade cloth between them. Then, fasten it well to withstand the wind and live comfortably. Small garden beds require support with thick poles.<\/p>\n For planters, use wires or hooks to attach them to the trellis. This makes urban furniture easy to install and remove when needed.<\/p>\n Ground cover: straw, dry leaves and other tricks<\/h2>\nGround cover retains moisture for longer, reducing the need for constant watering. For example, straw or dry leaves create a protective layer against direct sunlight. This keeps roots cool and plants thrive better.<\/p>\n In Belo Horizonte, a farmer used grass straw and dry tree leaves from his backyard as mulch. He reduced watering from twice a day to once during the intense summer. According to Embrapa (2021), this reduces water loss by up to 30%.<\/p>\n This technique also prevents competition from weeds, which steal nutrients. However, change materials frequently to avoid compaction.<\/p>\n Inexpensive materials for making mulch at home.<\/h3>\nUse dry grass or sawdust from old pieces of wood, which you can find for free or cheaply. Fallen winter leaves also work, after being chopped up a bit. These materials retain moisture without being very expensive.<\/p>\n Another option is to use recycled newspaper underneath, mixed with soil. Just avoid this for vegetables that need full exposure to the soil.<\/p>\n Common mistakes when covering the soil in pots.<\/h3>\nA common mistake is applying too thick a layer of mulch, which suffocates the roots. Therefore, apply a thin layer, 2-3 centimeters thick, and observe the reaction. Another mistake is using materials that rot quickly and attract pests.<\/p>\n Also, avoid covering dry soil; water first to ensure proper establishment. In these cases, adjust the pot size to small or large.<\/p>\n What is the best time to water plants in hot weather?<\/h2>\nWatering early, around 6 am, prevents the water from evaporating quickly. This encourages deep roots that are prepared for the hot day. With this practice, plants are better able to withstand wilting later in the day.<\/p>\n In Recife, someone changed the watering schedule for a potted hibiscus from midday to very early in the morning. Even with temperatures above 32\u00b0C, it stopped wilting in the afternoon. According to INMET (2022), high evaporation at midday explains this.<\/p>\n
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