Summer Landscaping Tips For Your Garden

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A garden is a versatile use of outdoor living space, and a well-appointed one can provide hours of enjoyment for a home's residents and guests. It provides the classic setting for outdoor dinner parties and can even supply some of the fresh produce for the hors d'oeuvre served at garden party gatherings. Here are five landscaping tips for summer gardens that will help you to get the most enjoyment out of this space.

#1 Choose a Mix of Edible and Drought-Tolerant Plants and Shrubs

While Australia has a diverse mix of climates that are found within its temperate, subtropical and tropical zones, the summer weather conditions that are experienced by the majority of Australians are extremely hot and relatively dry. For instance, water restrictions are common in cities such as Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane. If you are affected by the country's ongoing drought, you can plan a garden that includes your favourite edible produce as well as some drought-tolerant shrubs. You can up the aesthetic value of your space by choosing succulents, herbs and shrubs that offer a visual mix of textures and colours. Many of these drought-resistant plants such as lavender also have the added benefit of attracting pollinators.

#2 Strategically Sow Plants That Shield Homes From Excessive Heat

Besides providing a beautiful oasis for outdoor enthusiasts, a garden can also increase the comfort of a home's indoor environment. Nearly all fruit trees appreciate the plentiful sunshine that is available throughout Australian summers. Citrus and banana trees are common choices for many gardeners in Australia, and some lemon trees come in small varieties that work well for small-space gardens. When you plant an appropriately sized fruit tree in a strategic place near your house, your home receives natural shade that can shield it from excessive heat. After hiring a trailer from Hiresquare, you can visit your local nursery for a healthy tree and specific planting and maintenance instructions.

Citrus trees do well in the warm and sunshine-rich Australian environments.

#3 Water Deeply and Feed at Same Time

Summer heat can easily result in parched, stressed plants. Gardening experts suggest that your plants are not just thirsty at this point, but they are nutrient deprived as well. Magnesium, potassium and boron deficiencies are common in many Australian summer gardens. The professionals suggest that you water your plants deeply instead of sprinkling them frequently. You should also add water-soluble nutrients to the water to feed plants during the irrigation process.

#4 Maintain Healthy Roots

Potted plants are convenient to cultivate, and they add decorative interest to most gardens. However, you must take precautions to ensure that your plants' roots remain healthy while they are growing in their pots. For instance, you may love the look of those terracotta planters, but they can literally cook the roots of your plants if they are left in direct sunlight for long periods of time.

Terracotta pots can cook the roots of plants


Also, some pots do not allow water to drain properly from plants’ roots, which causes roots to rot. Placing moist sand in pots can help to keep plants cool and well drained; when the plants need extra water, their root systems draw up the excess moisture from the sand. Surprisingly, mixing potting soil with the absorbent gel that is found in disposable nappies can produce similar moisturizing results.

#5 Rotate Crops to Naturally Deter Pests and Build Up Soil

There is no need to ruin your beautiful, homegrown produce with toxic chemical pesticides. You can rotate your garden beds to stop the lifecycle of plant pests and diseases naturally. When done properly, rotating crops also helps to replenish the nutrients that some crops take from the soil. For instance, plants that belong to the Brassica family notably use a lot of nitrogen to grow. Legumes such as chickpeas put nitrogen back into the soil, which makes it a great crop to plant after a season of Brassica plants.

Conclusion

Developing a first-rate garden takes planning, time and continued care. Happily, the practice of gardening provides many physical and emotional benefits. Enjoy the journey.