Back to:Media

    Media release

    TAFE NSW Ryde | 13 January 2025

    alt=””

    Summer garden care tipsSummer garden care tips

    “Be sure to give plants a good soaking either in the evening, or in the morning when hot days are ahead”

    Anna Richards

    With the temperature rising and people heading away on holidays, a leading TAFE NSW horticulture teacher has given insight into how to cost effectively look after your garden and plants this summer.

    Head teacher of horticulture at TAFE NSW Ryde Anna Richards has worked in the industry for 30 years and says summer is a critical time to ensure your garden and plants are well watered, fertilised, and cared for, to help ensure their survival.

    Hose watering a line of green plants along a cream white fence line.

    Below, Ms Richards shares her advice to help your garden stay in tip-top shape.

    What do people need to be aware of to ensure their garden stays in good condition during summer?
    Add lots of organic matter and compost to your soil, ideally every six months. Use organic mulches at a depth of 75–100mm. Water deeply every few days, early in the morning or evening. Avoid heavy pruning in summer; sunburn can occur on exposed branches. Use organic fertilisers and water them in well.

    If people go away on holiday, how can they best prepare and care for their plants?
    Install a drip or soaker hose irrigation system, preferably with a tap timer. Avoid planting new plants in summer, as they’ll need more water.

    What steps should people take ahead of hot days?
    Soak the garden either in the morning or evening. Water the soil, not the leaves, to avoid fungal diseases. Keep mulch topped up.

    What are other cost effective ways to care for your garden?
    Make your own compost with food scraps and garden waste. Water deeply every few days. Minimise fertiliser use in dry weather.

    How can anyone interested in a career in horticulture get started?
    TAFE NSW Ryde offers both Certificate II and III in Horticulture. Cert II is a short, practical course. Cert III is for those wanting detailed knowledge and career opportunities in horticulture. Topics include plant and soil health, pests and diseases, irrigation, pruning, and more. Students should enjoy working outdoors and have good fitness.

    Media contact: Rob Virtue, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 02 7920 5000.

    Contact media centre

    Get inspired

    Keep up to date with what’s happening in TAFE NSW by reading more stories.

    Read our stories