KEEP mulching areas of the garden that haven't been done yet, using pea straw, lucerne straw or sugar cane mulch where feasible, as the straws rot down and enriches the soil.
Don't be too heavy handed with the mulch: about 4-5cm is enough and as it breaks down, add a little more.
Mulch that is too deep does not allow water to penetrate and can do more harm than good.
Mulch also helps to reduce weed growth which prevents water being lost to valuable plants.
When planting trees or shrubs, add some water storing crystals to the bottom of the planting hole as this will hold water around plants and the plant will use it in drier times.
