Watching your urban planter boxes thrive is rewarding, but sometimes, even sun-loving plants can get too much of a good thing. Recognizing the signs of overexposure is key to maintaining a healthy container garden. The most common indicator is leaf scorch. Look for leaves that are turning brown, crispy, or bleached, particularly at the edges or on the sides facing the sun. This is a clear sign of sunburn. Surprisingly, wilting during the hottest part of the day can also signal too much sun, even if the soil is moist. The plant loses water through its leaves faster than the roots can absorb it. Other warnings include stunted growth, where new leaves are smaller than usual, or flowers that fade quickly or fail to develop. Soil that dries out extremely fast, requiring daily watering, is another clue your spot might be overly intense.
If you spot these issues, don't worry. The solution is often simple: provide some afternoon shade. You can use a sheer curtain, move the planter to a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade, or employ taller plants to create natural dappled light. Also, ensure you are using a high-quality potting mix that retains moisture well and consider mulching the soil surface to reduce evaporation. By paying attention to these signals and making small adjustments, you can ensure your urban oasis gets just the right amount of sunshine to flourish.