It seems as though all we can think about these days is the heat. Although the need to do garden chores diminishes somewhat this time of year, we still spend time in the garden so there are some heat safety tips we should keep in mind.

Gardeners working outside may lose up to 2 quarts of water each hour according to the Mississippi State University Extension Service. To prevent dehydration, the Extension Service recommends drinking before, during and after working outside. Of course it is also best to work in the early morning when some of us are still having coffee, however drinks containing caffeine and alcohol should be avoided so if you are a coffee drinker try to drink a full glass of water before you go out in the morning and take some water out with you. Also, avoid drinks with sugar because the sugar slows down liquid absorption by the body.

Follow the shade. Most gardeners know which areas of the garden get sun at various times of the day. This should make it easy to stay one step ahead of the sun. Simply start in a shady area you know will be the next spot to get the sun and move along to another shady area as the sun follows you so that you are always working in the shade. Also, wear loose fitting cotton clothing that allows air to pass through. Synthetic fabrics do not breath and will make your body temperature rise. Take frequent breaks and drink additional water when you go back inside.

Now let’s talk about the pets. I sometimes joke that I garden for my two cats because they love to sneak around and play in the garden. However, it is important to remember that they can suffer from heat stress also. Signs of heat stress in cats include restless behavior as the cat tries to find a cool spot, panting, moist/sweaty paw pads, drooling and excessive grooming in an effort to cool off. Brushing cats more frequently during hot months can decrease the heaviness or thickness of their coats and make them more comfortable.

Dogs, like cats, do not sweat to cool off. The main way they stay cool is to pant. Giving your dog a summer haircut can help. Cut down to one to two inches, never to the skin as pets can get sunburned just as humans do. Signs of heatstroke in dogs include excessive panting, weakness or collapse, drooling, incoordination, vomiting and sometimes seizures. Knowing what to look for will help keep your pets safe. And never, ever, leave a pet in the car.

And finally, what about the plants? Here are some watering tips that should get you through:

• Water early in the morning. Less water will evaporate and when you water in the heat of the day you may burn the foliage.

• Water slowly. Watering too fast will simply cause much of the water to run off rather than being absorbed into the ground.

• The rule of thumb is that most plants need about an inch of water per week. It is always better to water deeply rather than more frequently so the water gets down to the roots.

• Additional heat without rain will put your plants under more stress. Any time the soil feels dry when you poke your finger down an inch or two you need to water.

Email your questions to me at newsroom@natchezdemocrat.com.

 

Karen O’Neal is an Adams County Master Gardener.