Orange gardens received some relief last week with the the storms.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Gardening expert Reg Kidd said storms had an invigorating effect on our plants.
He said the nitrogen in the storm atmosphere and the falling rain wash off the dust particles that can block many of the stomata (breathing holes on the plants) was great news.
But, with hot windy conditions predicted over the Australia Day weekend our plants will require support.
GREY WATER
Cr Kidd said with Level 5 restrictions only allowing one hour of watering (30 minutes with buckets and 30 minutes with a trigger attached nozzle hose) grey water can support your garden.
"Many people have told me how they have been surprised by the volume of water they have been collecting from showers or baths, let alone from the laundry," he said.
- You can select garden friendly detergents that are biodegradable and low in phosphorous, sodium, boron and chloride
- Select washing detergents that are low in salt. Consider using a powder concentrate or a liquid washing detergent
- Consider enriching the soil by adding compost especially to shallow rocky soils
- Monitor plant and soil response to grey water
- Perhaps consider installing a greywater diversion device or treatment system that has a Water Mark Licence (previously a Plumbing Safety Licence) and is accredited by NSW Health
- Ensure the greywater diversion device is diverted to the sewer after irrigation periods
- Do not store greywater or use it on edible raw vegetable or fruit.
- Make sure it stays on your property and monitor your plants and soil and do not leave diversion devices on all the time
- Treat it like a garden tap and only use greywater when the garden needs watering
- Remember soils can become " hydrophobic" and repel water, but by using water crystals and wetting agents (available from nurseries) you can increase dramatically the effectiveness and efficiency of watering
- Augering holes around the drip line of plants, which allows penetration of water to the roots works extremely well.
- I use a three-inch auger that fits on my cordless drill
- Make sure you test with a screwdriver that your watering is getting down into the root zone
- Too many people put mulch on too thickly,which often does not allow watering to get into the soil sufficiently (test with a screwdriver
- Do not push mulch up into a cone shape around the trunk of a plant
- Shape it out to form a dam that will hold water and allow it to penetrate.
- READ MORE: Two rare species of Mount Canobolas orchids officially named | Photos
DO YOU WANT MORE ORANGE NEWS?
- Receive our free newsletters delivered to your inbox, as well as breaking news alerts. Sign up below ...
