From Spring to Summer: Growing Together in the Garden
By David Ashton and Hanna Ashton-Lawson
It has been slow to warm up this November in Melbourne, but the odd sunny afternoon is a lovely reminder of the summer months to come. While the rain hasn’t been great for our Pierre de Ronsard roses, it has given our summer vegies a deep drink as they bury their roots nice and deep before the heat begins. Let’s get a head start on our summer watering and planting.
What to plant
If you don’t already have the summer staples started in your plot, it’s time to get planting. Heat-loving plants like capsicums, beans, tomatoes, zucchinis, corn, cucumbers, and of course tomatoes, are all ready to go in. You can plant companion herbs alongside your summer crops, like thyme, oregano, rosemary, and basil. Keeping leafy greens such as silverbeet and perpetual spinach going is possible, so long as you keep them shaded and maintain regular watering.
Working together on watering
Start preparing for the summer heat now by mulching with a generous layer of mulch. There are many kinds on the market, but sugar cane mulch and pea straw are favourites around the garden. Watering early in the morning is ideal, which allows your plants to get a big drink before a hot day. Otherwise the evening prior to a hot day works well too. A deep drink less frequently is better for your plants than regular bursts of shallow watering. Getting to know your plot neighbours and offering to water their plants while they are away is the sort of kindness that community gardens are built upon.
Keeping pests in check naturally
The best way to deter pests is by companion planting your veggies with flowers that attract natural predators and beneficial insects like ladybirds, bees, hoverflies. Keep aphids in check initially with squirts of the hose until the beneficial insects grow in number to balance things our naturally. Chemical sprays don’t distinguish between the goodies and the baddies. You can find some specific companion plants here.
Our growing community
Our end of year working bee and Christmas barbeque is fast approaching, but it’s not the only way we can connect with each other this summer. Share seeds, produce, or gardening tips with your neighbour, and as mentioned, help each other with watering during hot spells. As always, we love to hear about your successes in the garden, so if you have photos or words to share, please email them to Hanna so that she can add them here to our blog!
Here’s to a productive and friendly summer ahead!