We're having a heat wave, a tropical heat wave... The old Irving Berlin tune resonates with many Alabamians as the temperatures start rising and the heat index skyrockets. Unlike humans, our garden plants and farm animals do not have the luxury of seeking an a/c cooled refuge indoors. So, what can we do to protect them during the dog days of summer? In this two-part series, we'll be giving you some tips on how to protect your plants and animals.   

Part I - Protecting Plants 

The heat can take a toll on plants, especially non-native plants and those with special needs. Soil heated from the sun impedes plant growth, critically affecting shallow-rooted and container plants. What's a gardener to do? First, choose native, heat-hardy or tolerant plants whenever possible. These plants are better acclimated to the soil and temperatures of the area and can more easily adjust to extreme weather and temperatures.    

Avoid transplanting during hot weather. Even the hardiest of plants can struggle with re-establishing its root system when trying to adjust to higher temperatures and drier conditions. However, if you do have transplants that must be set out, try to plant them next to taller plants that can provide some shade to help them get established.    

Proper plant placement is important to decrease heat stress in plants. Read the labels on new plants to determine if they need sun or shady locations. Eastern exposures and open areas are preferred for blooming plants. Southern or western exposures are subject to direct and more intense sunlight, so make sure the plants can tolerate the heat and the hot, dry wind.  

Good soil is necessary to permit deeper water penetration to help plants develop good root systems that are important for strong, healthy plant growth. Add liberal amounts of organic matter and clean sand to break up hard, clay soil.      

Watering early in the morning hydrates plant roots before temperatures rise. Heat can further dry the soil and scald leaves of plants that aren't watered properly. Early morning watering is also a great defense against slugs and other pests, since overnight conditions are drier.   

Fertilizing plants during summer heat should be done more frequently,but in lower amounts. Hot weather increases the need for nutrients in plants, but too much fertilizer could burn the roots and destroy the plant. So proceed with caution when adding fertilizers. 

In some cases, a shade cloth or protective row cover can block

Prolonged heat waves can ultimately affect plant health and yields. But, with a good heat management system in place, your plants can maintain good health and beat the heat.