Gardening and DIY: Be water wise

Photo / Paul Thompson

Be waterwise: keep things growing while we wait for rain
It's pretty dry countrywide and there seems to be no sign of a wet let-up. So make sure that water is being well-used in your garden.

Remove all weeds and any spent plants that are drawing moisture from the soil. Cover all bare soil with mulch - newspaper, cardboard, seaweed, old wool carpet - anything that will biodegrade whilst keeping in soil moisture.

Water in the early morning or at dusk to save on evaporation (two damn fine times to be out in the garden) and water at the base of plants to ensure they get the full benefit.

If you are on tank water and have a finite supply then you may have to choose more productive plants like pumpkin and squash over others that will only deliver minor returns.

Young and shallow rooted plants with large leaves and seedlings are most vulnerable. Use shade cloth, cloches or net curtains to shield these plants from intense mid-day sunshine.

To keep your greenery going, sow in pots and gather pots together - perhaps close to the house/kitchen so you can use rinse water on them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Md-1_V1A8lc&feature=player_embedded

Basil, the perfect compliment for summer salads and freshly picked tomatoes, is in its element with this hot, dry weather.

Many plants will be responding to the latter part of summer by developing flower heads. If these are left to develop then plants will grow taller, leaves will get smaller and flowers will set seed.

Some say the onset of flowering causes the flavour to become less tasty while others say that flavour is at its best.

To keep plants bushy and producing large, flavourful foliage pinch out the flower heads as and when they appear. You should get more life from your plants and end up with plenty to power-up some homemade pesto.

Allow one or two plants to go to seed and you'll have all the seed you need for sowing next spring - for FREE!

Gardeners on the go:
Sow broad beans
Harvest main crop potatoes
Sow cover a crop of blue lupin, oats or mustard to nourish bare soil and have it ready for spring planting
Fill compost bins and chop material into small pieces for quicker composting.

For full-scale, seasonal edible gardening advice and inspiration see www.podgardening.co.nz or check out Pod Gardening on facebook.