Wicked
£9.99As the UK experiences a spring heatwave with temperatures expected to reach 29C, experts are warning of the impact on plants both indoors and outdoors. While the warm weather may benefit some plants, others could suffer if not properly cared for. Indoor plants are especially at risk from increased temperatures and direct sunlight, causing wilting and damage. Providing shade and moving plants away from direct sunlight can help prevent heat damage.
Fruits and vegetables are already feeling the effects of the warmer weather, with strawberries ripening at a much faster rate than usual. Despite the warm days, the cool night temperatures limit the beneficial effects of the warmth. However, the risk of frost will soon pass in the south, allowing frost-tender plants like dahlias and tomatoes to be planted outside. It’s essential to ensure that newly sown seeds and recently planted vegetables are carefully watered until they establish strong roots to counter any potential drought later in the summer.
Outdoor plants and flowers will require more water than usual during hot weather, particularly for those recently planted in the ground. Proper watering is crucial to encourage deep root systems and ensure the health of the plants. Trees, entering their leaf expansion phase, are also at risk from the warmer weather. Planting trees that are better-suited and more resilient to extreme conditions can help mitigate the impact of climate change on tree growth and health.
The recent warm weather is attributed to a fluctuation in the jet stream, bringing warm air up from the Mediterranean. While climate change is making these fluctuations more erratic, the specific impact on weather events requires further scientific study. Planting new species that are better adapted to these extreme weather swings can help mitigate the negative effects of changing climate patterns. Some plants, like citrus, kiwi, and tropical plants, are thriving earlier and with better yields due to the warm spring, while species of oak and ash trees could be more adaptable to withstand extreme changes in the seasons
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
