This week our columnist Lydia Harvey shows us how to grow plants during a very wet spring.
With Labour weekend fast approaching, it's time to get seedlings well established for seasonal summer eating.
This is generally the safest time to plant with the risk of frosts having passed. But with seedlings still being delicate enough to be destroyed by 'weather extremes', it's important to take these steps to protect young seedlings for maximum seasonal eating.
Plant in wind sheltered/unfilled areas
Most summer seedlings thrive on maximum sun filled areas but can easily be weakened by wind damage if left in exposed areas. Adding a layer of straw on top can help retain heat and water also.
Cover seedlings
Do this with either re-purposed plastic bottles or glass jars. Not only does this protect your seedlings against heavy rain and wind it also acts as a mini hot house while still allowing enough rainfall to reach the roots.
Plants undercover
This could include anything from makeshift DIY covers to a glass house or even a little space under the awning of the house. This can act as a wind and rain break but will require extra watering over the summer months.
Pot it up
Hands down, this is still one of the easiest ways to weather proof your plants and keep your potential produce in required areas of shade, sun and warmth simply by moving as required. Note that plants in pots will once again require more watering.
Build or buy a grow tunnel
This would be one of the few times I would highly recommend, if you do not have a sheltered area and not the building type, to invest a few dollars in a grow-house tunnel. Water well and deeply, this is a simple way to not only protect so baby seedlings from weather events but also from other seedlings pests such as pets, slugs and snails.
From Lydia's Garden: Super Easy Banana Split
1 ripe banana sliced in half length ways
1 cup of mixed seasonal fruit
Dribble in melted dark chocolate
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