Melbourne summers swing from mild days to 40 degree scorchers. Raised beds drain well, which is great most of the year, but it also means they can dry out quickly in a heatwave. A little preparation now saves a lot of wilted plants later.
Mulch is your best friend
A layer of mulch keeps moisture in the soil and keeps roots cool. Spread 50 to 75mm of sugar cane, pea straw or lucerne over the soil, keeping it a few centimetres away from plant stems. Top it up as it breaks down. It feeds the soil as it goes.
Water deeply, not often
- Water in the early morning, so plants have moisture before the heat of the day and leaves dry off quickly.
- Give the bed a long, deep soak a few times a week rather than a light sprinkle every day. Deep watering grows deep roots that cope better with heat.
- Check the soil with your finger. If it's dry 5cm down, it's time to water.
- A soaker hose or drip line under the mulch puts water right where the roots are and wastes very little.
Plan for heatwaves
On forecast days over 35 degrees, give everything an extra deep drink the evening before and again early in the morning. Shade cloth clipped over a simple frame protects lettuce, seedlings and anything recently planted. Most established tomatoes, zucchini and capsicum will cope if the soil stays moist.
Does a steel bed get too hot?
It's a common question. The steel walls do warm up in direct sun, but the volume of soil inside stays much cooler, especially once it's mulched and watered. Lighter colours such as Paperbark and Pale Eucalypt reflect more heat than darker colours like Monument, if you're in a very exposed spot.
Water less with a wicking bed
If watering is a chore, a wicking bed stores water in the bottom of the bed and the soil draws it up as needed. Many gardeners only water once a week, even in summer. Our wicking bed guide explains how to set one up with a sealed base.
Use the rain you already get
A rainwater tank lets you save winter and spring rain for the summer garden, and tank water is great for veggies. Our steel tanks come in slimline shapes that fit down the side of the house. Find one that fits your space with Find My Tank.