SUMMER LOVIN'

It’s the little things that matter, and these simple tasks will prepare your plants for when the heat sets in during the next few months

SUCCESS TO IMPRESS

Pretty and charming, your summer garden – whether ornamental or vegie – will not only look picture perfect with a quick spot check and tidy up here and there, it will also be the literal picture of good health.

While you’re enjoying summer outdoors in your garden, things may not be going quite to plan for your plants. They may need a feed, a real drink, a haircut, a new wardrobe or an annual health check-up. These are all things you can do on your way to fire up the barbie by taking a moment to check your plants are relishing the balmy days as much as you are.

FEEDING

All plants in your summer garden need a feed because they’re at their most productive – and hungry. But not all fertilisers are the same. The common factor is the essential elements – nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K), but it’s the percentages that are different. Lawns want food high in nitrogen because it promotes leaf growth. Phosphorous is for cell regeneration and potassium helps your plants develop flowers and fruit. So choose the fertiliser that meets your plants’ needs. The percentage is listed on your fertiliser bags under the label NPK.

SLUGS AND SNAILS FEED OFF THE LEAVES AND STEMS OF SEEDLINGS.

PESTS AND DISEASES

Holes in the leaves, chew marks and slime trains are all signs of pests making a meal of your plants. While you can apply organic treatments, a little bit of hands-on work often does the trick.