Mulch about, do nothing
Plant more chillies and capsicums
They like it hot and December-planted seedlings might well overtake any you planted out at Labour Weekend if there’s been a cold lead-in to summer in your area, especially if you splash out on the large-grade plants that should be available at the garden centre now. They are more expensive but much quicker to fruit, and a good choice if you are in a region with a shorter summer. They grow well in pots, which you can move around to take advantage of sunny spots and heatsinks as the weather cools down in autumn.
Both chillies and capsicums are super-productive plants and will appreciate some support, especially capsicums, whose brittle stems can easily break under the weight of the fruit. Stake the plants at planting time and tie the stem and fruitbearing branches regularly onto the support.
Keep the water up (especially for plants in pots) and feed every fortnight with liquid fertiliser (tomato food is ideal).
Good long-season varieties include ‘‘Habanero’’, ‘‘Tabasco’’ and ‘‘Rocoto’’, but if you are in an area where the climate is marginal for them, go with ‘‘Early Jalapeno’’, ‘‘Thai Super Chilli F1’’, ‘‘Hungarian Yellow wax’’, ‘‘Cayenne’’, and ‘‘Hot Cherry’’.
Get your garden ready for the holidays
And that means mulch, mulch, mulch. Even if you laid mulch months ago in spring, give everything a good soak then add a new layer of grass clippings, compost (bought or homemade) or whatever other organic matter you have to hand, especially if you are heading away.
A well-mulched garden will last for at least a week without watering, and possibly longer if there’s no wind.
Not only does mulch retain moisture, it suppresses weeds too so there will be less weeding to do when you get back home from your holiday.
Give house plants a health check
Now we’re moving into summer and the angle of the sun is changing, make sure that your plants are still getting the right amount of light. You may need to water more often during warmer weather, especially as many plants have a growth spurt at this time of year. Keep plants out of range of drafts from fans or air conditioners.
Remove dead stalks and old blooms, inspect for pests (and address any you find with an appropriate treatment), give the leaves a dust and repot them in a larger container with fresh potting mix if they are too big for their existing home.
If they don’t need repotting, give them a drink and a dose of liquid fertiliser.
Here’s how to keep houseplants hydrated while you’re on holiday.
Line the bath tub, laundry tub or shower with old, wet towels – but don’t put in the plug. Water plants thoroughly by soaking the pots in a bucket of water until no air bubbles pop to the surface – this may take up to 20 minutes.
Place the plants on the wet towels. Give them a good misting with the shower or a spray bottle too.
Plants love the moist atmosphere that comes with this method, but won’t be sitting in water which could lead to root rot.