IF YOU are planting trees, shrubs or even vegetables at this time of year, use a watering tube to help get them going and also to help you out if you are going away on holidays for a few days.
Watering tubes are like a plastic treeguard sleeve but you are able to put water into openings on both sides of the tube.
The tube is supported by tree stakes, as if you were putting a tree guard around the plants.
Once it is full of water, you then add a small coiled irrigation dripper by carefully piercing the base of the water tube.
This coiled dripper allows water to drip out slowly to the plant over a period of about two weeks, thus making it easier to maintain water to the plant and to give it some assistance while you're away.
Add water-storing crystals and compost to the planting hole of most plants that are being planted now.
This will help hold in available water around the plant's roots and hold nutrients for ongoing establishment.
All new plantings will benefit from watering of a liquid seaweed solution to help promote root growth and to get the metabolism going.
Repeat this seaweed application every few weeks.
Afternoon delights
With outdoor entertaining at its peak for the festive season and New Year, have a look where you can put some seating in the garden to enjoy the cooler evenings or find shade and a breeze in the warmer part of the day.
Pick a spot where you get a view of the surrounding countryside or where you can enjoy special features of your garden and maybe listen to the soothing trickling of water in a pond or water feature.
Solar lights can be used to decorate the garden at night for parties, but remember they need to be in the full sun during the day to charge up and emit their lower level of light.
Citronella candles or torches add atmosphere as well as being practical in keeping the mozzies at bay.
Electronic insect zappers are a must for around outdoor eating areas to prevent insects from spoiling your evening.
