Fertilise for Healthy Growth
Most plants are in their prime growing season now that it's warmer. Fertilising is key to healthy and thriving plants. Be sure to fertilise first thing in the morning before the heat of the day sets in. Liquid fertilisers on leaves can burn them if used in the middle of the day.
Our article about fertilising can be found here.
Adjust Watering
Qld Summers are notoriously hot, which means garden soil can dry out more quickly. Keep a close eye on soil moisture levels and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Ensure your plants are getting enough water, but be mindful not to over water, as this can lead to root rot and other issues.
Setting up a misting system to go off at set intervals throughout the day around tropical plants can help cool them down and encourage healthier growth.
For further info, see our watering guide here.
Increased Sunlight
As the sun's position changes, some areas of your garden may receive more sunlight. Keep an eye on potted plants and move them as needed to receive more/less sunlight exposure depending on their needs.
Improve Soil
Healthy soil is the key to a thriving garden, and summer is the perfect time to enrich it with compost or organic matter. Fork through organic matter into the existing soil. This improves soil structure, enhances its ability to retain moisture, and provides essential nutrients for your plants. Enriching your soil leads to stronger, more resilient plants that thrive throughout the growing season.
Strategic Planting & Positioning
Whether you're planting new flowers, shrubs, or trees - Strategic planting helps protect your plants from summer’s harsh conditions. Decide on the best spot for your plant by researching it's sunlight requirements. It’s best to plant early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the intense midday heat. Always water plants thoroughly before and after planting to help them establish strong roots.
Mulching - Your Garden's Summer Shield
Mulching acts as a protective shield for your garden during summer, helping to regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, and suppress weed growth. A 5–10cm layer of mulch insulates plant roots and gradually enriches the soil as it breaks down. To prevent moisture-related issues, keep mulch slightly away from plant stems - this allows proper airflow and reduces the risk of rot.
For more info about Mulch - see our Mulching Guide here.
Maintenance Matters
Summer cleaning isn't just for your home - your garden needs it too! Clear away any weeds, dead plants, or debris that didn't survive the season. A tidy garden looks better and helps stop pests and diseases from spreading. Keeping it clean ensures your garden stays healthy
Weed Control
Warmer weather encourages weeds to grow quickly, so clearing them out now helps prevent them from competing with your plants for nutrients. Try to remove weeds before they flower if possible, as letting a weed flower and go to seed will produce more weeds later on.
Watch Out for Pests & Diseases
As the weather warms and new leaves appear, pests like aphids, scale, caterpillars, and grasshoppers become more active in the garden. Early detection and management
are key to preventing infestations. Regularly inspect your plants for pest damage and unusual symptoms. Using organic pest control methods such as neem oil, and encouraging beneficial insects like ladybugs, can help manage pests naturally. Remove any diseased plant material promptly to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
Our article about insects can be found here.
Pruning Tips
Pruning can be done anytime of year, but it's best to trim plants after they’ve finished flowering. Avoid pruning during the hottest part of the day or right before a heatwave, as this can stress the plant. Pruning helps to shape your plants, remove dead or diseased branches, and encourage new growth.
Plant Selection
Choose plants that are well-suited to the Summer conditions of South East Queensland, such as native species like Grevillea, Bottlebrush, and Coastal Rosemary. Look for drought-resistant or tropical plants and consider creating micro-environments by placing plants strategically to help them thrive.
