Never a better time to dig in the garden
YOU can tell those of us that are connected to the land at the moment as we are the ones smiling.
What a difference rain makes.
Slow, steady rain infiltrates the soil, flushes out accumulated salts, activates the soil’s microflora and fauna, as well as activating the germination of dormant seeds.
The grass that looked dead on the weekend now has green shoots.
Leaves of shrubs and trees that were yellow, parched and drooping have now plumped up as they are full of water and plants are pushing out new growth.
As soil temperatures are warm, plant growth in response to the current rains will be impressive. So get out the lawnmowers and trimmers, and be prepared to tackle the onslaught of weeds.
As there were thunderstorms associated with the onset of the current rains the growth is even more impressive as when rain falls during a thunderstorm it contains nitrogen in its plant available form; nitric acid ( HNO3).
So the rain provides free nitrogen fertiliser to the plants as well as providing valuable water.
The first task for gardeners is to minimise low spots ( which can become waterlogged) and ensure water is not running towards the house or into the swimming pool.
Fortunately digging is easier once the soil is damp.
Care must be taken when working clay soils when they are wet.
If indents are left when soil or lawns are walked on or machinery leaves tracks, it is too wet and compaction is being caused. Only work soil when moist to maintain the soil’s structure, which is vital for both plant and soil health.
While it is raining or when raining is imminent, it is a great time to fertilise the garden or add gypsum to clay soils, as the rain will wash it into the soil.
With sufficient soil moisture, nutrients are readily dissolved into the soil solution for either plant uptake or activation of soil processes. If there is sufficient rain in the catchment then dam levels will also raise and water restrictions will be eased, and that’s got to be a good thing for all of us.