Spring is finally here! Your garden is set to be looking its best over the coming months with flowers blooming and lush green lawns from the winter rains but with the summer fast approaching how will you make sure that your flourishing garden stays that way.
Let's Get the Garden Ready for Summer
Spring is finally here! Your garden is set to be looking its best over the coming months with flowers blooming and lush green lawns from the winter rains but with the summer fast approaching how will you make sure that your flourishing garden stays that way.
Here are a few tips on making the most of the water your garden will receive this summer.
Quench your plants thirst!
Throughout spring your flowers will be blooming, your plants will be green and your garden will be picture perfect. Let’s try and keep it that way throughout summer.
Your aim is to ensure the water being absorbed into your garden is going directly into the roots of the plant and is not just sitting on the surface of the soil.
Tip 1: Some plastic bottles with holes in the bottom and the top cut off can be placed into the soil near your plants. When water flows into the bottles it will seep deeper into the soil around your plant keeping your plants moist for longer.
Tip 2: Some compost mixed in with the soil will give your plants even more opportunity to soak up that much needed water and hold it for a longer period of time.
Tip 3: If the soil in your garden is dry simply break it up with a gardening fork to help the water absorb into the soil rather than sitting on the top.
Tip 4: For plants in pots, add some potting mix into your pot for extra moisture.
Tip 5: Water your plants first thing in the morning rather than at night to cut down on the chance of any fungus becoming a problem.
Useful tip: Don’t plant any new plants in summer unless they are acclimatised to the weather.
Magic Mulch!
Mulch is your biggest life saver in the summer months. Mulch can act as a barrier between the sun and the soil stopping the soil from drying out.
Keep your soil moist by placing a thick layer of mulch around your garden.
The more moisture your soil has the more chance your plants have of surviving the dry season.
Top up your mulch every 6 months to keep your soil in top shape.
Useful tip: Wetting agents are also a great way to keep your soil moist year round. It can take some time for these to get into the soil so start preparing now. There are many different types of wetting agents on the market available at your local nursery or gardening store.
Luscious Lawns!
For most of you, your lawns will be lush and green from the winter rain. But how can you help your lawn maintain its great look with summer fast approaching?
Let your lawn grow a little longer, even just an inch. The longer grass will protect the grass roots from being burnt in the hot sun and will cut down on water evaporation from the soil.
With current water restrictions your lawn may not get the water it needs and will dry out. But don’t worry, by the time the wet season approaches again your lawn will bounce back to its lush green ways.
If your lawn is very precious to you, consider using a lawn feed for extra moisture.
Useful tip: When mowing in summer, leave the grass box off your mower so the grass clippings remain on the lawn acting as mulch.
Water Tanks!
If you haven’t already installed one, think about installing a water tank to capture any rain we may receive in the next few months leading up to summer. Water tanks are a great investment for your garden now and in the future.
For information on water restrictions in your state visit your states water commission website.
September 2010
