5 Ways To Meet & Beat The Harsh Effects of an El Nino Weather Cycle
Summer is here and the hot weather has arrived. The El Nino that the Bureau of Meteorology confirmed was heading our way a few weeks ago is making itself felt. This typically means hotter and drier conditions due to the warming of the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. So as gardeners, what do we do to meet the harsh effects of an El Nino weather cycle?
Effective watering
During a drought, water conservation becomes all important. If you don’t already have one, installing a rain water tank is a worthwhile investment and there are a range of different sizes available to fit your space. A drip irrigation system is another key investment. It’s an efficient way to make sure plants are getting regular water straight to the root zone where they need it most. Monitor your irrigation to keep an eye out for over or under watering and adjust your system as needed.
Water your garden either early in the morning or in the evening, when there’s less risk of evaporation from the heat of the day. Watering for longer but less frequently, encourages plants to develop a stronger root system and allows them to access water stored deeper in the soil. Watering little and often can lead to moisture remaining closer to the surface and out of reach of the roots.
Mulch is your friend
Applying mulch to a depth of 5-7.5cm around the base of all plants helps to protect the roots from the heat of the day, so they don’t dry out as quickly. It helps to reduce the loss of water through evaporation and helps to suppress weeds. You’re also adding organic matter to the soil which helps improve overall soil health. It means that your plants will get more aeration as the worms and the microbes come and dig through the soil and drag all that goodness down to the roots which is going to feed your plants and happier, healthier, stronger plants are going to be able to withstand the hard times when it comes to drought or infestations of pests and diseases.
Heat and drought tolerant plants
Plants that are heat and drought tolerant like our Australian natives rely on less water. Plants that are native to our local area are even better. They have adapted to local conditions and are much more likely to survive in general. They also provide essential food and habitat for birds, insects and other wildlife. Trees like the Tulipwood, or Lily Pillys are great as you want to be planting for shade as well in a backyard. Shrubs like Westringias (also known as Coastal Rosemary), grevilleas, agapanthus and ground covers like Creeping Boobialla, are great examples.
Shade
Providing shade for your garden can help smaller plants to survive. This helps to reduce the temperatures your plants are facing. Trees with a canopy that protects the plants under them, using shade cloth for vegetable gardens or other sentimental favourites, even umbrellas strategically placed will help.
Soil health
Healthy soils are the building blocks of a garden. Improving your soil by adding organic matter in the form of compost, manure and mulch helps to provide the nutrients your plants need. It also encourages the microbial and worm activity to deliver moisture and nutrients to your plants. Healthy plants are much more able to stand up to the rigours of hot and dry conditions and will also be better able to cope with pests and disease.
Starting your preparation now can help your garden to stand up to El Nino and go on to thrive. Being water-wise, embracing drought tolerant plants and looking after the soil will help your garden to be more resilient.