Get ready for spring

Winter is the perfect time to prepare for the growing season, as long as you have the right partner

We’re often told that with cooler weather comes less gardening. But is it true? While it’s correct that most plants slow down, die back and drop leaves, and the soil gets colder which affects surface conditions and plant growth, does it mean there’s less for us to do in the garden? Do we need to slow down, too?

The answer to these questions is an absolute no. While we might prefer to curl up on a couch indoors with the heating turned up to our favourite comfort setting, the work we do in our gardens now will not only set them up to flourish in spring, it will also maximise their ability to withstand the cold. Slowing down is simply not an option if you want to help your garden thrive year-round.

KEEP AN EYE ON LEAF MATTER

One thing we shouldn’t be doing too much of is rake up fallen leaves under plants. While they can look a little disorderly in your garden bed, they actually serve a very important purpose.

In nature, deciduous leaves are broken down by soil organisms and the enzymes they produce, creating a layer of mulch that keeps the soil surface warmer than it would be otherwise, and ensuring the soil remains open around the roots. Without these vital organisms, though, the soil tends to become compacted and hydrophobic, which means it won’t accept spring rains.

In order to ensure your leaf matter breaks down as it should, Earthlife has developed an outstanding natural product to keep everything in check. Despite being located in Queensland, the company understands the issues faced by gardeners in temperate climates. Based in the Garden City of Toowoomba, they know all about managing deciduous leaf drop every winter, which was the impetus for some of their amazing products.

One of them is Earthlife Break Down. Made from the enzymes and acids that soil bacteria produce to break down the fallen leaves in nature, this product helps initiate and accelerate the natural process of decomposition, to return nutrients to

the soil and ensure your garden isn’t adversely affected by the harsh winter conditions. It’s easy to use as a spray and entirely natural, so you can even use it on your compost. Get the most out of Earthlife Break Down by applying it every three to four weeks, or as required.

TAKE TIME TO RESTORE AND FORTIFY

While it’s vital to ensure your soil doesn’t form a water-repellent crust, the next thing you need to do is effectively condition the soil and leaf litter to create a pool of nutrients for plants to access once the days start to warm up again.

Earthlife has a specialised product for this too, called Earthlife Garden Delight, which is designed to maximise plant health, particularly in difficult conditions. This superior fertiliser is a 100 per cent natural composted plant food containing 60 mineral elements and humates, including natural rock phosphate, plant-available silica, organic material and over 30 beneficial microbes and fungi species.

With its range of minerals, humates and a plethora of soil biology, it will help restore and fortify your gardens, lawns and pot plants over the cold months and prepare them to bounce into spring. Earthlife Garden Delight requires application only every three to four months, meaning you get to stay ahead of the game and reap the results of the fantastic growing months ahead with minimum fuss. Containing no animal waste, it’s a vegan-friendly option, too.

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE AND 100 PER CENT NATURAL

An Australian-owned company, Earthlife manufactures a range of microbial mineralbased soil conditioners and fertilisers for gardening, horticulture and agriculture. The team understand Australian soils and it is a business founded on passion for the land and dedication to developing simple solutions that improve soil quality and help your garden grow.

Earthlife products are the result of extensive research and development, and the evidence shows they will significantly improve water retention and mineral balance in soils for fussfree garden maintenance, or even bring soils back to life if they need some tender-loving care.

Their products focus on restoring the mineral and microbial balance in soils to improve soil structure and water retention, and adding back humates (organic plant matter) to act as a natural plant food and soil conditioner. Easy to use for the home gardener with fast results,

Earthlife products are 100 per cent natural and safe for people, pets and your garden, and are suitable for organic gardeners.

Made for those who care about their gardens, the environment and their health, you really don’t need to look any further for your go-to garden care. Find out more about Earthlife’s comprehensive range of products on their website and order some for your garden today. They make it so easy, you’ll forget you’re gardening. Delivery is Australia-wide.

WANT MORE INFO?

EARTHLIFE phone: 07 4633 2219 email: colin@earthlife.com.au website: earthlife.com.au