For the green thumb
Hot Summer Garden Tips
Mulch
Use plenty of mulch: mulching is vital. Mulch is nature’s blanket, keeping soil cool in summer and warm in winter. Hay mulches are more gentle on the soil than bark mulches, and they feed it as they break down, however it does need replacing over time. Spread it at a depth of 5-10cm think, working around existing plants.
In the vegie patch, remove all weeds before mulching, then he adds a small amount of fresh, made-compost, tickling it into the soil. This acts like a sponge, allowing your garden soil to hold onto moisture for longer. A thin layer of hay mulch goes on top of this.
Protect from wind and sun
Large-leafed plants such as rhubarb can really suffer in the heat and lose a lot of moisture through their leaves. Create a shelter to protect them from the harsh western sun and the wind. To do this, he drives some steel rods into the ground and then threads some hessian over them, threading the rods in and out a few times to hold it into place, and secures it off at the top with a tie.
Move pot plants into shade
Any pots small enough to move can be placed in a shady position; if pots are too big to move they can be mulched with some hay or home-made compost, to help the mix retain moisture. This has the added bonus of working its way down into the soil as it breaks down and feeding the mixture.
Give your plants a good soak
Before you leave make sure you give everything a deep, long watering and make sure the soil is thoroughly wet. Fruits trees can be soaked by leaving your hose dripping overnight, by which time they should be saturated. Smaller plants in pots can be submerged in a bucket of water till the soil mixture has stopped ‘bubbling’; this is a sign all the air bubbles are out of the soil and its really watered thoroughly.
Don't forget your indoor plants
Put a plug in your laundry sink and line the base with newspaper. Put your potted plants in the sink and give them a good water, leaving a few centimetres of water at the base. That way your indoor plants will be well watered while you’re gone – however, while this is fine with figs and peace lilies, don’t do this with succulents or other plants that don’t like being waterlogged.
When you return, your garden might be a little stressed, but at least it will be alive. Give everything a good recovery drink and they should all perk up soon.
Source: ABC Gardening Australia www.abcgardening.net.au