As we approach summer and drought season , its important to consider how your garden will survive.Â
Hydrating Soil
Hot climates can cause your soil to become hydrophobic. This is where your soil will not absorb any moisture, therefore your plant roots do not receive the water. Utilise soil wetters, soil conditioners or water crystals to combat hydrophobic soils.
If the affected soil is in a potted plant, you can soak it in a bucket of water until airbubbles stop rising to the surface.
Use Water Crystals
Adding water crystals to the base of your planting hole can help create a water reservoir. Water crystals swell when in contact with water, storing moisture and keeping it within the root zone to prevent your plants from losing too much moisture when its hot & dry.
Encourage Healthy Soil
Healthy, nutrient rich soil will hold onto water more effectively. Add plenty of organic matter and fertiliser.
Mulch
Garden beds that are well mulched will trap moisture in the soil, preventing as much moisture evaporation as possible. It can also help to smother weeds. Martins Sugar Cane Mulch will also feed your soil as it decomposes.
Choose your plants
Plants such as succulents & Australian natives do not require a lot of moisture so they will adapt during drought periods.
Proactively protect your plants
Yates Waterwise DroughtShield forms a protective, clear polymer film over leaves protecting them from damaging environmental conditions including heat, water loss, drying winds, sunburn, droughts, light frosts and transplant shock
Watering Wisely
- Water early in the morning or late in the evening to minimise evaporation
- Direct water to the root zone of the plants
- Water your plants deeply and less frequently
