As we get into the blistering hot months that are characteristic for the South, you may be concerned about your plants withering up and dying. For many of us, this has happened all too often and seems to be just “one of those things” that comes with the summer. However, just as we give up on our plants and the possibility of keeping them alive through the summer months, you pass that neighbor down the street with the perfect lawn. The grass is still green (or at least not as brown), the flower beds are weeded, and the flowers are blooming. What could they possibly be doing?? Although I can’t be 100% sure, I would venture to say they are certainly using Nelson Plant Food ColorStar for All Flowering Plants, along with following these helpful tips to keeping your plants from burning up in the hot summer sun.

Pictured here are Zinnias that have been fertilized with ColorStar for All Flowering Plants. The grower has used mulch as suggested to keep the moisture in during the summer months.

1. If you haven’t put mulch in your flower beds, it is time to do so! It will help hold in the moisture around your plants, as well as fend off the weeds.
2. Do not water in the heat of the day, and avoid watering in the evening. When cooler temperatures hit in the evening, the water on your plants can cause fungus. Water in the early morning! This helps conserve water by allowing your plants a chance to absorb it and prevent excessive evaporation. (Plus it gives your water bill a slight break!) Check about any city ordinances pertaining to watering schedules for your area.
3. Avoid fertilizing in heat of day, because that increases the chance of burn on your plants. Also, water thoroughly after every application of fertilizer, so it has a chance to soak into the soil.
4. Crape myrtles are a great plant for the hot summer months, and can be even better with NutriStar Crape Myrtle Food and All Flowering Trees. Crape Myrtles are very heat tolerant and will not burn in the summer heat. Also, summer annuals, such as Vinca, Marigolds, and Zinnias thrive in the summer with ColorStar for All Flowering Plants.
5. Continue feeding your turf or flowers throughout the summer. Heat can sometimes cause stress on your plants, and the last thing you want to do is to have your plants be deficient in the nutrients they need. When you stop feeding, it breaks down their “immune system”. Look for fertilizers with less nitrogen and more micronutrients.
6. NatureStar Natural Garden & Flower Fertilizer helps promote a healthy green color, strong stems, and bright flowers. It also has a slow feed, low burn potential with heat. NatureStar Humates enhances root development, improves resistance to stress, and helps unlock soil nutrients. Using both these NatureStar products help keep your plants healthy and looking great throughout the summer.