Extreme heat began earlier this year than previous years. In the past five years, each summer we currently break last year’s record. Extreme temperatures were recorded around the world in June 2025 and we have two to three more months of the summer. June’s last two weeks have been extreme and temperatures have soared 10-20 degrees above average. The entire United States is experiencing higher than normal temperatures. 21 places hit triple-digits. Currently there are numerous states that are under extreme heat warnings. Arizona, Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington were under heat warnings last year. Temperatures have soared 10-20 degrees above average.
The
CDC recommends these precautions for anyone who is involved in outdoor work or
activities during extreme heat weather. Drink plenty of water and don’t wait
until you are thirsty. Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks. Always where sunscreen
and reapply as directed on label. Try to avoid working in mid-day heat and ask
if the task can be rescheduled. Where loose fit clothing in light colors.
Dri-fit is a brand of clothing that helps keep one cool during work or exercising.
Where a large brimmed hat to help keep one cool. Try to go to air conditioning
or shady location during breaks. Keep an eye on your co-workers and encourage
them to take breaks to drink water and cool off. Summer gardening tasks to do in one’s landscape, if
living in one of the states mentioned for extreme heat try to schedule in early
morning hours or early evening.
Watermelon – Choosing
a summer watermelon for ripeness is as simple as slapping or knocking on it.
The good ripe one’s sound hollow, and the unripe one’s sound like solid wood.
Flowering annuals and perennials – Such
as Salvia, Zinnia, Coneflower, and Petunia, remove faded flowers to encourage
bushiness and more flower production. Plant sun and heat tolerant annuals.
Tropicals are a good choice because the plants now how to beat the summer heat
and tropicals will reward you with lots of blooms and color.
Dahlias – The
last week in July trim your plants back by half of their height to produce fall
blooms. Fertilize with a flowering plant food.
Pink and Blue Hydrangeas – Remove
faded flower stems. Trim shorten droopy, flowerless stems by 1/3. New growth
that occurs now through winter will produce next summer’s blooms.
Herbs – Now is
a good time to trim back Basil, Mint, and Oregano by half to prevent flowering
and seed production. This will produce tastier leaves to use later.
Summer Vegetables – The
plants will stop flower production when just one ripe cucumber, squash, or okra
are left on the plant. Pick your summer vegetables on a regular basis to
prevent this.
Fall
Vegetables – Plant peppers, corn, cucumbers, squash, bush
beans, and fall tomatoes. For tomatoes use the small to medium sized varieties.
Houseplants, Patio Pots, and
Hanging Baskets – Check plants that are spending the summer
outdoors for insects. Use an insecticidal soap, if needed. Your houseplants can
be fertilized by-weekly with a water-soluble plant food. For more information
on Houseplants order Cheryl’s book Grow Fresh Air from her website Hibiscus and More.com
Trees and Shrubs – Newly
Spring planted trees and shrubs should be watered 2 gallons of water per foot
of plant height. Now is a good time to put a new3-4-inch layer of mulch by
doing so the roots stay cooler and help conserve moisture. For more information
on Landscape Gardening, you can order Cheryl’s book Southeast Style Gardening from her
website Hibiscus and More.com.
Figs – Remove
the tallest shoots in the middle first, then prune the rest of the fig lightly.
The horizontal branches produce the best fruit.
New
Turf – There is 6 to 7 weeks to start your project on
laying or replacing turf grasses. The grass needs to be well-rooted before the
cool weather starts, which is shortly after daylight savings time ends, which
ends November 2, 2025. It usually takes 10-15 days to get the grass
established.
The Monarchs need our help. For more information on Butterfly Gardening,
Cheryl has written Gardening for the Butterflies available on her
website Hibiscus and More.com
Hibiscus and More offers fine art prints of Cheryl Meola’s plant photography. Fine
Art Prints. Fine Art Prints.
Cheryl Meola’s Plant Photography on Merchandise. The website features clothing, home décor, puzzles, and greeting
cards to customize for any occasion. https://cherylann-meola.pixels.com
Floral & Foliage Stock Photography. Stock
Photography.
Botanical & Seasonal Stock Photography. Stock
Photography.
Have
a wonderful summer. Stay hydrated, keep cool, go to shade when you start feel
weak.
