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Summer Gardening with Yarra Valley Water

Compost, mulch & soil additives

Composting

Make your own compost with a range of organic household materials, with the added benefit of reducing your household waste.


Suitable material for composting -

  • Vegetable and fruit peelings
  • Lawn clippings, prunings, leaves and flowers
  • Tea bag and coffee grounds
  • Egg shells
  • Vacuum dust
  • Shredded paper and cardboard
  • Straw


Soil additives

One of the problems with dried out soil is that it repels water, wasting the precious water you put on it. Soil wetting agents and water retention products can dramatically improve the success of new plantings and water absorption in your garden, particularly if it is already very dry.

Water crystals absorb water and release it over time as the soil around them dries out. Wetting agents enable water to soak in and water retention products store water for later release. These items are included in the Water Smart Gardens and Homes Rebate Scheme.


Mulching
 

Mulch is a gardener’s best friend. It helps conserve water, reduce weed growth and keep your garden looking good. It improves moisture and nutrients retention in the soil.


Before mulching, you should:

  • Remove any grass, weeds and dead plants from the garden.
  • Put in any new plants
  • install an irrigation system e.g. a drip system

Mulch can be applied as needed at any time through the year, but it is particularly important for your garden to be mulched before extended dry periods.