Today, we will discuss essential tips for growing healthy geraniums and preventing yellowing due to extreme summer heat. Additionally, I will share a homemade vitamin solution that can help keep your geraniums vibrant and flourishing. As you can see, my geraniums are thriving and producing beautiful flowers, and I want to guide you on how to achieve the same results.
Protecting Geraniums from Intense Heat
During the peak summer months, especially in August, geraniums can suffer from excessive heat exposure. If you place your geraniums in direct sunlight all day, you will likely notice yellowing and shedding of leaves and flowers. To prevent this issue, positioning your geraniums correctly is crucial. There are two optimal placements:
- A location that receives the morning sun but is shaded in the afternoon.
- A location that gets indirect sunlight during the hottest hours of the day.
Midday sun can be particularly harsh, causing the flowers to wilt and leaves to yellow. While geraniums can tolerate the sun in June and early July, the intense heat toward the end of July and August can be detrimental. Adjusting their placement during this time will ensure they remain healthy and beautiful.
Pruning for Better Flowering
Geraniums tend to grow an abundance of leaves, sometimes at the expense of flowers. If your geranium is not producing buds, pruning is an essential practice. Regularly inspect your plant, and remove any old, yellowing, or faded leaves at the bottom. By doing this, the plant will redirect its energy towards blooming rather than sustaining excessive foliage.
Pruning should be done at least once a week. This simple practice ensures that your geranium remains strong and encourages it to produce more flowers. Based on my own experience, this method has significantly improved my geraniums’ health and flowering capacity.
The Importance of Proper Watering
Watering is another crucial factor in geranium care. Geraniums love moisture, but they should not be overwatered. The soil should remain consistently moist but not soggy. If geraniums are deprived of water, their leaves will start turning yellow, and their growth will be stunted.
To check if your geranium needs watering, feel the soil with your fingers. If the top layer is dry, it is time to water. During hot weather, watering frequency may need to be increased, but always avoid excessive watering, as stagnant moisture can lead to root rot.
Homemade Garlic-Based Liquid Plant Food
Like all plants, geraniums benefit from natural fertilizers that provide essential nutrients. One of my favorite homemade plant foods is garlic water, which not only boosts flowering but also helps protect against pests and diseases. Garlic is rich in vitamins and minerals that enhance plant health and growth.
How to Prepare Garlic Liquid Plant Food
To make this powerful natural fertilizer, follow these steps:
- Ingredients: You will need three cloves of garlic and enough water to fill a small jar.
- Peeling and Chopping: Peel the garlic cloves and chop them into small pieces. Cutting them into smaller pieces allows the nutrients to infuse into the water more quickly.
- Soaking: Place the chopped garlic in a jar and add water. Close the lid and let it sit for one night. This time frame is ideal for extracting vitamins without the risk of fermentation.
- Straining: After resting for a night, strain the garlic water to remove any solid particles. Only the liquid is needed for feeding your plants.
- Application: Use this garlic solution every two weeks. Pour half a glass of the solution per pot. Avoid overuse, as excessive application may do more harm than good.
Frequency and Benefits of Garlic Water
It is essential not to apply any liquid plant food, including garlic water, more than once every 15 days. Over-fertilization can stress the plant and cause nutrient imbalances. A moderate and regular schedule ensures the best results.
Garlic water provides multiple benefits for geraniums:
- Boosts flowering: Helps the plant produce more vibrant and abundant blooms.
- Enhances overall health: Provides essential nutrients for stronger roots and greener leaves.
- Repels insects: Protects against common pests and mosquitoes.
- Prevents diseases: Helps combat fungal infections and keeps the plant healthy.
Final Thoughts
By following these simple yet effective tips, you can ensure your geraniums thrive throughout the summer months. Proper placement, pruning, watering, and natural fertilization are the keys to maintaining healthy, vibrant, and flowering geraniums.
I hope these methods help you achieve stunning results with your geraniums. If you try these techniques, I would love to hear about your experience! Happy gardening!
