This Week in My Garden: Surviving a Heatwave
Hey gardeners! Wow, what a week! In my zone, which is 7b, we experienced a heatwave this week. Gardening during a heatwave can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. After weeks of rain, we got some extreme temperatures, reaching into the high 90s and even 100 degrees. It was a challenging time for the garden, but we persevered. Here’s a recap of what happened this week in my garden, along with some heatwave gardening tips and takeaways.
Planting Callaloo During the Heatwave
One of my big accomplishments this week was planting callaloo. Last year, I grew callaloo for the first time, and it thrived. I used starter plants instead of seeds and got four healthy transplants.
To help them adapt to their new environment, I:
- Watered them thoroughly right after transplanting.
- Added fertilizer, bone meal, and earthworm castings to the planting holes.
The heat made it tricky to keep them from drying out, but I stayed vigilant with watering. Fingers crossed they’ll continue to grow well!
Harvesting Garlic: A Proud Moment
This week, I also harvested my garlic!
- Softneck Garlic: I noticed the plants had fallen over and decided to pull them. Though the bulbs were small, it was still progress.
- Hardneck Garlic: Later in the week, I harvested these as well since the bottom leaves had browned. They looked great — small but healthy!
Considering my first attempt at growing garlic didn’t yield anything, I’m incredibly proud of this milestone. Learn the differences between softneck and hardneck garlic here.
Chamomile Flowers and More Strawberries
For the first time, I harvested a few chamomile flowers. They’re so cute, and I’m excited to grow more for tea. My kids also enjoyed picking more strawberries this week — they’ve been a hit for their sweetness!
Carrots: A Peek of What’s to Come
I noticed my carrots starting to peek out of the soil, and I’m eager to see if they’ve grown to a decent size. Last year, my carrot tops were huge, but the roots were tiny. Hopefully, this year will be better!
Tomatoes: A Promising Harvest Ahead
My tomato plants are full of fruit, and I can’t wait to harvest them soon. They’re a joy to grow and always a family favorite.
Gardening Tips for a Heatwave
One crucial tip I want to share is about watering during a heatwave:
- Water Deeply in the Morning: This helps plants handle the heat of the day.
- Check Again in the Evening: If the soil is dry, water at the base of the plants to avoid fungal diseases.
If you have any tips for gardening in extreme heat, please share them in the comments. I’d love to hear your advice!
Looking Ahead
Despite the heat, I’m thrilled with the progress I’ve made in my garden this week. From planting callaloo to harvesting garlic and strawberries, it’s been a week of wins. I’m looking forward to seeing how the rest of the season unfolds.
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