Spring is in the air and it is a great time to get stuck into the garden. In some areas of south east Queensland the drought and water restrictions are hitting hard. Gardeners have been reduced to watering their beloved gardens with buckets.
To help drought proof your garden there are a few thing we can do. Mulching is one of the easiest and most effective ways to help your plants through the drought.
The use of good quality mulch cannot be understated. As mulch is like a blanket on a cold winter’s night, it will lock in the moisture in your soil and help stop the sun from evaporating our precious resource. Mulching to a depth of 10cm will also help to stop weeds from germinating. Adding organic matter will help to improve your soils moisture holding ability.
Water crystals are a great product for our gardens, as they hold moisture in the root zone were the plants need it. When applying Water crystal it is best to hydrate them in a bucket, and then apply them to the soil. You can also add some Dynamic lifter concentrate to the mix to kick start your plants. For the best results add 2 handfuls of crystal around each plant and fork into the soil. Water crystal will last for up to 5 years in the soil.
Don’t forget about your pot plants. Spring is the best time to rejuvenate those tired old plants. After 2 years the plants would have exhausted all the energy and goodness in the mix.
Always use a good quality potting mix and look for the Australian standard red ticks. Adding Water crystal and a slow release fertilizer will help keep your plants looking their best. Add the crystal evenly to mix, but don’t over do it or they may push your plants out of the pot. Always check the manufactures instruction on the back of the packet.
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Featured Product
Rainsaver Water Storage Crystals
- When added to potting mix or garden soil, the crystals absorb up to 500 times their own weight in water.
- The water is released over a period of time as the plants require it.
- Reduce water usage and increase the times between watering.
- Effective for up to five years and biodegrade harmlessly.
- Available in a range of pack sizes.
- Ammonium Based
Waterwise Water Storage Crystals
- When added to potting mix or garden soil, the crystals absorb up to 500 times their own weight in water.
- The water is released over a period of time as the plants require it.
- Reduce water usage and increase the times between watering.
- Effective for up to five years and biodegrade harmlessly.
- Prevents the soil from drying out, improves soil aeration and drainage.
- Potassium based.
Dynamic Lifter Concentrated Seaweed Plant Tonic
- Liquid seaweed is a rich source of micro-nutrients, alginic acid, essential amino acids, minerals and other complex organic compounds.
- Seaweed improves nutrient uptake, increases root development, encourages stronger stem growth, increases photosynthesis, increases yield and gives produce a longer shelf life and improved quality.
- Molasses provides a food source for beneficial soil microbes which make nutrients more available to the plant and improve soil structure.
- Wetting agent improves water penetration, reduces water usage and improves soil structure.
- Humic acid increases the cation exchange capacity and water holding capacity of the soil, promotes development of good soil structure, improves retention and plant uptake of essential nutrients, stabilises the soil against increased acidity from fertiliser applications and stimulates beneficial soil microbial activity
