 Simply Hot!
As the temperatures heat up you start to notice the symptoms of the hot weather on your garden and plants. With most things prevention is the key to damage control. If you plan to be away for more than a few days over the holidays you will need to plan ahead to ensure you don’t come home to a sad looking garden.
Irrigation
A wide range of irrigation options are available. Many come with water timers that you can set to come at required times. Setting up a automatic watering system prior to going away is a good way to ensure your crops are being looked after while they are home alone. Be mindful though that if the weather changes to rain there will be no need for your irrigation to come on. A quiet word to a neighbour or friend to keep an eye on things would be wise.
Shade Cloth
During exceptional hot windy periods some plants can suffer. Erecting shade cloth to protect delicate plants can mean crops will be saved from the ravages of the weather. AS some crops ripen like tomatoes protection of the fruit can be necessary as well.
 Mulch Mulch and more Mulch
Applying a layer of mulch to your garden beds enables the soil to conserves moisture, it will help reduce weed growth and add valuable organic matter to the soil. Before applying mulch make sure the garden is well watered, apply a layer of at least 10cm to the garden beds. Bark, compost and leaf litter are also effective mulches. A good layer of mulch will should last a number of seasons before re-application is needed.
Tricks of the Trade.
Many commercial nurseries add a product called Saturaid to potting mixes and garden beds to help the soil retain moisture. This product can now be found in garden centres and used at home to prevent plants from drying out and in some cases dieing. Simply add to your soil or potting mix, this natural non-toxic additive enables the soil to hold onto and evenly distribute water to the root systems of plants. It acts like blotting paper by pulling water deep down into the root zone where plants need it most. It can save you up to 50% in water usage. Apply to soil or potting mix then water in well to activate, apply annually in spring / summer.
 Hand Watering;
Water roots not foliage. Plants take in water through the root zone hence watering the foliage is un-necessary. Water in the morning or evening avoiding the heat in the middle of the day. It’s best to water deeply once or twice a week rather than a little each day.
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