Managing your Irrigation System in Extreme Heat Conditions

Extremely hot weather conditions could have an impact on our gardens. The adjustments for these conditions are likely to be necessary if you have an irrigation system.

The purpose of irrigation is to apply water over longer periods of time and apply it at low volume. The basic idea is that you need to deliver water deeper into the soil profile, using extended watering before hot weather arrives. Your plants will be able to cope with the upcoming heat stress by using this.

• Extend your watering time by a significant amount. In these extreme heat conditions, it’s not uncommon to increase your watering time.
• Increase the frequency of your watering. It’s possible to water once daily or every few days. To alleviate plant stress in these conditions, it’s advisable to water more than once daily.
• To prevent foliage burn, consider doing some hand watering (spraying) for your more sensitive plants during the heat.

Observe your plants for signs of leaf stress and adjust your watering accordingly if these conditions persist.