Going to live in Mérida? Follow these 5 tips for your garden

If you’re going to live in Mérida, Yucatán, you’ll surely have a garden. Almost every house in the city has one. But do you know how to care for a garden in hot climates? Living in Mérida means getting used to very hot temperatures, and plants are affected too. In climates above 40ºC, various species show stress in their systems. However, with a few simple steps your garden will survive the heat.

Garden care in Mérida

When you move to Mérida, Yucatán, you’ll notice that one of its features is its tropical climate. With high temperatures, it’s important to keep your garden healthy. You’ll have to pay extra attention to certain plants and protect them from the sun.

Plants, for example, transpire 85 percent more than humans. So we must care for them just as we do for ourselves. High temperatures reduce the soil’s ability to absorb fertilisers, so it’s very important to know which kinds of food to use.

You can also plant local varieties. That way, plants better withstand the climate. Some are henequen, a type of agave that boosted the region’s economy thanks to its tough fibres, and the chit palm, an ornamental plant that reaches great heights — ideal for outdoors.

What are the most common signs of stress in plants?

Tropical plants wilt. Foliage may look pale. Flowers and leaves drop or turn yellow.

Learn to care for your garden to live in Mérida

1. Use superfoods. Organic fertilisers with seaweed extract are an alternative for heat and drought. The substances in seaweed let plants better cope with drought stress.

2. Reduce the diet. High temperatures reduce the soil’s ability to absorb its nutrients. Too much fertiliser can have the opposite effect and burn the plants. Instead, look for liquid products with improved absorption at high temperatures.

3. Use more mulch. Adding mulch provides a barrier that cools the soil and retains moisture. Log-head trimmings are composted in warm climates. You can place them at the edges and add an extra dose.

4. Use an efficient irrigation system. If you have a large garden, investing in an irrigation system will make sure the water reaches everywhere. Ideally, the system should include a timer. Timing matters. It’s recommended to water early in the morning and late at night. Those are the best times of day to let the water soak into the soil before the sun comes up. We want to avoid the heat and transpiration.

Invest in an automatic irrigation system. That way plants stay watered when you’re not home. You’ll also be able to reuse rainwater or water from some household tasks, to create a sustainable garden.

5. Protect sensitive plants from the sun. Plants get burned too. Those facing the sun will get a dose of vitamin D. However, it’s better to move them inside your house to avoid the direct hit of the rays.

Living in Mérida can be a paradise come true. The only drawback is having to pay special attention to details of daily life that, in other places with cooler climates, you wouldn’t need to. If you’re planning to move to Mérida, research as much as you can so nothing takes you by surprise.

Are you cold-blooded and can’t get to like the heat? You need these tips to adapt to the heat.