KEEP YOUR GARDEN HEALTHY while you're on holidays

Worried about leaving your plants home alone? COSTA GEORGIADIS tells how you can keep them thriving

- Amber Bramble

The holidays are meant to be relaxing, so the last thing you probably want to do is worry about the state of your garden while you're trying to kick back with a cocktail.

Given how harsh and unforgiving our Aussie summers can be, it's definitely worthwhile to take a few steps to ensure that your plants will continue to thrive while you're away.

Gardening Australia host and Junior Landcare ambassador Costa Georgiadis reveals the tips you need to know to keep your garden fighting fit!

JUST ADD WATER Given how hot our summer holiday period can get, Costa says that sufficient watering is essential.

"Make sure your plants are well watered before you leave, so the water reaches deep into the root system," he says. "Then mulch, mulch, mulch - this helps to retain soil moisture in your garden beds, even containers, and it will suppress weeds, which would otherwise compete for minerals and moisture. The longer you're away, the thicker your mulch layer should be."