Weather – Workin’ the Swing Shift by Patti O’Neal

 [Republished from February 2011]

What is a plant to do?  It’s February and all but a few plants should be peacefully enjoying the delicious dormancy of winter.  In the restful sleep of hibernation each plant sends good thoughts to its root zone where precious nutrients are stored to be called on when the sunshine of spring and early summer tease them to life by warming the soil and sending messages of new growth.  That’s in a perfect world.  But this year as well as others we are experiencing anything but perfect. 

Heatwave in the Garden: how to identify and prevent heat stress in plants

 (Reposted from Oregon State University Extension June 2021)

When a heatwave hits, plants may show the impact.

• Most plants grow best in temperature ranges 59-86F.
• When temperatures above 90F are sustained for long periods, plant growth is slowed, and some plants begin to show signs of stress.
• Above 104F, many plants will survive but will show different signs of heat stress dependent on plant type, maturity of the plant, and factors that often come with high temperatures, such as drought or wind.
• Extreme air and soil temperatures slow down chemical activity and growth in plants.

What are signs of heat stress in plants?

Your Landscape and Water by CSU

Colorado State University

Is your landscape ready to work for you to beautify your home and be able to withstand drought conditions?  The following documents the many ways landscaped outdoor areas contribute to the quality of life and property values in Colorado.

Colorado State University did a study of landscaping contributions to the environment, quality of life and property values in Colorado, which should be considered when planning for drought.