Gardening – Christmas

Christmas is finally here and that means sunshine and harvesting summer fruits. As the long-awaited holiday season arrives on the Hibiscus Coast, it’s the perfect time to nurture your garden and reap the rewards. 

Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a novice gardener, summer on the coast offers is a great time to grow food for humans, butterflies and bees. We have been forecast a hot dry summer so now is the time to prepare your garden to sustain through the hot summer. 

Water and mulch 

Water early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation and help your plants retain moisture. If you have heaps of slugs, like I do, water in the morning. Use deep mulch on your beds to retain soil moisture, keep roots cool and minimise weeds. I have used pea straw this year which is great for the soil, and you get free peas! 

Look out for weeds and pests

Warm weather brings weed growth and pests. Regular weeding prevents competition for nutrients, while giving you the opportunity to keep an eye out for pests like aphids and whitefly. Use natural solutions such as companion planting and homemade insect sprays to keep your garden eco-friendly and protect the soil.

Heat-loving plants 

Plant heat-loving fruits and vegetables such as berries, tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, eggplants and peppers. Herbs such as rosemary, basil, sage and thyme love the sunshine, and add flavour to your meals. For a butterfly and bee garden, plant flowers such as petunias, swan plants, calendulas, marigolds and lavender to provide vibrant colour and attract the pollinators.

Sustaining your garden while on holiday

Many of us will be away for the holiday season so be sure to water and deep mulch before you go and ask a neighbour or family to water for you a couple of times a week. With a little effort and some planning, your garden can stay nourished, hydrated and fruitful. 

Embrace the season, get your hands dirty, enjoy your holidays and watch your garden thrive while having a Merry Christmas!