SINGAPORE – The return of the El Nino weather phenomenon is expected to bring about warmer, drier weather here.
The already harsh conditions can be especially dire in high-rise gardens, with the constant winds acting like a “hair dryer” for plants, which lose moisture as water evaporates more rapidly from the soil in their pots.
As a gardener, I water my plants more often, as many of them are prone to wilting or dying in the heat. Here are some tips to tide your plants over the extreme weather, whether they are in high-rise or outdoor gardens.
Proper shade will prevent water loss, sunburn and wilting.
PHOTO: WILSON WONG
An easy way to mitigate heat stress in plants is to provide overhead shade. While plants may not photosynthesise and grow as much under such conditions, proper shade will prevent water loss, sunburn and wilting.
However, ensure the shade cloth is not too dense and that the plants are not deprived of light to the point of stretched, lanky growth.
Depending on the plant, you can choose a black shade cloth or aluminium netting. The latter is seldom used here, but is worth considering as the shiny material reflects sunlight and helps keep plants cool.
Water plants in the morning to minimise evaporation as temperatures climb later in the day.
PHOTO: WILSON WONG
Deeply watered soil retains moisture longer. It is vital to water early in the morning to minimise evaporation as temperatures climb later in the day.
Water at the plant’s base to reduce run-off, ensuring that water properly penetrates the roots. You can use drip irrigation, soaker hoses or a hose on a slow trickle that is connected to a timer for automatic watering.
Some irrigation systems have a soil moisture sensor that will release water when it detects that the root zone is dry.
