Top five tips to heat-proofing your garden this summer

Summer in Melbourne means extreme dry heat as well as the odd storm and brief cold spells. Here are our top five tips on how to protect and salvage your gardens and plants during the city’s notoriously changeable weather.

Soil-wetting agents are proving to be a popular choice among homeowners looking to heat-proof their gardens in summer.

While summer took its sweet time to arrive in 2019, January to March is forecast to be hot.

To keep your outdoor space looking its best, the Leader has put together five tips on summer-proofing your garden.

1. WATER CONSISTENTLY

You should water at least twice a day in summer, morning and afternoon. It’s recommended to do this before 9am and after 6pm, while the air is cooler.

2. USE SOIL-WETTING AGENTS

These agents change the soil and allow it to absorb water — rather than it running straight off the soil.

It is recommended pot plants be kept indoors during summer to protect them from extreme weather conditions.

3. POT PLANTS

If you’re going away, water thoroughly before applying a 3-5cm layer of mulch to the top of the pots or garden beds to reduce moisture loss from the soil. Keep in the shade.

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4. KEEP BUGS AND SNAILS AWAY

Look for mottled leaves left by mites, leaf holes from caterpillars and yellowing plants from aphids and whitefly. Spray flowers, vegetables and citrus. Plants should be watered well beforehand, with another spray applied in the evening. Snails love sweet leaves like mint and basil, so don’t forget the snail pellets.

Warmer temperatures mean Whitefly is a common pest.

5. MULCH

This offers plants protection from the extreme heat, and also prevents moisture being lost into the air. Weigh it down with an extra layer of potting soil if you’re using a light material.