Summer in Australia means sunshine, outdoor fun, and delicious fresh seasonal produce. But gardening during the hotter months comes with its own challenges. Whether you're a seasoned horticulturist or just dipping your toes into gardening, summer heat, pests, dehydration and plant stress can make maintaining a lush garden tricky.
Keep on reading to discover the perfect solution to thriving plants all summer long, taking care of them from the roots up.
Common summer gardening challenges
Heat stress and water retention
- High temperatures can cause plants to droop, wilt, and dehydrate.
- Soil dries out quickly, making it harder for roots to absorb water and nutrients.
- Moisture retention can be a struggle. Heat causes faster evaporation, leaving soil dry and compacted.
Microbial decline
- Beneficial microbes in soil suffer under dry, hot conditions.
- These microbes are vital for nutrient cycling and disease resistance but require moisture and balanced soil conditions to thrive.
- Microbes are crucial for soil and plant health, and they thrive when in a moist, balanced ecosystem that’s not being put under pressure.
Nutrient imbalance
- Summer’s active growing season can deplete soil nutrients faster than usual.
- Without replenishment, plants may struggle to bloom, fruit, or grow lush foliage.
Pests and diseases
- Warm, humid conditions invite aphids, whiteflies, and foliar diseases.
- These issues can stunt plant growth and damage leaves, flowers, and fruit. Check out some effective, natural pest-management techniques.
Erosion
Dry soil is vulnerable to wind and water erosion, stripping away essential topsoil and nutrients.
Applying permaculture wisdom
Gardening with permaculture principles helps overcome seasonal challenges while fostering a sustainable garden ecosystem:
- Observe and interact: Notice how the summer sun affects your plants – identify areas that need shade, extra water, or soil amendments.
- Obtain a yield: Focus on summer-friendly crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, and zucchinis to maximize your garden’s output.
- Use renewable resources: Choose organic fertilisers (especially ones that divert food waste from landfill😉) and encourage beneficial insects with companion plants like marigolds and alyssum.
- Produce no waste: Recycle garden trimmings, maintain compost moisture levels, and repurpose food scraps into rich organic matter.
The all-in-one solution for thriving gardens
As a sustainable B-Corp, Food2Soil is committed to creating products that enhance plant health while mitigating environmental impact. As avid gardeners ourselves, we understand the seasonal challenges that come up, which is why we’ve created our new 'Tis the Season to Grow Bundle:
Includes:
Soil Health Booster (2L):
- The perfect soil prep for all plant beds.
- Packed with organic matter to enhance water retention and reduce transplant shock.
- Feeds microbes and with regular application, it builds a healthy soil ecosystem for stronger, pest-resistant plants.
All-Purpose Biofertiliser (1L):
- A 100% natural formula suitable for all plant types.
- Provides essential nutrients and billions of beneficial microbes to supercharge growth and plant resilience.
- Like kombucha for your soil – teeming with probiotics for plant health!
Biochar Soil Improver (7L):
- A carbon-rich soil amendment that reduces watering needs and locks in moisture for longer.
- Must be activated with a shot of All-Purpose Biofertiliser to inoculate the Biochar with live microbes and nutrients.
Natural Gardener’s Soap (150g):
- Handmade from recycled coffee grounds and natural ingredients.
- Gently cleans and exfoliates hard-working hands without drying.
- Perfect for more than just gardeners hands – the whole family might want one in every sink!
Why choose Food2Soil?
Our products are:
- Made in Australia, using organic ingredients.
- Created with sustainability at heart, diverting food waste from landfills.
- Designed to boost plant health naturally, working its magic from the soil up.
