How to take care of the garden and pets in extreme heat?

byCamilo Urquizu and Elizabeth La Fuente

The 40°C temperature of these last days in Santa Cruz is beyond the resistance of some creatures of the animal kingdom, both plants and animals can be harmed by this climate if the necessary precautions are not taken, but the botanist Carolina Descarpontriez has some problems. Suggestions for treating a garden well in hot times and even saving scorched plants.

Descarpontriez highlights two key keys to keeping our garden in good condition: soil containing organic matter and water.

“Considering that the garden is exposed to direct sun, we must have a soil with sufficient organic matterand if the plants appear to rot or wilt (dry brown leaves), this He says they lack water. When the plant withers, it never says no to the amount of water you give it,” explains Descarpontriez.

It details this organic matter decomposes plant remains causes water retention and soil compaction. This is a guarantee that the plant and its roots will continue to grow more easily. “If our garden is dying from high heat, let’s increase organic matter and watera. It is better if nutrients such as vermicompost are natural (it is the best natural fertilizer ever known).

It also points to All of the liquids resulting from the decomposition of organic matter contain a large number of positive bacteria for the soil and activate growth.. They can be found in the market.

And water is essential. “Remember that during the rainy season the plants now grow beautifully without the influence of high temperatures,” he emphasizes.

by Carolina Descarpontriez Advice for plants that are not watered adequately and are starting to wilt:​

“If we want to restore, rehabilitate plants, there are techniques like this. apply hydrogel. Hydrogel is a gel comes in powder form (they occupy in the diapers of babies), which should also be moistened. hoh, you have to dig a well, put in the hydrogel and wait for the roots to consume the water little by little. That way the moisture will be retained in the soil longer and the sun won’t dry out the plants as quickly.”

The botanist advises, “If it’s a garden in the shade, the maintenance is the same, it just requires less water,” debunking the myth that you shouldn’t water the plants when there’s strong sun. The important thing is to know where to apply that water.

Explain that the sun at noon takes all the moisture out of the plant and you just need to add water to the soil. “Yes We add it to the leaves, the water evaporates and at the time of evaporation there is a small boiling point and that point causes the leaf to burn. Therefore, it should not be watered during the hours when the sun is strong.

If the plant wants water, you only need to give it through the roots. It is also good to apply in the afternoon.

Two elements that anyone can use to beautify a garden, eggs and banana peels:

“Egg shells are a good idea, you need to grind them well and it would be better if we add them not only on the surface but also in the soil, this organic matter gives a lot of calcium over the years. Cut the banana shells into pieces and boil them in a liter of water with a tablespoon of honey for 15 minutes “Store this fertilizer in a bottle and pour it on the ground,” she advises.

From 34°C the animals begin to show signs of exhaustion such as panting, difficulty breathing and increased body temperature.

Veterinarian Ximena Ballivia says the first thing to do for dogs or cats They lower their body temperature, for this they must be constantly wetted with water. Natural on the head and body.

Tips for all pets, especially furry ones:

1. Avoid going out during peak hours.

2. Always have clean water in the shade.

3. Do not leave the pads (footprints) on concrete surfaces for a long time as they can burn.

Four. Dogs with long, abundant hair like that of the breed chow chow, husky and malamute, It is not recommended that they shorten their hair because although it may seem contradictory, their hair protects them from the sun.

Similar catsBallivián explains that they should be in cool places and above all they should always have clean water, it is better for them to have it in special drinking troughs.