The scorching heat takes a severe toll on plants and lawns.
Floor Korte, a local vegetable garden expert, says the best approach is heavy watering at the right time and leaving the yard alone during peak sun. Intense sunlight quickly stresses plants, and Korte notes that drooping or curling leaves are a normal defense mechanism.
‘That just means it has stress. It is too warm,’ she told Omroep West’s radio show Menno in de Middag.
The Watering Rule: Timing is Everything
Frequent, light watering does more harm than good during a heatwave. Daytime sprinkling is ineffective because the extreme heat causes rapid evaporation.
‘Give a lot of water in the evening,’ Korte advises. ‘Then it sinks nice and deep and the plants can absorb it well throughout the day.’
When temperatures near 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius), gardeners should avoid working in the dirt. ‘Just leave the garden alone mainly, but do water every day, because they just need that,’ she said.
Shielding Soil and Skipping Fertilizer
Beyond hydration, bare soil needs physical protection. Korte recommends layering organic material like straw, hemp fiber, or grass clippings over the dirt.
‘Make sure that soil dries out as little as possible,’ Korte said. Mulching helps plants retain moisture and fight off the severe heat.
If a plant looks limp, resist the urge to feed it. ‘You don’t suddenly have to start fertilizing extra. It’s just because it has stress,’ Korte explained.
Rethinking Lawns and Greenhouses
Lawns handle heat better when left un-mowed. Taller grass retains more moisture and stays greener longer.
However, Korte offered a modest disclaimer regarding yard maintenance: ‘I am just not a grass expert, so others might think differently about that.’
For greenhouse growers, Korte suggests shading the glass rather than covering the plants directly to diffuse the intense sunlight.
A Silver Lining for Summer Crops
Warmer summers have actually boosted certain crops in the Netherlands. Sun-loving vegetables are increasingly thriving in the changing climate.
‘Tomatoes outside suddenly do much better for me in the summer months in recent years,’ Korte noted.
Cucumbers, chili peppers, and bell peppers are also flourishing. ‘They also love a lot of heat, but also a lot of water by the way,’ she added.
With proper care, gardens will survive the heatwave. ‘Ultimately it will all be fine,’ Korte said, urging people to relax. ‘Sit under it yourself and cool off especially.’
