Blooms may burn as heat wave descends on Saskatchewan

The heat wave in Saskatchewan could lead to wilting plant and vegetable gardens.

“That’s going to be tough for the next few days,” Rick Van Duyvendyk said on Garden Talk.

Rick and Jill Van Duyvendyk of Dutch Growers discussed how to protect plants in a week that is expected to see temperatures in the 30s.

Environment Canada issued heat warnings for much of central and southern Saskatchewan on Monday. The forecast predicts the heat will not fall until midweek.

Rick Van Duyvendyk’s advice to plant owners is to keep the hose running to keep plant pots and gardens from getting dry.

“Try to be as consistent as you can,” he said.

Common problems people may encounter are blossom end rot on their squash and tomato plants. When plants shift from ultra-wet to super-dry, the infection may start to form on the plant.

The time to water may also be switched up this week. Jill Van Duyvendyk suggested giving plants a good soaking in the morning before work and then again once you return home.

“What I would suggest too (is) watering in the morning rather than the peak of the afternoon,” she said. “Otherwise you get the reflection of the sun on the water droplets and you’ll start getting some burning on your plants and your leaves.”

Rick Van Duyvendyk said people should try to keep watering in the evening before it gets dark because the humidity may cause a powdery mildew on foliage. Adding a little bit of extra calcium to watering pots or moving plant pots into a shaded area may also help.