June Gardening Guide for Temperate Climate
What to do in the Garden in June
June in a temperate Mediterranean climate is usually a time for planting and preparation for the coming spring. But this year, Mother Nature threw us a curveball. Parts of the country, like southwest WA, are emerging from a scorching summer with recent (hopefully) life-giving rain. Meanwhile, the east coast is still recovering from devastating floods. So, how do we approach our gardens in this post-weather-whirlwind June? Don't worry, fellow green thumbs, we've got you covered!
Rehabilitation for Drought-Stressed Gardens:
If your garden has been through the wringer with a long, hot summer, here's what you can do to help it bounce back:
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Deep Watering is Key: Recent rains are a blessing, but the ground may still be parched. Deep watering, where you soak the soil thoroughly rather than frequent shallow watering, is crucial. Aim for the water to penetrate at least 10-15cm deep.
Assess and Replenish: Walk through your garden and assess the damage. Plants that are beyond saving may need to be removed to make way for fresh growth. Replenish the soil with organic matter like compost or aged manure to improve moisture retention and provide nutrients for recovering plants.
Mulch Mania: Mulch is your drought-stressed garden's best friend! A layer of organic mulch like bark chips, straw, or even shredded cardboard helps retain moisture in the soil, keeping your plants cool and reducing the need for frequent watering.
Focus on Drought-Tolerant Choices: For areas that have been particularly hard-hit, consider planting drought-tolerant perennials and herbs like rosemary, lavender, salvia, and native grasses. These tough guys are well-adapted to our climate and require minimal water once established.
Soil Building for Future Resilience:
Regardless of the weather extremes you've faced, building healthy soil is the foundation for a resilient garden. Here are some tips:
Compost is King: Composting kitchen scraps and yard waste is a fantastic way to create nutrient-rich fertilizer for your garden, while also diverting waste from landfill.
Cover Crops: Planting cover crops like legumes or ryegrass during the cooler months helps improve soil fertility, suppress weeds, and prevent erosion.
Worm Power: Worms are nature's little soil superheroes! Consider setting up a worm farm to create nutrient-rich worm castings (compost) for your garden beds.
Planting Strategies for an Uncertain Future:
While predicting next summer's weather is a gamble, here are some planting strategies to consider:
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Start Seeds Indoors: For heat-sensitive vegetables like tomatoes and peppers, starting seeds indoors during the cooler months allows them to mature before the summer heat arrives.
Succession Planting: Planning short-season crops in succession throughout the spring and early summer allows you to maximise your harvest before the heat sets in.
Shade Matters: Consider planting heat-sensitive vegetables in areas with afternoon shade, or use shade cloth to protect them from the harshest midday sun.
Embrace the Natives: Australian native plants are incredibly well-adapted to our climate and require minimal water once established. They also attract beautiful pollinators to your garden.
Helping Flood-Ravaged Gardens Thrive:
If your garden has been affected by floods, here are some steps to aid its recovery:
Assess the Damage: Once the floodwaters have receded, take stock of the damage. Some plants may recover, while others may need to be replaced.
Clean Up Debris: Remove any flood debris that could harbour pests or diseases.
Soil Testing: Flooding can alter soil composition. Consider getting your soil tested to determine if any amendments are needed.
Start Fresh: While some plants may recover, you may need to replant certain areas. Choose flood-tolerant varieties like reeds, water lilies, and native wetland plants for low-lying areas.
Remember: Gardening is a journey of learning and adaptation. This year's unusual weather patterns might have thrown us a curveball, but with a little planning, rehabilitation, and soil building, we can create gardens that are resilient and ready to thrive, no matter what Mother Nature throws our way. So, grab your gardening gloves, embrace the challenge, and get ready to create a beautiful and bountiful haven in your backyard.
Happy (re)planting!
Want to learn more about growing your own food and building a sustainable lifestyle? Check out these featured articles and events!
Permaculture for Living Workshop (On in June!)
How to be Prepared for Disaster
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