Over the last four years in Otaki there have been long periods during summer that have been very hot and dry. Whilst this is great for spending time with the kids at the beach it can be challenging for gardens particularly for those in the Kapiti beach communities.
Planting gardens with drought tolerant species that have evolved to cope with local conditions is one of the best ways to ensure gardening success. There are many species of New Zealand native plants that are tolerant of drought, particularly once established.
In establishing a drought tolerant garden and there are a few simple ways you can assist this process.
First, select healthy plants that are drought tolerant and have been hardened off to your local conditions. Second, plant the majority of your plants during autumn to give them as much time as possible to bed in prior to the heat of summer.
Then put a good layer of mulch around each plant. This will help reduce evaporation of soil moisture, reduce competition from weeds and give the plants a cool root run. This is particularly important for many plants since the heat of summer can damage their delicate feeder roots which can lead to root rot and make them susceptible to other pests and diseases.
For help in selecting plants for your drought tolerant garden come in and see us at Talisman Nursery.
135 Ringawhati Road, Otaki
OPEN
1 – 4pm, Tue – Thu
10am – 4pm, Fri & Sat
ph: 06-364-5893
www.talismanplants.weebly.com