Summer in your garden….
Summer can be a challenging time for gardens but here we have a few helpful tips to keep your plants and lawns looking the best they can.
TIP 1 - MULCHING
Mulching is so important at this time of the year to help retain moisture in the soil and protect the roots of plants from hot and harsh conditions. An added benefit is that it will help with weed suppression.
Organic Sugar Cane Mulch – Grow Better organically certified sugar cane mulch is a sustainable option when it comes to mulching. It will knit well on the ground improving moisture retention and penetration and eventually it will break down and add beneficial organic matter to the soil. This type of mulch is great for vegetable gardens and around anything edible
Pea Straw Mulch – assists in adding nitrogen to the soil and helping with moisture retention. Perfect for vegetable gardens or using on anything edible. Pea straw tends to break down quickly and is therefore beneficial by adding organic matter to the soil.
Lucerne Mulch – will increase nitrogen and potassium levels in your soil for up to 6 months. It will decompose to add organic matter which in turn improves soil structure. This is a great mulch for anything fruiting or flowering.
Pine bark Mulches – are usually recommended for garden beds for aesthetic purposes and to improve moisture retention and weed suppression.
*Note that it is important to keep any mulch away from direct contact with plant stems to discourage any fungal disease and always apply using gloves and mask.
TIP 2 – APPLYING RAPID SOAK
To make the most of every drop of rain or water that is available to our soils we recommend applying our Granular Soil Wetter – RAPID SOAK.
Rapid Soak can be used on gardens, lawns, pots and baskets and once applied it reduces water use by up to 50%, preventing water run off and helping promote strong root growth, all of which is extremely important during the hot dry months.
Apply Rapid Soak to garden beds and lawns at a rate of 1 litre per 20 square metres and water in. You will quickly notice the water will penetrate the soil deeper than before breaking down any water repelling activity that might have been causing water runoff in the past. Reapply every 6 months or as required.
TIP 3 - WATER STORING GRANULES
Water storing granules absorb and hold many times their own volume of water, becoming jelly-like when charged with water. To charge - mix 5gm (1/2 scoop) of granules into 500ml of water. Wait one hour then mix expanded granules into planting holes when transplanting new plants into the garden. They act by offering stored water to plant root systems when needed, therefore retaining root moisture during dry periods.
Water storing granules can be used for pot plants, turf, when sewing seeds and in established gardens.
FIND ANY OF THESE HELPFUL GARDEN PRODUCTS AT YOUR LOCAL GARDEN CENTRE AND DON’T FORGET TO FOLLOW OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES FOR MORE TOP GARDENING TIPS!