Good, healthy soil will lead to healthy plants with vibrant flowers, lush foilage, tasty product that are more resistant to pests & diseases. Your soil health depends on its natural qualities, along with other factors like climate & weather events such as frost, rain and heat. Good worm and microbial activity can assist in improving soils and ensure it is ideal for plant health.
Autumn Soil Care
After the summer months, autumn is the time to rejuvenate after the stress of the dry, hot summer. As the air temperatures fall, so does the soil. Therefore Autumn is the perfect time to plant some plants to reduce stress.
- Weed thoroughly
- If soil is not absorbing water well, apply a soil wetter. Ensure to wash it off plant foliage.
- Dig over & aerate your soil to improve air and water penetration.
- Work in compost
Apply mulch if you’ve planted new plants or top up existing mulch. This protects soil from heavy rain and extreme heat, and can also add nutrients. It will keep the soil and plant roots at a stable temperature, prevent some water evaporation and help soil retain moisture.
Winter Soil Care
For many locations in southern & inland Australia, winter is about protecting your soil from harsh frosts and cold temperatures. Use the cooler temperatures to your advantage and plant bare rooted plants such as roses and fruit trees.
In northern Australia, winter is the dry season. Temperatures remain high, so plants & soil will need to be protected.
- Ensure there is always moisture in the soil. Simply check by poking your finger in.
- If soil is repelling water, apply a soil wetting agent.
Spring Soil Care
Spring is when your garden will burst alive! If you have prepared your soil in advance, this is the time for spring planting.
- Remove weeds and lightly dig over to break up clumps
- Apply a fertiliser or soil conditioner
- If possible, let soil rest for a few weeks before planting
Summer Soil Care
Summer can be extremely unpredictable- from extreme heat to humid & raining. Dry weather will cause crusting on the soil surface and loss of healthy microbial activity within. Unprotected soils will heat up, reducing nutrient uptake from plants. Heavy rain will also wreak havoc, causing waterlogging, overload of moisture and even erosion.
- Ensure moisture stays in the soil. Apply soil wetter if needed
- Check soil moisture, especially on hot days
- Water outside of peak heat- early morning or late afternoon to prevent moisture loss
- Mulch to keep soil & plant roots at stable temperatures
- Remember to turn off automated irrigation if rain is forecasted
