Heat Wave and soil moisture

It is a new experience to those that move to Tasmania. Over the year, we go from low sunlight levels in winter with waterlogged soils. Then when summer arrives, just as quickly as we are waiting for the soil temperatures to rise and we leave the soil open to the elements to assist for tomato/pumpkin/corn germination, the soil does a 180 and is dry and parched and mulching becomes important. Today is forecast to reach into the high 30's. Maybe even nudge 40. It is under these temps I find mulching of serious benefit to the vegetables and fruit tress.

One of Tasmania's gardening gurus (Steve Solomon) is an advocate for no mulching to prevent the dreaded slug and snail wars. Last year I adopted his philosophy however it was a constant battle to keep the soil moist to not stress the vegetables. This year I have returned to mulching. So far the soil beneath the mulch is retaining much more moisture which is a blessing when you live on a rural property and water is not simply turning the town water tap on.

I find sugar cane mulch is very easy to spread within the veggie patch, with it's looseness allowing water thru yet ensure an even coverage over the soil. It is surprising how far a small bale can go. Barley Straw is good however it does have a tendency to blow away if the winds pick up, and windy it has been this season in Tasmania. I do not use hay bales within the veg patch to prevent  the grass seed germination battle, but as described earlier use it for creating new garden beds due to its cost effectiveness and usefulness with potatoes.

This morning many gardeners including me where out hosing to get as much moisture to help the plants get thru the heat. One thing this heat reminds me of tho is why we moved from Queensland. It is fine to have a day or two in the mid to high 30's, but tomorrow while other towns on the mainland are sweating through more of the heat wave, we in Tasmania will return to those glorious mid 20's.

Happy heat waving!!!

mulching has made it much easier to keep the soil moist this year for the Oca (Oxalis tuberosa)