The challenges of Summer Gardening

Well finally I make it back to the land of writing and sharing. Already its the middle of February and some days I'm not too sure just what I have to show for it. That said, my garden at home and our shop garden have both preformed pretty well and are continuing to produce. The trick from here in is to keep it happening so that we have tasty home grown produce all year round. Every year I ponder over what my favourite season is and really at the end of the day they all deliver something special. At the moment its all about keeping on top of the produce, making preserves, and admiring my handy work (when I can steal a minute to reflect). Meanwhile, if I don't keep an eye on my new seedlings, they will either wither and die from the heat or the white butterfly will claim my brassicas. But, alas I have a plan (well several actually)! We live on a lifestyle block so we are restricted with our water supply, so in a bid to keep thirsty plants quenched I have resorted to having a bucket in the shower at all times. It's amazing just how much water I've collect for the garden. Granted there is a bit of; lugging buckets around but without a doubt it's well worth the effort. I already have leeks, brassicas, fennel and celerac planted. The brassicas are in their own beds that I can keep protected with a bug net.

BYE BYE BUGS! NET IS HERE!

If you want a continual supply of greens and root crops, now is the time to get them in. Check out our what to grow now chart on our Gardening Tips page. Remember that you are allowing 4 to 5 months for most root crops to mature, so what you are planting now, wont be ready until late June mid July (perfect soup food). Yum! If you want veg to eat sooner plant the likes of bok choi, spinach, peas, silverbeet, lettuce and rocket. Be sure to plant small amounts often (every 4 weeks or so) This is when a garden diary comes in handy, if you are organised enough to keep up date. Unfortunately I'm not that good at it all the time.

This constant heat is a killer for our gardens so with this weather, its a matter of deciding what needs the most protection. Coriander and spinach will grow well in a shady spot if you keep them well watered. And at the end of the day, it will only a matter of weeks before we are all complaining about the cold. My best recommendation is to be selective about what you plant in certain areas and then mulch, mulch, mulch. I am just about to start laying pea straw in good thick layers throughout our garden. Its important to water the area well (before laying the straw) and this ensures the moisture is trapped where it's needed. Next week I will be back with some more handy hints on keeping your garden productive healthy.