Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or just starting out, there's no better time than the longer days of Summer to get outside and enjoy the sunshine while tending to your plants.

But with the summer heat and humidity comes new challenges, so it's important to be prepared and know how to care for your plants during the summer months.

Pop on your sun hat, slide on your shades, slap on the SPF then follow these tips to make sure your plants thrive through the summer.

Be gentle, avoid burning.

Just like us, your outdoor plants can get a little cooked in the summer. To avoid burning your leaves it is important to follow these steps

1. Water in the early morning or evening. The sun's rays are the strongest during the middle of the day, so try to water your plants when the sun is less intense. This will help prevent the water droplets on the leaves from magnifying the sun's rays and causing leaf burn. When watering, use a watering can or hose with a fine spray: a strong stream of water can cause damage to delicate leaves, especially when the sun is shining.
2. Water the soil, not the leaves. Watering the soil directly will help it retain moisture and keep the roots hydrated. Try to avoid watering the leaves of your outdoor plants as much as possible. Misting leaves of indoor plants is okay (more on that below).
3. Use a slow release plant water bubble. This handy device helps to keep your plants hydrated by slowly releasing water into the soil over a period of time. This means you can water your plants less often, but still ensure they're getting the moisture they need.
4. Give them shade. If you can't water your plants in the morning or evening, try to provide them with some shading. This can be done by placing a sun umbrella or shading cloth over the plants, or by planting taller plants that will provide natural shading for shorter plants.

Consistency is key. 

Creating a consistent environment for indoor plants during the summer can be challenging, especially when air conditioning is in use. Here are some tips to help you maintain a healthy environment for your indoor plants during the summer:

1. Keep plants away from air conditioning vents. Air conditioning can dry out the air and cause leaves to dry out and curl, so try to keep your plants away from direct airflow.
2. Use a humidifier. An indoor humidifier can help to add moisture back into the air, which can help to keep your plants healthy and hydrated.
3. Try a mister. Indoor plants often struggle to maintain the right level of humidity, and our glass misters can help provide the necessary moisture they need to thrive.
4. Group plants together. Plants release moisture into the air through a process called transpiration. Grouping plants together can help to create a more humid microclimate, which can be beneficial to the plants.
5. Use a pebble tray. Placing a tray of pebbles and water near your plants can help to add humidity to the air. As the water evaporates, it will increase the humidity levels around the plants.
6. Keep an eye on soil moisture. Indoor plants can dry out quickly in the summer heat, so make sure to keep an eye on the soil moisture levels and water as needed, or use the slow release plant water bubble to keep on track for you.
7. Avoid overwatering. Don’t overdo it! When it comes to giving your plants the right amount of hydration a second opinion is always worth having. A moisture meter is a plant lover’s best friend and helps you gauge where and when moisture is truly needed! 
8. Provide proper ventilation. Open windows, use a fan or make sure your air conditioning has a fresh air vent to provide enough fresh air flow to the plants.
9. Use an indoor plant spray. A product like Munash Organics Indoor Plant Spray can be applied as a leaf tonic to maintain vigour and maximize nutrient availability.

Buzz off.

Summer also brings with it an increased risk of pests, so it's important to take steps to protect your plants.

1. Attract fungus gnats away from your plants. The Plant Fly Ninja is an effective way to keep pesky bugs at bay, using an odourless, non-toxic method of keeping them away.
2. Create a protective barrier. Use the natural power of Neem Oil found in Gnat Off! to create a barrier so that the gnats will not reproduce in your soil.
3. Regularly apply Silica & potash. Silica is essential for plant strength which is a key for minimising disease and pest attack.

With a little preparation and the right tools, you can easily enjoy a beautiful summer garden full of healthy and vibrant plants. So, get outside and start enjoying the warmth and beauty of summer with your plants.