Here in South Australia, we live with some extremes of weather. Last week we had a couple of warm days 27C - nearly summer. Then a cold wet front with wild winds, lots of rain (which is good) and even SNOW on Mt Lofty (highest point of the Adelaide Hills). Crazy baby!
It made me think about watering! Summer can come suddenly, and it's good to be ready. Work out your watering arrangements (check the drippers are clear and working) and listen to the weather forecasts! If hot weather is predicted it's better to deep water before the event, and if it's combined with the fierce north wind, try covering up any soft new growth plants - I'm thinking of new leaves on cycads, or young palms which have been planted in full sun. A piece of shadecloth or an old bedsheet thrown over the top can shield them from the worst of the heatwave. The best watering times are early mornings (before 9 am) and late afternoon (between 5pm and 6pm). Watering in between those hours can cause sunburn and after 6pm there is a chance of getting some nasty diseases (such as mildews, black spot etc.)
Mulch - top it up! And clean the gutters - leaves will catch fire in a bush fire and block the water flow if a thunderstorm comes your way!
So, get ready, summer is nearly here!
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