Our July Newsletter is out!

Check the link in our bio for details.

Last week's heat wave was brutal on plants in the landscape!

Improper watering, high temperatures and strong sun may have caused burning on plants. This is what we call an Abiotic (non-living) cause of plant stress. Plants stressed by abiotic issues can be more susceptible to disease... or pests later in the season.

The only management would be to watch the weather, adjust watering practices, move the plants to a shadier location (or provide a shade cloth), and to monitor for further issues over the season.

#heatwave #plantstress #planthealth #sunburn #gardentips #uconnladybug

🪴 Not all home remedies are helpful. Some might even harm your plants! Before adding home remedies like epsom salts or egg shells to your soil, consider the following:

🧂 Epsom salts contain magnesium sulfate. Unless your soil is deficient in magnesium (which is rare), adding it can ...block calcium uptake. This can make blossom end rot worse, not better. Since this is a chemical compound with no proper use label for gardening, it can be easy to overuse, which can harm soil and water quality.

🥚 Eggshells are often added to prevent blossom rot in tomatoes, but this condition is caused more than just a calcium deficiency in the soil. Most soils already have plenty of calcium, and eggshells break down too slowly to add any significant calcium, anyway. Boil them and then toss them in the compost instead!

Remember: Just because something is “natural” doesn’t mean it’s safe or effective for your plants. When in doubt, get your soil tested and rely on science-backed practices for a healthier, more productive garden. 🌸🌱

Want to learn more about preventing blossom end rot in your tomatoes? Check out the link in our bio!

📸 by Julie-Ann Adorno, UConn Graduate Student, Department of Plant Science & Landscape Architecture

#SoilHealth #GardenMyths #GrowSmart #PlantScience #BackyardGarden #SustainableGardening #CTgardening #uconnladybug

While we may be over the worst of this particular heat wave, the summer heat is officially here - So let's talk about heat stress & watering!

💧 Water as early in the morning as possible. Morning watering prevents water loss through evaporation. It also allows ample time for ...the soil to dry, reducing the chance of pests and pathogens.

🌱 Plants absorb water through their root systems so make sure you are watering the soil, not the leaves.

🌱 Plants may wilt as a defense mechanism against the heat. This attempt to conserve energy is not a cry for water! Check the soil before you grab the watering can!

💧 Don't rely on a watering schedule, either! Always check the soil before watering. Check at a depth of 4-8 inches and feel for cool, moist soil.

💧 The average garden needs 1-2 inches of water per week. One inch of water is roughly 0.62 gallons per sq ft.

👩‍🌾 Water the gardener - Stay hydrated during outdoor activities, take frequent breaks, and know the signs of heat exhaustion.

#heatwave #gardentips #summergardens #summergardening #watering #wateryourplants #uconnladybug