Question
QUESTION: Do you have any ideas how to take care out side patio plants in a heat wave,I live in the bay area,California and we are suppose to get a heat wave here for the next few days. Thank you

ANSWER: Hi Gary,
Thanx for your question.  Can you give me an idea of what type of plants you have?  Generally, I'd say just keep them well-watered if you are going to have unusually warm temperatures.  That may mean watering at least once a day.  You might consider putting a light mulch of cypress mulch or pine mulch around your plants in their pots or in the soil around the patio.  A lot of plants grown in California are adapted to less water.  Let me know what you have and I'll see if I can't give you a more precise answer.
Tom

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QUESTION: I have geraniums,fuschias,petunia,amarylis,ferns,ivy and assorted cacti. Thank you again

Answer
Hi Gary,
Thanx for the additional information.  The petunias, geraniums, cacti and ivy will not need a lot of attention.  Just keep them pots from drying out.  Fuschia can be very sensitive to high heat.  Keep the plant in the shade during high heat and make sure that it does not dry out at all.  Ferns, depending upon the type have verying degrees of sensitivity to heat.  Boston ferns will require a lot of moisture.  For delicate ferns, keep them out of the harsh sun and keep them well-hydrated but well-drained.  The amaryllis should weather the heatwave.  I'd put it somewhere where it is protected from the afternoon sun and like the others, make sure it does not dry out.  I hope this helps.
Tom