Unless you can water your garden well, minimise plant stress by holding back on applying fertiliser in hot, dry conditions. ![]() Shade protection can help increase their survival chances. Aim to sow seeds or seedlings in the cool of the day (early morning or late afternoon) rather than in the heat of the day. Pounding rain and hail can damage young plants, so provide protection if you must plant. Time Your Planting WiselyĪvoid planting on very hot, dry and windy days or when a storm has been forecast. More water-wise tips.Īffiliate Links: Your support of this site is appreciated! 5. ![]() New plants need more water to support root growth. So avoid planting new vulnerable seedlings or plants if you can until conditions are more favourable. Focus on highly visible plants near your home or those in the driest conditions.Įstablished plants are more resilient to hot dry weather than young ones. Longer, deeper watering may help root development rather than short quick watering. If you are in a dry climate, water early morning and ideally drip irrigate to minimise moisture loss. Grow food in container gardens for easier protection in hot and dry climates 4. This is one of the primary strategies I use to ensure we have a continual supply of food from our garden year-round – even when the weather is less than perfect! Opt for larger rather than smaller pots and ideally, self-watering ones. One of the many benefits of container gardening is having the flexibility to protect and move your plants during periods of hot, windy or stormy weather. If you’re growing lots of the same plant, try saving just one or two. Then bring in closer to your home where you can more easily manage them. How? By mulching or growing a hardy groundcover, you will still protect your soil without asking too much of it until better climate conditions occur.Īre you struggling to get water to plants in your garden beds? If so, consider digging smaller plants up and transplanting into self-watering pots. Save seeds from your garden to sow again in more favourable weather Some plants may just have to survive without your help or be sacrificed to save others.Ĭollect seeds and take cuttings to pot up as a backup plan! You can always start again with these. Turn thirsty, low-value plants into compost to feed your soil. ![]() If conditions are really tough and you have limited water resources, concentrate on your high-value fruit trees, perennials and essential crops. That’s right! If you can’t save ALL your plants, prioritise and focus on keeping the most valuable ones alive. I hope by sharing some of these strategies, you will be able to enjoy an abundant productive kitchen garden too. By careful observation, applying Permaculture design principles and journalling where my gardens have been exposed to harsh dry or hot weather, I’ve learned how to grow a kitchen garden that not only survives but thrives! This has enabled me to help my clients who suffer similar problems but in different locations to get the most out of their edible gardens. So, what can we do to help our gardens survive and even thrive?ġ8 Top Tips for Gardening in Dry Climate Conditionsįor years I’ve endured all sorts of harsh growing conditions in my gardens. Small container gardens also need more frequent watering. Without sufficient water, crops can’t take up nutrients from the soil to grow, flower and fruit. It’s natural to expect some casualties in hot and dry weather. Struggling, water-stressed plants become magnets for pest insects as nature’s ‘clean up crew’ move in to feed. Even a single, well-cared-for plant can bring great joy and healing.įor many gardeners though, water – or lack of it – is our biggest issue. It feeds our mind, body and soul provides wonderful stress relief and is a welcome sanctuary to escape to. Yet a garden – no matter how small – gives us hope as well as healthy food. It’s no wonder many gardeners are giving up trying to grow an edible garden. Drought, winds, dust storms, extended heatwaves and fires have been impacting plants, people and our wildlife.Įxtreme temperatures and long periods without any significant rain in many places are some of the biggest problems. Many gardeners in Australia and around the world have been struggling to keep gardens alive and thriving. Gardening in dry climate conditions can be really stressful but there are loads of simple strategies you can apply to make it easier. ![]() Welcome back! Have you visited the free Article Library? You'll also find helpful Gardening Guides here.
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