Here are a few ideas for caring for patio plants during excessive rain and extreme heat.

Water can be the enemy:

Ensure your containers have good drainage.  Check that the drainage holes are open and not blocked by roots or soil.  Use a stick or long thin tool and poke up from the bottom of the pot to make sure the drainage is open.

Elevate the pots to allow water to drain and prevent it from pooling at the bottom.  Excessive water will drown the root system.  Use small stones or rocks to ensure the water can escape the pot.  For large pots or planters use bricks or stones to temporarily raise the pot until it has drained thoroughly.

Empty saucers or catch pans after a heavy rain and don’t let the plants sit in water.

Excessive heat & sun can be detrimental to plants:  

Provide temporary shade.  Move pots to a covered area during the hottest part of the day.  Get them out of the direct sun as much as possible.  Move planters under the patio table or to a shaded corner of the deck.  Even sun loving plants need protection during extreme heat and scorching sun.

Patio plants will dry out much faster in the extreme heat and will need more frequent watering than normal.  Check the moisture level frequently and adjust.  When watering, be sure to water deeply.  Set the plant in a make shift catch pan and let it soak up water from the bottom.  This ensure the roots will get the water they need.  On that note, see above for excessive water!

Remember:  Plants growing in containers do not have the built in protection and endurance as the same plant growing in the ground!

Stop by All Green Thumbs Nursery at Carroll’s Ace Hardware in Tega Cay
and pick up your plants and gardening supplies.