4 Ways You Can Help Your Garden Survive a Dry Summer
Posted by John Zeaiter on
If this spring is anything to go by, this coming summer is set to be a scorcher. While you might think your garden will cope well with the extreme climates that the Aussie environment can throw it on, it's important to remember that we had a considerably dry winter. Add on a dry summer, and your garden could be in dire straits. So, we've put together five easy ways you can look after your garden this summer, so you can see it through to next winter.
Use Mulch Mulching your garden beds will help reduce the amount of moisture that is lost from the soil and potting mix from evaporation on hot and windy days. An added benefit of mulch is that helps to stop weeds in their tracks.
Water in the Morning Watering your garden in the morning is widely regarded as the best time to do it when the mercury is high. It helps to hydrate and prepare your plants for the weather ahead, and evaporation is less likely to occur.
Give it a Good Weeding If your garden appears dryer than usual, especially in the height of summer, the first thing you should do is to remove every weed. Weeds sap moisture from your garden, and also compete with your plants for valuable resources. Of course, if you are going to roll up your sleeves and tackle your weeds in the middle of summer, ensure you do it at the right time of day, drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen.
Invest in Drought Tolerant Plants In any garden that experiences dry conditions, it's always a great idea to plant drought tolerant natives over varietals that require extra care. It's getting increasingly easier to find drought tolerant plants. Some of our favourites include:
- Herbs like rosemary, sage, thyme, mint and oregano
- Beautiful natives like banksias, kangaroo paw, bottlebrush
- Think snake plant, agave, aloe vera, aeonium and varietals of cacti
- Flowering plants like lavender, proteas and bougainvillea. Plus plants that attract bees are an added bonus!