Preparing the Garden for Spring with a Water wise twist!
Episode: #1 02/09/06 Presenter: Melissa King
Winter is behind us and that means it is time to prepare the garden for that burst of new spring growth. It also means that summer is just around the corner. There are some easy things you can do now to prepare the garden for the warmer months.
You can literally see the garden growing at this time of year, so its time to nourish the soil with a good dose of organic matter. Well-rotted manure, leaf mould and compost all help to get that goodness back in the soil and improve drainage and structure. Importantly organic matter helps to improve the soils ability to hold moisture and promote healthier plant growth.
In the warmer months ahead you want to know that every drop of precious water that you apply to the garden or pots is getting to where the plant needs it most - the root zone - that’s why every garden shed should have a soil wetter.
The purpose of a wetting agent is to overcome water repellence in soils. Sandy soils, potting mixes and even soils that are high in organic matter can become water repellant - which means that the water rolls off the surface or to the edge of the container without being absorbed.
Soil wetters work in much the same way as a detergent - breaking down the waxy coating on the soil surface so water can move through the soil.
Water Crystals act as little reservoirs of water for thirsty plants. Once water has been added, within several minutes the crystals swell up to hundreds of times their own weight. Before planting, dig them through the soil or potting mix. You can also use them in the soil around existing plants. The hydrated crystals absorb and store the excess surrounding soil moisture and nutrients. When the soil gets a bit dry the Feeder roots of plants seek out these small reservoirs and draw the moisture they need.
For a low maintenance good-looking container display you can’t beat succulents. Hairy Legs (Sempervivum ’Hairy Legs’) is a low ground hugging variety with really attractive rosetted form. Always use these plants on mass as they look best that way and plant them in a bowl or squat pot filled with a specialist free draining mix. This will fill out in no time.
Early spring is a great time for getting plants in the ground because they have time to establish before summer kicks in. With so many gorgeous choices its worth using plants which demand little water. In a beautiful native garden a native rosemary is a perfect choice - it has lovely silvery foliage and purple flowers and it will form the perfect hedge. So with careful preparation and the right plants any garden can be all set for the warmer weather.
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.
