IN THE TROPICS

Add a splash of colour by planting sweet peas, phlox, marigolds, sun owers and pansies, and keep them well watered over the dry season for a spectacular display

Net g trees and other soft fruit (above) to safeguard your crop from hungry birds

Soak pink shower tree (Cassia javanica) fortnightly throughout the dry season to prevent excessive leaf drop

Plant citrus in a sunny, wind-sheltered spot where the soil is well drained

Keep planting dry-season beetroot (below), wombok, silverbeet, rocket, broccoli, snow peas and coriander, but don’t delay

Spread compost and mulch around fruit trees to help hold in the last of the wet-season moisture

Harvest cassava and taro roots, freezing the excess, then replant the tops for your next crop

Plant gerberas in pots or raised beds in a spot that gets morning sun, but is shaded from the afternoon’s rays

Water native ferns regularly during the dry season, so that they don’t turn shabby