December Gardening Guide for Temperate Australia
December in the Garden: Thriving Through the Aussie Summer Heat
December marks the official start of summer in Australia, and for gardeners in temperate climates like most of WA, it’s a time of intense heat and sunshine. While some plants may slow down, there's still plenty to do to keep your garden thriving through the summer months. This guide will help you navigate the December garden with tips on planting, watering, sun protection, and general maintenance.
December Planting (What You Can Still Get In the Ground):
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While the main planting season has passed, you can still sow seeds for quick-growing crops and heat-tolerant varieties:
Fast-Maturing Vegetables: Plant quick-growing crops like lettuce, rocket, radish, and spring onions for fresh salads.
Heat-Loving Herbs: Continue planting heat-tolerant herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
Succession Planting: Sow seeds of beans, chilli, zucchini, and cucumbers for a continuous harvest throughout the summer.
Watering Deeply: A Guide for Summer Garden Survival
Deep watering encourages deep root growth, making your plants more drought-tolerant. Here's how to water deeply:
Water Early Morning or Late Evening: This minimises water loss through evaporation.
Water at the Base of Plants: Avoid wetting the foliage, as this can encourage fungal diseases.
Water Slowly and Deeply: Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation for efficient watering. If hand-watering, water slowly and deeply until the soil is moist to a depth of at least 15-20cm.
Check Soil Moisture: Use your finger or a moisture meter to check the soil moisture before watering.
Protecting the Garden from the Harsh Sun:
The Australian sun can be harsh on plants. Here are some ways to protect them:
Shade Cloth: Use shade cloth to protect delicate plants from the midday sun. I have mine up all the time through summers peak!
Strategic Planting: Plant taller plants to provide shade for smaller, more sensitive plants. Think companion planting long term.
Mulching: A thick layer of mulch helps regulate soil temperature and retain moisture.
Watering Timing: If you have to use timed sprinklers, water in the early morning to allow foliage to dry before the hottest part of the day.
General Garden Jobs for December:
Weeding: Stay on top of weeding in your veggie beds. If you have exposed soil, weeds will come to do their job - cover the soil! So you either need to plant more densely or mulch, mulch, mulch.
Fertilising: Feed your plants with a liquid fertiliser like a compost tea to provide essential nutrients.
Pest and Disease Control: Monitor your plants for pests and diseases and take appropriate action (not chemicals!).
Harvesting: Harvest your vegetables and herbs regularly to encourage continuous production.
Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Lawn Care: Raise your mower height to shade the soil and reduce water loss. Close trims kill lawn in summer.
Indoor Tasks for Summer:
Seed Saving: Collect seeds from your favourite flowers and vegetables for next season.
Tool Maintenance: Clean and sharpen your gardening tools.
Plan for Next Season: Start planning your autumn and winter garden. It’s never too soon to plan.
Specific Considerations for Western Australia:
Our temperate climate with warm, dry summers means water conservation is especially important. Focus on drought-tolerant varieties and efficient watering techniques. The strong winds common in the region might require extra support for tall plants.
Key Takeaways for a Thriving December Garden:
Water deeply and infrequently.
Protect plants from the harsh sun.
Maintain good soil health.
Stay on top of weeding and pest control.
Harvest regularly.
By following these tips, you can ensure your garden thrives even during the hottest months. Remember, gardening is a continuous learning process. Observe your plants, adapt to the changing weather, and enjoy the rewards of your hard work.
About the Author
I'm passionate about living with resilience and I love sharing my knowledge with others. I believe that everyone can make a difference in the world, no matter how small. I'm excited to be a part of the growing movement of people who are committed to living a more sustainable lifestyle.
I'm also the founder of Eight Acres Permaculture, and I’m a resilient living educator in Western Australia. At Eight Acres, I offer a variety of workshops and courses on topics such as permaculture, growing your own food, and homesteading skills. On our small farm, I grow our own food and raise animals.
I believe that education is key to creating a resilient lifestyle. By sharing my knowledge and experience, I hope to inspire others to make positive changes in their own lives.
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