As the Australian summer cranks up the heat, leaving your garden unattended during the holidays can spell disaster. Celebrity gardener and TV presenter Charlie Albone has shared his essential pre-holiday checklist to ensure your green oasis survives and even thrives in your absence.
The Essential Pre-Departure Garden Triage
Charlie Albone, a familiar face from Better Homes and Gardens, stresses that preparation is everything. The key is to get your garden into a resilient state before you walk out the door. The most critical step, according to Albone, is a deep, thorough watering. This isn't a light sprinkle; it's about soaking the soil to encourage roots to grow deeper, where they can access moisture that lasts longer than surface water.
"Give everything a really good drink before you go," Albone advises. He recommends doing this the day before you leave to maximise absorption. For potted plants, consider moving them into a shaded, sheltered spot where they won't be battered by full sun and drying winds. Grouping them together can also create a more humid microclimate, reducing moisture loss from the leaves and soil.
Mulch: Your Garden's Best Summer Friend
No summer survival strategy is complete without mulch. Albone is a strong advocate for using a generous layer of organic mulch, such as sugar cane, pea straw, or wood chips. Applying a 5-10cm layer of mulch is a game-changer for soil temperature and moisture retention.
"Mulch acts like a blanket for your soil," he explains. "It keeps the roots cool and significantly slows down evaporation." This simple step means the water you applied before leaving will stay in the soil much longer, directly combating the dehydrating effects of the summer sun. Ensure the soil is damp before you apply the mulch for the best results.
Smart Watering and Plant Selection for the Long Haul
For those going away for an extended period, technology can be a lifesaver. Albone suggests installing a simple battery-operated timer on your tap connected to a drip irrigation system or soaker hoses. This delivers water directly to the root zone efficiently and can be set to operate in the cool, early morning hours when evaporation is lowest.
Looking beyond the immediate holiday, Albone encourages gardeners to think strategically. Choosing drought-tolerant, native Australian plants is a smart long-term investment for our climate. Species like grevilleas, banksias, and lomandras are adapted to thrive in heat with less water. Similarly, in the veggie patch, opt for heat-loving varieties such as tomatoes, eggplants, capsicums, and sweet potatoes, which are more likely to prosper while you're enjoying your break.
Finally, a pragmatic tip: don't be afraid to let your lawn go dormant. It will turn brown, but a good soak and cooler weather upon your return will usually bring it back to life. It's far better than wasting water on grass that will struggle regardless.
By following Charlie Albone's practical checklist—deep watering, generous mulching, strategic plant placement, and considering smart irrigation—you can head off on your summer holiday with peace of mind, knowing your garden has the best possible defence against the scorching Australian sun.
