Plot preparation for summer

It is important to spend some time getting your plots ready for surviving Summer. Below are some suggestions:

• Wetting Agent gives your soil’s capacity to hold moisture – granular agent in the small tool shed
• Mulch 5 – 10 cm thick to keep the soil cool and reduce evaporation, we have bought lupin mulch for members to use
• Shade limits evaporation and protect the plants from the worst heat
• Use appropriate plants suitable to our climate and season – guides on shed
• Healthy plants with deeper root systems are more resilient to hot weather
• Check drippers regularly to ensure they’re not blocked, report any problems to the committee

Unfortunately, despite all you best efforts it is likely you will have some loss of plants or produce in extended hot dry spells. Summer gardening in Perth can be a challenge but some of my favourite produce is grown then, so with a bit of attention and planning the increase in the variety of tasty fruit and vegetables makes it worth the effort.