Below are some simple tasks to perform while you’re enjoying your summer garden.

CHECK YOUR IRRIGATION

Irrigation systems can lose their effectiveness due to breaks, leaks and clogged filters (if applicable). Check each irrigation line, spray and dripper for any faults.

MULCH, MULCH, MULCH

Covering any bare patches of your summer garden with mulch not only helps in trapping moisture but keeps weeds down, too.

SEAL YOUR POTS

Earthenware pots can be particularly porous and lose water quite rapidly. This can be overcome by lining the inside of your pots, creating a more water wise garden.

RAISE THE STAKES

Don’t wait until your tomatoes are tall before inserting stakes – put them in prior to planting so they don’t damage any roots if hammered in later.

HOUSEPLANTS

Don’t forget your indoor plants. Simply wiping over the leaves with a soft, moist cloth will help keep them healthy.

ENEMIES OF THE SUMMER GARDEN

Don’t wait for nuisances like whitefly to appear on your tomatoes before acting. Hang some sticky yellow flypaper to catch as many as possible.

A SUMMER GARDEN PLANTING TIP

Planting in summer is a breeze if you follow this simple tip – make a dish or well in the soil around the base of the plant and fill it each time you water the garden. In this way, water soaks deeper into the soil and runoff is minimised.

PAY ATTENTION TO DELICATE PLANTS IN YOUR SUMMER GARDEN

More delicate herbs will go to seed over summer if they do not receive adequate moisture. Pay particular attention to plants like coriander, for example, and choose the ‘Cilantro for leaf’ variety for maximum leaves and minimum seeds.

TRANSFERRING POTTED PLANTS TO YOUR SUMMER GARDEN

Transferring plants or even seedlings from pots and punnets to your garden bed can be done successfully during summer with a little care. Always moisten the roots and soil completely before planting, and wait until evening to plant them. Increasing moisture and avoiding the hot parts of the day help reduce plant shock.

Copyright Mitre 10 Australia Pty Ltd. Reproduction prohibited other than for personal use. Information intended as a guide only and should not be relied upon without further enquiries for your specific purpose. All liability for any loss or damage incurred from reliance upon this information is excluded.