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THE GREYTON POST
NOV /DECEMBER 2025
Watering Your Garden Over Summer – Finding the Right Balance
watering can per square metre) for lawns and garden beds. Roses, a favourite amongst many Greyton gardeners, thrive on regular, deep watering. During summer, give established rose bushes and shrubs a thorough soak two to three times a week, ensuring water reaches well below the root zone — about 20–30cm deep. Avoid overhead watering, as wet leaves can lead to fungal diseases like black spot. Instead, water at the base of the plant, allowing the soil to absorb moisture slowly. A thick layer of mulch around the base of your roses will help keep the roots cool and reduce evaporation — just be sure to leave a small gap around the stems to prevent rot. Early morning is still the best time to water. The air is cooler, and there’s less evaporation. Evening watering can work too, but in humid conditions it may encourage fungal growth. If your soil feels dry 5–10cm
below the surface, it’s time to water again. Mulching is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your garden healthy through summer. A 5–8cm layer of mulch around plants helps to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Organic mulches like bark chips, compost, straw, or even fallen leaves will slowly break down, improving your soil over time. For lawns, mow a little higher in summer — longer grass shades the soil and reduces evaporation. And if you have established trees or shrubs, remember they still need the occasional deep soak,
S ummer in Greyton is a beautiful time of year – long days, bright skies, and gardens bursting with life. But with the warmth also comes the challenge of keeping our gardens hydrated, especially when the sun is relentless and the wind picks up. Knowing how much to water, when to do it, and how to make that water go further can make all the difference. The most common mistake gardeners make is either watering too often or too little. Most plants and lawns only need a deep watering two to three times a week, rather than a light sprinkle every day. The goal is to get the moisture down into the root zone. Shallow watering encourages roots to stay near the surface, where they dry out faster. When you do water, give it a good soak — roughly 25mm (about a Andrew Jones-Phillipson Fiore Restaurant & Garden
especially in dry spells.
Greyton’s soils vary from sandy patches to heavier clay, so keep an eye on how your garden responds and adjust accordingly. The aim isn’t to drench, but to nurture moisture where your plants can use it best. With thoughtful watering, care for your roses, and a good layer of mulch, your summer
garden will not only survive the heat — it will thrive, rewarding you with vibrant
growth and fewer wilted afternoons.
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