With the heat of summer well upon us I thought I would offer some tips to ‘beat the heat’ in your garden.
- Water during the cool of the day as it is then that watering will have it’s best effect on your garden.
- You could add some seaweed solution which has been shown to increase a plant’s heat resistance. (Seasol, eco-seaweed, Maxicrop, etc.)
- Consider also adding a wetting agent if you haven’t already done this in recent months. I personally love a product called eco-hydrate (Tip: Get the 2L hose-on. It is twice the price of the 500ml but 4x the volume. It can be diluted exactly the same as both products are the same strength, not true of all products out there).
- Treat precious and soft-foliaged plants such as weeping maples which can often have their foliage burnt-off over the heat of January-February with Droughtshield which will reduce water loss and also protect from sunburn.
- Move any smaller and easier to handle pots to a shady position.
- Look to see where your garden may be benefited by additional shade trees.
- Mulch as many beds as you possibly can. It will help insulate the soil during hot weather.
- What ever you do don’t forget your pets on a hot day! Leave plenty of water for your dogs, chooks, even cats
- Late this evening pour yourself a wine, beer, or what ever tickles your fancy and get out in the garden to water plants in need and come up with a plan for tomorrow’s weather conditions.