Doing a blog on Lawn Care would not be complete without something on Garden Care. So to complete the series, here is some information on some effective measures you can take to maintain a beautiful and flourishing garden through these hot summer months.
Whilst there are a range of effective measures you can take to maintain a healthy moisture balance in your garden bed. As a organic landscaper I have researched extensively alternative methods for moisture retention that wont impact the environment or harm the family pets or little hands that like to help in the garden. Water Crystals are one product, there is a variety of different brands that are readily available at Bunnings, Lee Rowans Garden World as well as nurseries and are a good source of moisture retention. They are a super absorbent Anionic Polyacrylamide that is insoluble in water. However, they have the ability to absorb up to 500 times their weight in water with 95% of this water and nutrient being readily released for the plants to take up as needed. They are non toxic not considered to be a health hazard and safe to handle. Simply mix or bury the hydrated crystals in your garden or planter box and water. As long as you avoid direct exposure to sunlight they should last up to 18 months or more. Another effective way to maintain moisture in your garden is Mulching, you can use a variety of different mulches such as Straw, Bark, Leaves & Twigs even paper products. As these breakdown they become a excellent source of food for the bacteria and organisms living in the soil, enhancing soil quality and at the same time detering weed growth. With long hot days upon us and soaring temperatures a reminder that summer is here, the one question I continually am being asked is "When is it a good time for me to water my lawns?"
The answer being. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time for this, when the air temperature is usually at its lowest and there is moisture/dew on the ground. Most lawns will benefit from watering for around 1 hour 2-3 times per week during these times. Watering the lawn every single day for 15 minutes. This turns the lawn into a shallow-rooted water junkie that demands a water fix everyday just to soldier on. Watering your lawn during the midday sun, although there are plenty of rumors around about this that it burns your lawn, it is in-accurate. Whilst over watering during the midday sun can lead to a boiling effect to the roots. If anything though, it is more wasteful due to rapid evaporation. |
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