Summer is in full swing and there is lots you can do to keep your garden healthy and blooming as the new year begins.
What to plant
January is a good time to plant some Australian natives or hardy plants, especially if you want to create a low maintenance garden.
Some favourites to check out include callistemons, also called bottlebrush, and grevilleas. Callistemons grow in most areas of Australia and are at their best in spring through summer. Prune after flowering to keep the shrub compact and encourage more blooms.
It's also a great time to plant some edibles. Sea celery or sea parsley, old man saltbush and yam daisies are good, hardy choices. Other options include beans, lettuce, corn and herbs such as coriander, and basil.
If you're looking to create a great setting for entertaining this January, then consider adding some colourful flowers to your garden.
Begonias, geraniums, impatiens, marigolds and petunias are good, hardy, sun-loving choices in the southern states.
Those living in Queensland can consider portulaca or celosia. Both will thrive in a sunny position in the garden.
A flamboyant bougainvillea is great for brightening gardens in Western Australia. Bambino is a smaller growing variety that works well in pots, hanging baskets or in the garden and comes in red, to purple, through pink and white.
If the weather is hot, keep an eye on young plants, or leave them in pots in a sheltered spot until the scorching days have passed.
What to pick
January is a great time to be harvesting fresh produce from the garden.
Stone fruit should be ripening, so be sure to pick the produce before the birds do. Pick peaches, nectarines and cherries. Delicious blackberries, raspberries, blueberries and strawberries are also ripening on the bushes.
In the vegie patch, capsicums, zucchini, cucumbers and tomatoes should be ready to harvest for the perfect summer salad.
After all your hard work, things should be looking great, so get out and enjoy your garden.
What to do
January is the perfect time for barbecues and entertainment. Get out the pruners and remove spent flowers. Deadheading not only makes the plant look more appealing, it helps promote new growth.
Our Aussie summers can be pretty harsh so it’s also important to take a bit of extra time caring for your garden so it survives and thrives during the hotter months.
A good tip is to water regularly in the morning. If it's been dry, give the garden a good drench to keep the soil and plants hydrated. Deep watering encourages roots to grow more deeply, helps plants avoid sun burn as well as attacks of mildew and other fungal diseases.
Adding some mulch will help the soil retain moisture. Use pea straw or sugar cane that will improve the soil as they break down.
Another tip is to harvest fruit and vegies, such as leafy greens in the morning so they stay crisp and store longer.
Remember when you're working in the garden to protect yourself from the sun and stay well hydrated, so drink plenty of water.
Garden guides for your location
Check out Garden Corner on the Bunnings website for planting advice tailored to your area and climate.
Feel free to let us know what you're up to in the garden at the moment by replying below or hitting the Start a discussion button.
