FRESNO, Calif. — As the Central Valley experiences scorching summer heat, local nurseries are intensifying efforts to safeguard their plants from wilting under the relentless sun.
“It’s challenging right now; not many plants can withstand outdoor conditions when it reaches 110 degrees,” remarked Ian Williams, COO of Fresno Ag Hardware.
With temperatures soaring, nurseries are advocating for increased vigilance in plant care. For those unable to relocate plants indoors, frequent watering has become crucial.
“Ensure thorough watering of plants at least twice daily — once in the morning and once in the evening,” advised Ruth Ann Paschall of Belmont Nurseries.
Paschall highlighted that Belmont Nurseries has doubled its water usage to sustain plants, emphasizing the delicate balance of avoiding over-watering, which can lead to drowning.
“When leaves transpire moisture rapidly, they dry out quickly. Focus watering on the root ball near the plant’s base,” Paschall explained.
Fresno Ag Hardware recommends utilizing more efficient watering methods such as laying down drip lines to directly nourish the root system.
“By switching from traditional sprinklers to drip lines, plants can efficiently absorb water without waste,” Williams recommended.
Moreover, nurseries advocate for providing plants with shade to mitigate heat stress.
“Deploy solar shades to shield plants from direct UV exposure,” Paschall advised. “These shades act as a protective barrier between the sun and the plants.”
For those unable to invest in solar shades, makeshift solutions like umbrellas can offer temporary relief from intense sunlight.
“Even simple measures like setting up umbrellas can create enough shade to lower temperatures and prevent plants from withering,” Williams suggested.
As temperatures continue to rise, Fresno County nurseries remain steadfast in their commitment to employing these strategies to ensure the survival and health of their plants amidst challenging weather conditions.
