BOM has forecast yet another La Niña event. Whilst it is looking to be relatively short and weak, it is still important to prepare your garden for the onslaught of rain & cloudy days to protect your plants.
What is La Niña?
La Niña typically means:
- Increased rainfall
- Cooler daytime temperatures (south) and warmer night temperatures (north)
- Shift in temperature extremes
- Decreased frost risk
- Greater tropical cyclone numbers
- Earlier monsoon onset
What causes La Niña?
La Niña occurs when equatorial trade winds become stronger, changing ocean surface currents and drawing cooler deep water up from below. This results in a cooling of the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. The enhanced trade winds also help to pile up warm surface waters in the western Pacific and to the north of Australia.
The warming of ocean temperatures in the western Pacific means the area becomes more favourable for rising air, cloud development and rainfall. As a result, heavy rainfall can occur to the north of Australia. Conversely, over the eastern and central tropical Pacific, air descends over the cooler waters, meaning the region is less favourable for cloud and rain. The air rising in the west and descending in the east enhances an atmospheric circulation – called the Walker circulation – which can result in changes to the climate felt across the globe.
Preparing Your Garden
Mould & Mildew
Increasing moisture is an open invitation to mould & mildews. If you are planting new plants, build them into mounds or raised garden beds. This will help soil drain and assist to increase air flow.
Regularly check and inspect leaves, stems & branches for mould. Detecting it early gives you the chance to fix the problem quickly and prevent further infestation.
Spray For Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects a wide variety of plants. There are many different species of powdery mildew, and each species attacks a range of different plants. In the garden, commonly affected plants include cucurbits (squash, pumpkins, cucumbers, melons), nightshades (tomatoes, eggplants, peppers), roses, and legumes (beans, peas).
When the fungus begins to take over one of your plants, a layer of mildew made up of many spores forms across the top of the leaves. These spores are then carried to other plants by the wind. Powdery mildew can slow down the growth of your plant and, if the infection is severe enough, will reduce fruit yield and quality.
Info from ALMANAC
A low toxicity fungicide in a convenient easy to use liquid form.
To control certain fungal diseases on ornamentals, fruits, vegetables and turf in the home garden.
Keep Mulch Away From Tree Trunks
Damp mulch around tree trunks = bad news.
Excess moisture between the tree trunk & mulch volcano creates a perfect storm to create diseases that lead to wood decay like fungi. Deteriorating bark at the trees base can lead to an unstable foundation. The damp mulch can also effectivly ‘suffocate’ the plant as it can decrease oxygen to the soil.
Designed to be extremely tough while fitting and feeling like a second skin. They are great for dry or greasy tasks.
Ideal for weeding and light cultivation between small plants with shallow roots
Trim Lower Branches/Leaves
Trim and prune the lower leaves and branches of plants to open up that breathing space for your plants.
Pruning helps reduce disease, encourages air circulation and lets more light in. Aim to cut at a 45 degree angle, ensuring the cut slopes away from the trunk. This is so rain & dew don’t collect in the area which will help stop fungal diseases.
Empty Water Filled Vessels, Remove Dead/Dying Foliage, Fruits & Flowers
Dont encourage stagnant water to collect around your garden! Wash and empty out bird baths and anything else that can collect water. Take them out of the rain or turn them upside down.
Clear out any dead leaves/debris from the soil surface. This is especially important as keeping good hygiene in the garden will keep diseases & pests away.
Slow Release Fertiliser
Slow release fertiliser is not easily washed away and does not dissolve quickly in water, unlike other fertilisers. Therefore applying slow release fertilisers before a period of rain can really benefit your garden/lawn
Gives your plants an instant release of nutrients, then continues feeding for up to 12 months
Slow release nitrogen and potassium will continue to feed the lawn for up to 16 weeks.
Ensure Your Compost Isnt Getting Too Wet
If your compost gets too wet, it can become mouldy, sludgy and wont break down. To combat wet compost, turn and add some dry ingredients such as pea straw, cardboard, sawdust or shredded paper.
Prevent your compost from getting wet by placing a tarp over the top.
Potted Plants
Don’t let any potted plants get overwatered! Move them more undercover and into a safe place where they can get some rain. See if you have any areas that catch more sun that you can move them into- dont rely on what is usual for them as an increase in rain and decrease in sun isnt a great combination.
Watch Out For Unwanted Guests!
Funnel webs & snakes love finding dry places to hide. Be careful! Use gloves and closed footwear. Shake out boots and gardening shoes that have been outside.
