RADIO TRANSCRIPT
Date: July 9, 2020
Agent: Donna Teasley

Hello, this is Donna Teasley, Horticulture Agent with the North Carolina Cooperative
Extension, Burke Center.

Wow is it hot! This is August weather. But no matter what the month is, it is unusually hot and gardens and landscapes need extra care when trying to survive extreme heat. Yes, it is better to water early but if the only opportunity is in the evening, then take it. Try to keep water off of the foliage and blooms but I would rather see plants watered late than not at all. Also, be cautious with the fertilizer during hot weather. Granulars can burn plants. Nothing should be applied to the fescue lawn. Leave it alone now and mow it high.

Let’s take a look at weed killers. Herbicides and extreme temperatures don’t mix. If you’re planning on spraying an herbicide, check the label for temperature limitations. Most weed killers will tell you not to apply when it is over 90 degrees. Plants go dormant when it gets to 90 degrees and they don’t take in the chemicals when they’re dormant. So, let me say again, read the label before you apply weed killers.
Don't be surprised if tomatoes and peppers stop setting fruit for a while. Pollen is not viable in high temps but it will correct itself when the weather regulates. The best thing to do during hot weather is to keep plants watered and stress free and they’ll make it through this heat wave just fine.

This is Donna Teasley with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Burke Center. If you would like more information about this program, you can call us at 439-4460.