Summer can be a tough time in the outdoors, but there are many reasons to be out in the garden. Watering, mulching, fertilising and pruning are all vital jobs. Vegies are prolific, but so are the pests and of course, summer is a time of extremes, so it is vital to be prepared for whatever the season may have installed. Here are Jennifer Stackhouse’s top tips for looking after your summer garden.
- PLANT SHADE
Summer is the time to assess where extra shade is needed. Seek inspiration by looking at shade trees in other gardens and nearby parks, observing the height and spread of mature trees. There is also a broad selection of dwarf shade trees available including grafted eucalypts and named forms of deciduous trees which are well suited to smaller gardens. The spread of a tree as it matures is particularly important to get the position of the tree right in the garden so that it is away from structures and boundaries. Ideally keep trees at least five metres from structures. - MOSQUITO CONTROL
There are lots of myths about mosquitoes but the reality is most of the mozzies biting you come from within the garden. Over summer they breed in water in containers, saucers under potted plants and even in water left out for pets or birds. Blocked gutters and drains can also hold water so these should be cleared regularly. Remove and empty containers holding water and regularly clean and replenish water bowls. - BUSHFIRE PREPARED
After an early start to the bushfire season in some parts of the country, it is more vital than ever for gardeners, especially near bushland, to be bushfire prepared. Bushfire preparation includes clearing gutters, removing debris, screening under house areas to prevent embers lodging, keeping lawns green and mown, replacing flammable mulches with inorganic mulches such as pebbles or gravel. Ideally maintain a 20-metre protection zone around houses in fire-prone areas. Lush plantings and deciduous trees with low oil content in their leaves can also slow a fire’s progress. To help combat a fire nearby it is important to have gutter plugs to enable gutters to be blocked and filled with water and to have hoses that reach all parts of the property. A bushfire survival plan is also vital and can be downloaded from the state websites of rural bushfire organisations. - WATERING
Watering is vital during summer when temperatures are high or dry winds singe new growth. To make the most of water, apply it to plants in the early morning. Soak around the root systems of plants, particularly those in bloom or budding. To reduce water loss, shade plants that are prone to wilting such as hydrangeas. Regularly check watering systems for blockages — one blocked jet could lead to a dead plant. Cover new plantings with shadecloth on heatwave days.“Bottlebrush, grevilleas and wattle all benefit from a light pruning but leave some native plants to seed to provide food for native birds.”
- MULCH AND FERTILISER
Refresh mulch with a few shovelfuls of aged manure, especially under camellias, roses, hydrangeas and citrus trees. Where weedy areas are cleared, always cover disturbed soil with a layer of mulch. Feed plants that flower profusely during summer such as hibiscus, roses and annuals, every month. Also liquid feed summer vegies. Use a fertiliser formulated for flowering and fruiting plants and feed leafy and productive every 7–14 days. Also feed palms and foliage plants. In warm areas with heavy rain, feed lawns to maintain vigorous green growth. - PRUNING AND TRAINING
Late spring- and summer-flowering plants can be deadheaded and lightly pruned as they finish blooming. Bottlebrush, grevilleas and wattle all benefit from a light pruning but leave some native plants to seed to provide food for native birds. Prune invasive or whippy growth on climbers such as wisteria and jasmine. Tie up wayward climbers and summer-prune roses in mid summer. Groom plants to remove dead, chewed or patchy leaves. To get fewer but bigger fruit at harvest thin immature fruit on apples and pears. - LAWNS AND EDGES
In all but the driest regions where lawn growth may have stopped, lawns need weekly mowing during summer. Keep long grasses mown especially near homes, play areas or paths to reduce habitat for snakes. Trim grass around trees, paths, garden beds and along fence lines. When mowing or trimming near tree trunks and shrubs, avoid damaging bark. Use a tree guard to protect the trunk. - POTS AND CONTAINER
Potted plants can cook on hot days leading to dead or highly stressed plants. Move potted plants to cooler or shaded locations on hot days. Water containerised plants daily – don’t rely on rainfall to do the task. On heatwave days take down hanging baskets, water them then group in a sheltered spot. Lifestyle Gardening With Jennifer Stackhouse. - WEEDS AND PESTS
In drought areas even the weeds stop growing, but where there’s good summer rainfall, weeds thrive. Keep on top of weeding with mowing, hand weeding or applying herbicides to actively growing weeds. Green, seed-free weeds can be thrown on the compost but soak weeds with seeds, corms or bulbs in water for a week to stop them regrowing. Remove dry weeds such as lantana that could provide fuel for fires. Pests and diseases are also in their element in summer. Careful observation of plants, targeted chemical controls (including fruit fly lures) and keeping plants growing well can help to reduce pest and disease problems over summer. - CLEAN UP AND RELAX
Sweep up fallen leaves and add them to the compost or leaf bin. Clean out gutters regularly. Check and empty filters on rainwater tanks. Remove piles of rubbish or debris to get rid of hiding spots for spiders. Clean out cubbyhouses and check all play equipment before kids begin to use it — for example, inside the handlebars of tricycles where spiders may lurk. Finally, set up a comfortable seat in a shaded spot to enjoy the garden over summer. - POOLS AND PONDS
Top up swimming pools and ponds to compensate for daily summer evaporation. Turn off fountains on days of high wind. Skim swimming pools regularly to remove fallen leaves and other debris and also remove algae and weeds from ornamental ponds. Check pools before swimming looking for insects such as funnel-webs and reptiles including snakes and lizards. Cover pools if they are not being used to reduce evaporation, but check under the cover frequently. - CLEAN AND TIDY
When high winds or storms are forecast, move lightweight outdoor furniture under shelter. Clean barbecues regularly after they’ve been used. Turn off gas bottles at the bottle and make sure wood fires are completely out after use.
“Lush plantings and deciduous trees with low oil content in their leaves can also slow a fire’s progress.”
About
Jennifer Stackhouse, Horticulturist
Jennifer Stackhouse is a horticulturist, garden writer, blogger and editor. She is highly respected by gardeners around Australia and a popular speaker. She is a regular garden commentator on ABC Local Radio across Australia. Her new book, simply titled Garden, has just been released to help everyone to maintain their bit of green.
Check out Jennifer’s website www.jenniferstackhouse.com
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