During spring and summer some plants suffer from dehydration and sunburn due to high temperatures. These plants suffer from dehydration as water gets absorbed by the heat quickly when watered making it difficult for the water to seep into the roots of the plants. The sun’s heat also compromises the yield of some leafy greens such as lettuce and spinach.
You might consider planting these plants in a shaded area or create light shade for them by building a netting over them. Here is a list of plants that need extra cooling systems during sunny seasons.
Lettuce
Lettuce needs extra cooling in summer because it’s super sensitive to heat, given its high water content. In hot weather, it wilts quickly, loses that crisp texture, and can even turn bitter if it bolts. Plus, heat speeds up bacterial growth, which means it spoils faster. Keeping it cool is key to preserving its freshness, flavour, and extending its shelf life.
Spinach
Spinach is super delicate and wilts easily in the heat. With its high water content, hot temperatures can cause it to lose that vibrant texture and go limp fast. Plus, spinach can spoil quickly in warmer weather as bacteria multiply faster. Keeping it cool helps it stay fresh, crisp, and full of flavour for longer.
Bok choy
Bok choy needs extra cooling in summer because it’s a leafy veggie that doesn’t handle heat well. It can wilt quickly, losing its crunch and vibrant look when temperatures rise. The high moisture content also means it’s prone to going bad faster in warm conditions, so keeping it cool helps it stay fresh, crisp, and ready to enjoy.
Chives
Chives can dry out or wilt in the heat. The warm weather causes them to lose their flavour and freshness quicker, and they can turn limp if not stored properly. Cooling them down keeps them vibrant, full of flavour, and ready to add that perfect punch to your dishes.
Cilantro
Cilantro is one of those herbs that wilts fast in the heat. With its soft, delicate leaves, it loses moisture quickly and can go limp or turn yellow if left out too long. The heat also makes it more prone to spoilage, so keeping it cool helps preserve its freshness, flavour, and that bright green pop.
Kale
Kale needs extra cooling in summer because, despite being a hardy green, it can still wilt and lose its crunch in the heat. Warm temperatures cause it to dry out and go limp faster, taking away that hearty texture we love. Plus, the heat can make it spoil quicker, so keeping it cool helps it stay fresh, crisp, and nutrient-packed.
Carrots
The heat makes carrots lose moisture fast, which can leave them limp and less crunchy. Even though they’re root veggies, warm temperatures can cause them to shrivel and lose that fresh, sweet flavour. Keeping them cool helps maintain their crispness, sweetness, and bright colour.
Cherry tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes need extra cooling in summer because the heat can make them over-ripen and go soft fast. Warm temperatures speed up the ripening process, which can leave them mushy and less flavourful. By keeping them cool, you help preserve their juicy texture and that perfect balance of sweetness and tang.
Spider plant
Spider plants can struggle in the heat, which can cause their leaves to wilt and lose that lush look. When temperatures rise, they’re also more prone to drying out, which can affect their overall health. Keeping them cool helps maintain their vibrant green colour and encourages healthy growth, so they can keep adding that lovely touch to your space.
Maidenshair Fern
Maidenhair fern needs extra cooling in summer because it’s a delicate plant that thrives in humid, cooler environments. The heat can cause its fronds to dry out and wilt quickly, losing that beautiful, feathery appearance. Keeping it cool helps maintain the moisture levels it craves, ensuring it stays lush and vibrant, adding that stunning touch to your space.
Pothos
Pothos needs extra cooling in summer because it can struggle in high temperatures, which can lead to wilting and leaf drop. While it’s a resilient plant, the heat can cause it to dry out faster and lose that vibrant, healthy look we love. Keeping it cool helps maintain its lush foliage and encourages strong growth, making sure it stays a beautiful addition to your home.
Calathea
Calathea needs extra cooling in summer because it’s a finicky plant that thrives in more humid, cooler conditions. The heat can cause its leaves to curl, crisp up, or lose their beautiful patterns, which is such a bummer! Keeping it cool helps maintain the moisture it craves, ensuring those stunning leaves stay lush and vibrant, making it a true showstopper in your space.
There are multiple easy DIY ways to keep your plants shaded and away from full sun protection. These methos include garden hoops and netting mesh.
ALSO SEE:
Featured image: Pexels
