Spring is here, bringing with it the promise of longer days, sunshine, and warmer weather. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, Australia is at least 2.5 times as likely to experience unusually high maximum temperatures this Spring. So, it is the perfect time to start getting your garden ready for the upcoming Summer heatwaves. Here are some easy and affordable ways to keep both yourself and your garden healthy on hot and sunny days.
Revamp your watering routine
Be sure to thoroughly water your garden when temperatures are at their lowest (in the early morning or late in the evening). Warm weather causes the water in plants and soil to evaporate away. Watering during the cooler parts of the day provides the water time to properly soak into the soil and reach the roots of your plants. Be sure to check with your local council to see if any water restrictions are in place.
Set up shade
Plants such as vegetables, fruits, and flowers are susceptible to damage caused by the sun’s intense rays. Shade cloth and garden stakes can be used to create a temporary screen to protect plants in garden beds during hotter days. Potted plants can be moved into shadier spots of the garden or brought inside. Providing shade helps to keep the soil moist and prevent sun damage.
Pile on the mulch
Top up the mulch on your garden beds so it’s nice and thick (between 5 and 10cm). Mulch insulates the soil from the heat, helping it retain moisture in the Summer. Organic mulches such as straw and grass clipping are the best for use in edible gardens, they provide extra nutrients to the soil as they break down. Mulch also has the added benefit of weed control. Be sure to fertilise before applying a new layer of mulch.
Keep it cool
It’s easy for your body to overheat when gardening in the summer heat. A high body temperature can lead to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. To prevent overheating, drink plenty of water, wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing, and limit time in the garden to the cooler parts of the day (in the early morning and evening). A damp towel can help to keep your neck cool while outside watering. Remember that a hat and sunscreen are always essential when outside in the sun.
Hot weather can be challenging for both you and your garden’s health, but with proper preparation, you can ensure that both you and your garden can continue to thrive.
– Sophie (Master of Public Health student, Baker Institute) 🌱
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