Even though the nights are still chilly and the mornings are foggy and cool, Spring is just around the corner. Come September, your garden will come out of sleep. Now is the time to start on some Spring garden grooming before the plants start on a new life cycle. Starting early in the season will allow you to know how big or small the job is going to be.
Tip #1 : Spring clean your yard
Even before you start to sow and dig, clean and tidy up the garden a bit to have a better idea of how you can tackle the job and potential issues!
- Clear the gutters from fallen leaves and debris. Flush the drains or downpipes and pick up the dirt to clear the path for rain water run offs.
- Weed the garden: it is easier to get the weeds out at this point as they are still growing and have shallow roots. Just go around and pick them put.
- Prune your trees to remove any dead, unwanted or diseased branches. This will allow your plants to get a breath of fresh air and some sun before the new buds come out. Pruning will also reduce pests and diseases which can cause damages to the trees and require more drastic measures to get rid of.
Tip #2: Check your Reticulation system.
Check that all the pipes and pop-ups sprinklers for your reticulation system are in good working condition. Now is time to repair any leaks or damages before the watering season begins. This will ensure that no major issues spring up and that your irrigation system is ready to use.
You can test the retic system to identify any repairs or replacement as required. Just make sure you do the testing before 9am and after 6pm to avoid a fine or get a professional to do the job. You can also set your controller to the water restrictions in place for your area and to your watering days.
If the issues are bigger than expected, call in an expert! We can test, identify and repair any issues related to your irrigation system and have it in tip top shape before watering times start.
Tip #3: Fertilise
It is a good idea to start fertilising to encourage plant growth. Use a good slow release fertiliser, organic fertiliser or manure to feed your garden. This can be liquid, granular, powdered or pelletised. Spread out in the garden beds and under your trees and other plants.
Seasol liquid fertiliser is a good start and will help your garden grow and recover from stress and drought. Seasol is easy to use as it comes in ready to use bottles: just plug it to your water hose system and just water away. Or you can choose to use your watering can, just follow the instructions on the bottle carefully.
Or start a worm farm! Worms will eat all your organic scraps and kitchen vegetable scraps which are ideal for composting. They turn the waste into rich plant food and liquid fertiliser. These can be used to improve your garden’s health.
Tip #4: Plan the vegetable garden beds.
If you have that little patch of land that is begging to be used : Become sustainable and grow your own veggies and your own herbs.
Herbs and vegetables can be grown pretty much anywhere even in shaded or partly shaded areas. Pick them carefully depending on your area you want to plant and ask questions! Your local experts from places like Bunnings will be able to guide you. Do not forget to organise the reticulation system to give your plants the best start.
For those who already have their vegetable garden beds going now is the time to top up the garden beds with soil/potting mix before putting in new plants and fertilising.
The best plants to grow at the beginning of spring are lettuce, tomatoes, beans, cucumber, beets, green peas, leafy greens, strawberries and much more. Choose all or just some, it is up to you and to the family’s preferences.
Get the kids in the garden to help out. Fertilise well and keep an eye out for those pesky pests.
Tip #5: Mulch, mulch, mulch
Mulch is used to cover and protect exposed soil from the elements: wind, heat, frost. Mulch has numerous benefits. Preventing water evaporation is one of the main ideas. As the season gets warmer, it is a very good idea to prevent water from evaporating as your plants will need the moisture in the ground to keep growing, flowering or producing fruits and vegetables.
Mulching is also a great idea as it will slow down weed growth which means less maintenance for your garden. The mulch helps improve the soil. Make sure to keep the mulch away from the plant stems to avoid rot.
There are different types of mulch on the market that are perfect for the job like lupin , wood chips or pea straw for all areas of the garden. You will find them usually as ready-to-go packs. Choose the one that will suit your plants and start protecting your plants.
If the job is bigger than expected, get an expert to help you out. Enquire now and get the right advice.
