Heat and the garden
Heat and the garden
Thanks to the confluence of an overall pattern wrought by climate change – New York City has been reclassified as the northernmost humid subtropical city https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/24/nyregion/climate-change-nyc.html -- and a particular transition this season from El Niño to La Niña, this looks to be one of the hottest summers on record for most of the country, with above-average temperatures through to September, including in our area.
The weather is sure to take its toll on lawns and gardens – to say nothing of their caretakers – which is perfectly natural. There will be brown spots on the lawn, and some plants will die. Add in storms with little rain but odd wind bursts, and you have the recipe for a trying summer.
Still, a few tips may make it more bearable. In the heat, early is better for you and your plants. Work outside and water in the morning (between 6 and 10 a.m.), and don’t forget to hydrate yourself; wear protective clothing, preferably with an SPF factor; and slather on the sunscreen. (We like an SPF of at least 50.)
Water deeply, Crystal Jarvis of Lettuce Grow Something writes, https://www.gardenary.com/blog/7-tips-to-protect-your-garden-from-extreme-heat use shade cloths and, if you’re still planting, keep plants tight together to protect the soil and lock in moisture. Also, take note now of what works and what doesn’t for next year and baby the young plants, moving them only when they are hardy enough for the transfer. (Don’t forget to keep an eye on potted plants, outdoor furniture and everything that isn’t rooted when storms loom.)
It goes without saying that as summer goes along, you’ll need to heed your municipality’s water and noise restrictions. Again, it’s never too early or late to invest in electric blowers and mowers as we at the Morano Group have done and to start thinking about a garden with hardier plants and perhaps less grass for next year.
Speaking of mowing, we want you to know that it’s important to keep your blades sharp and the setting high as tall, clean-cut grasses grow deeper roots and retain more moisture.
Extreme conditions generate extreme behavior as the number of distracted drivers on the road in summer attests. Studies show that the brain reacts more aggressively and less rationally in the heat. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/19/well/mind/heat-affect-brain-emotions.html Now is not the time to be redesigning everything, fertilizing and trimming, especially as plants are still blossoming. And if the plant or grass is stressed, fertilizing is not going to help. The time for that will come soon enough when cool temps and the rains return. (We’ll talk more about reseeding the lawn in our August post.)
Now is the time to contain – moisture, energy, everything – outside in the garden and within ourselves. Slowing down, targeting your outdoor activities for early morning, hydrating and paying attention will help you and your garden not only survive the long, hot summer but also thrive in it.
Questions? We at the Morano Group, as always, stand ready to assist.
Tags: summer, high heat, hydration, El Niño, La Niña, New York City, climate change, climate zones, the Morano Group, the brain and heat, sunscreen, Crystal Jarvis, Lettuce Grow Something,
(White Plains, NY) – The National Weather Service has extended the Heat Advisory for Westchester County through Sunday, June 23 at 8 p.m. During this period, when heat index values are expected to reach between 95 and 100 degrees, the Westchester County Health Department warns residents that the high temperatures pose significant health risks.
Residents are urged to take precautions to protect themselves and their families from the effects of the heat. Drink lots of water, avoid strenuous outdoor activities, and check on vulnerable family members and neighbors.
A Heat Advisory is issued when the combination of heat and humidity is expected to make it feel like it is 95 to 99 degrees for two or more consecutive days, or 100 to 104 degrees for any length of time.
Seniors and those with chronic health problems are at an increased risk. Homes without air conditioning can be much hotter than outdoor temperatures. Use air conditioning to stay cool at home or go to a place that has air conditioning. If you don't have home air conditioning, continue to seek out cool spaces each day as long as it remains hot. Check on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbors.
To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Health Department recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments.
ï Heat stroke is a serious and life-threatening condition that claims many lives nationwide each year. Symptoms include hot red, dry skin, shallow breathing, a rapid, weak pulse and confusion. Call 911 if you suspect heat stroke and immediately cool the overheated person while waiting for emergency help to arrive.
ï Another concern during a heat wave is heat exhaustion. Signs include headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness and exhaustion, as well as cool, moist, pale or flushed skin. Anyone suffering from heat exhaustion should move out of the sun and apply cool, wet cloths to their skin.
Westchester County Commissioner of Health Sherlita Amler, MD said: “People who are most vulnerable to adverse effects from the heat include the very young, seniors, people who are obese and those with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or lung conditions. Heat stroke and dehydration can surprise you. High humidity, chronic health conditions and some medications can also increase a person’s risk for heat stroke.”
Amler reminded residents never to leave children, pets or people in a car. Temperatures can quickly rise to unsafe levels, so motorists should always look before they lock their vehicles.
“To avoid tragedy, never leave infants, children, seniors or pets in a closed car no matter how brief the time,” Amler said. “Closed vehicles can quickly heat up to a life-threatening 140º F or more.”
“During a heat wave, seniors, young children and people with compromised immunity especially should avoid vigorous outdoor activity, seek the shade, spend time in air-conditioned locations and drink lots of water throughout the day,” Amler said. “Especially when they’re swimming and playing in the water, children often forget to drink, so parents and caregivers should prompt children to take breaks to hydrate.”
Those who plan to travel by car should prepare their vehicle before hitting the road. Always travel with a spare battery, and avoid leading radios, phone chargers and other accessories running when the engine is not. Check to make sure your air conditioning is properly functioning and coolant is at the proper level. If you plan to travel in less populated areas, bring water and an umbrella for shade if it becomes necessary to leave the car. Always keep air flowing throughout the vehicle, and try to park in the shade.
Residents who need a place to cool off can check the Cooling Center Finder. When it is too hot at home, senior centers, libraries, community centers and indoor malls offer a respite from the heat. Call before you go to be sure of the hours.
Elevated heat and humidity can also lead to unhealthy levels of ozone, a gas produced by the action of sunlight on organic air contaminants from auto exhaust and other sources. For air quality updates, go to https://www.airnow.gov. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation forecasts daily ozone conditions at (http://www.dec.ny.gov), or call the New York State Air Quality Hotline at 1-800-535-1345.
The County’s Department of Emergency Services is monitoring the weather forecast, tracking the opening of local Cooling Centers and is in contact with Con Edison and NYSEG concerning the potential for power outages. To report an outage, call Con Edison at 1-800-752-6633 or NYSEG at 1-800-572-1131.
For tips to prevent heat-related illness and places to stay cool, residents can visit the Health Department website at www.westchestergov.com/health.