Defer New Planting:  

It’s very difficult to establish new plants in such dry and hot conditions. It’s better to defer planting until we have rain. Focus your time on other tasks in the garden – care for your existing plants and keep them watered. Mulch bare soil areas to improve organic material in the soil. Tackle that bed of weeds you have looked at for a long time! A great technique is to lay recycled black builder’s plastic over weed areas (like nut grass) for a couple of weeks to superheat the ground, keep out the light and kill the weeds.

Mulch:

You need to mulch but not too much. Often in this weather pattern we can get light showers and small storms and a layer of mulch that is too thick stops water penetration. Keep a thin mulch layer only around the base of your plants. If you are at home during a rain event a good idea is to scrape all the mulch back from the base of the plant to allow rainfall to penetrate the soil then replace mulch after the rain.

Use grey water carefully: 

It’s tempting to reuse laundry and shower water in the garden but, unless carefully managed, it’s not a good idea on native gardens. Grey water may contain phosphates and nutrients at unsuitable levels and fats and chemicals can change the composition of the soil, making it hydrophobic which is a problem in the long run. Grey water should be treated before being disposed of in the garden in areas with appropriate planting.

Treat hydrophobic soils:

During dry conditions many soils, particularly sands, become hydrophobic and unable to absorb water. Use a wetting agent, diluted in watering cans, to penetrate the soil and allow any further watering to access the root zone of the plants.

If you do need to plant: 

Focus on your framework planting (like trees and shrubs) to prioritise your water and efforts. Plant species that are known for their drought hardiness. The smaller and more delicate plants can follow later. Over emphasise soil preparation to provide a friable soil for ease of root penetration. Fill the holes with water and let it soak away before planting in the hole. See notes about mulch above but use tree guards to provide shelter from the sun and wind – I personally like the cardboard ones. Make sure you have the resources and time to undertake watering. In hot dry weather ideally water three times a week for the first month before reducing to weekly watering. Plant growth will be slow, but roots will establish themselves awaiting rainy weather.

Consider alternatives to water storage crystals:

Some recommend use of water storage crystals to provide additional resilience. I prefer the use of natural materials such as peat moss and coconut coir which can be placed in the planting hole with the soil to help with water retention.

Good luck. And also don’t forget to leave out water for the wildlife to help them through too!

Shaun Walsh