Gardening
In summer, as the heat begins to pick up, gardening tasks get easier and shift focus. It is a period of both growth and duress. With rising temperatures, gardeners must take additional steps to both protect their crops and flowers and ensure that their plants are capable of enduring the sweltering heat. Summer season brings with it great supply and opportunity, provided the proper measures are taken. We will discuss in this guide crucial gardening pointers to help you with plant care, in particular, for Indian gardens, with a focus on Podhghar, a ubiquitous summer favorite.
Selection of the Correct Summer Plants
Choosing the right plants for a gardener’s particular summer will enable them to unlock some of the more critical features of a given summer growing season. As previously discussed, some plants do well in high temperatures while others struggle. Here, in India, the concocted heat of summer poses a challenge. Hence, a plant that can withstand extreme weather is paramount. At Podhghar, we recommend selecting resilient plants that thrive in hot, dry conditions to ensure your garden flourishes throughout the season.
Vegetables: Crops That Love The Heat
As you pick vegetables for summer, think of choosing options that are tolerant to heat and require full sun. Like most vegetables, these tend to get more adaptable to the intense sun as summer approaches. Below are examples of vegetables that do well during summer:
- Tomatoes: This is one of the most commonly acquired summer vegetables. Throughout the time of summer, this vegetable requires a lot of sun, and if taken care of properly, bursts of harvests are guaranteed. Ensure to buy heat-tolerant varieties that are good with sudden changes.
- Cucumbers: If there is a special summer vegetable, this is it. Cucumber thrives off warm weather and is grown across a variety of places.
- Peppers: Bell peppers and chili peppers, among other types, enjoy the heat and grow quickly.
- Okra: Another example of a hardy summer vegetable that needs little care. When established, okra is great for hotter climates because it can withstand drought.
- Eggplants: Much like tomatoes, eggplants like summer and perform best when exposed to sunlight.
Herbs: These Flourish in the Heat
If you are looking for the right vegetables to grow during summer, herbs are a good option. They do not take up a lot of space and can be sufficiently nourished with the warmth during summer. Not only practical in the kitchen, summer herbs tend to have a soothing fragrance, beautifying the garden. At Podhghar, we recommend growing herbs like basil, mint, and rosemary to make the most of the summer season while enhancing your home’s garden.
- Basil: This plant best needs heat, along with warm soil. Thus, it is best suited for summer gardens, especially in pots or beds that receive plenty of sunlight.
- Thyme: Also, this herb is drought-resistant and low-maintenance and thus thrives in full direct sunlight. It can either be planted in garden beds or in containers.
- Oregano: Also, it prefers dry, well-drained soil and full exposure to the sun. Like thyme, this is another herb that loves heat.
- Rosemary: This herb is well known for its strong flavor and medicinal uses. It is heat-tolerant and does great in dry, sunnier gardens.
Flowers to Plant for Summer Gardens
With summer come vibrant and beautiful flowers; the type that most people look forward to seeing in their gardens. Below are suggestions of some flowers that could be good for summer gardens.
- Marigolds: One of the easiest flowers to grow in summer are marigolds. These plants bloom in bright yellow and orange, which pan outwards to your garden and are very cheerful.
- Zinnias: These are excellent summer flowers because they have many colors to choose from and will bloom for a long time. Zinnias love hot temperatures and need full sun but can withstand higher temperatures.
- Sunflowers: These tall flowers can add a touch of cheer to your garden with their golden blooms during the summer months. Their cultivation can easily be done by those with little experience in gardening.
- Cosmos: These flowers bloom in a multitude of colors, including white, pink, and purple, making them a vibrant addition to any garden. Cosmos are easy to care for and require ample sunlight.
Special Focus on Podhghar
An interesting native plant to the Indian subcontinent is the Podhghar, a type of Indian bean. It is Podhghar’s rapid growth in warm temperatures, along with its ability to produce beans useful in many traditional meals, which makes it an extraordinary summer vegetable. Below are important suggestions to grow Podhghar during summers:
- Sunlight: Its growth is best achieved when placed in direct sunlight for 6-8 hours. Thus, plant Podhghar where the sun shines most.
- Space: As a species of climbing beans, Podhghar requires a trellis or any other vertical frame to which the plant can climb. Providing these structures allows the vines to grow upward, maintaining the health of the plant.
- Watering: Although Podhghar has some resistance to heat, it still needs to be watered regularly to maintain soil moisture during prolonged hot weather. Roots that dry out will impair growth and yield.
- Soil: Works best for Podhghar are slightly acidic with good drainage and moisture retention. Avoid water accumulation, as it can cause the plant’s roots to rot.
Guarding Your Plants Against the Summer Sun
Heat is not the only challenge that summer presents: drought strains water resources, while elevated temperatures can cause heat stress. Here, some ideas will aid in preserving the well-being of your garden.
Mulching
Putting down a layer of mulch is one of the best methods for protecting your garden from extreme heat. Additionally, it aids in moisture retention within the soil, thus ensuring that the roots of the plants are hydrated. This practice contributes to reduced weed growth, which lessens the overall competition for water and nutrients. These include straw, wood chips, as well as dried leaves, which will decay eventually, further improving the soil.
Irrigation of Water Wisely
Efficient plant watering occurs during summertime. In order to minimize evaporative loss, lower the temperature while watering in the early morning or late in the evening; this helps the water reach the roots. It is best to hydrate deeply rather than shallow, due to the drought-resistance bestowed upon the roots. To maximize growth and yield, Podhghar must be regularly watered, especially during peak summer.
Wind and Ground Shade Protection
Though most plants require full sunlight, some newly-planted ones can suffer from intense partial midday sun. Cover these vulnerable plants with shade cloths or row covers to protect them from scorching rays. Furthermore, consider using windbreaks in areas alongside strong winds to act as barriers protecting delicate plants from dehydration.
Vulnerable Pest-Control Methods
The warmest months are also the peak season for harmful pests; insects and caterpillars alike become increasingly prevalent. Organic pest control, such as neem oil or insecticidal soap, works best without harming the plants. In order to keep pests under control, walking and inspecting regularly ensures there are no signs of infestation.
Additional Tips for Gardening Over the Summer
- Pruning: Routinely remove the dead or damaged leaves from your plants to help them stay healthy and promote new growth. For infections like what Podhghar faces, prune any affected vines and leaves to control further infection.
- Fertilizing: As summer approaches and plants enter their active growing stage, they may need additional nourishment. Use organic fertilizers during this period to avert environmental damage and ensure a balanced level of nutrients.
- Repotting: Summer is ideal for repotting container plants into bigger containers. If the plant’s roots are becoming congested, they will need sufficient space to further develop; hence, repotting is crucial now.
Conclusion
You can plant a wide array of heat-tolerant vegetables, colorful and vibrant flowers alongside hardy herbs in the summer. With proper selection of plants, sun and pest protection, and routine care, one’s garden can bloom beautifully even in fierce summer weather. Podhghar and other similar plants can enhance the aesthetic of your garden while providing a plentiful harvest you can rely on. These tips will equip you, whether a seasoned gardener or unfamiliar with the practice, to nurture a thriving lush garden that survives the summer’s heat.