Seasonal Gardening Tips for the Pickling Enthusiast

As horticulturalists will tell you, trees and plants are great for your mental health. But did you know that even a small tree in a pot on your verandah can make a big difference? Not only can it provide shade and beauty, but it can also do wonders for your mental wellbeing.

“Gardening is about maths. It’s all related to how much water your trees and plants get.” says Tim, a gardening expert from Campbelltown in south-west Sydney.

Choosing the Right Tree for Your Home

When it comes to planting a tree, the first step is to decide which type of tree you want. Trees fit into two main categories: evergreen and deciduous. Evergreen trees keep their leaves all year round, while deciduous trees lose their leaves in winter to let the sunshine in.

If you’re planting a tree on the western side of your house, you might want to plant a deciduous tree so that in winter, the leaves fall off to let the sunshine in to warm your house. On the other hand, if you’ve got an evergreen tree planted there, the leaves don’t fall off in winter, so your house could be very cold in winter because of it.

Evergreen trees like olive trees and native frangipani are great options for small spaces.

When to Plant Your Tree

The best time to plant your tree is during spring, so it becomes established before the summer heat comes. “You want that tree to have as many roots as possible, because the roots take up water,” says Tim. “The more roots the plants have got, the more water it can take up.”

Planting your tree in the spring gives it the best chance to thrive.

To Pot or Not to Pot

When it comes to planting, it all comes down to how much room you have. If you’ve got room in the ground, plant your trees in the ground. Trees grow much better in the ground because they can grow roots into the soil, they can search for water themselves. However, if you’re short on space, pots can be a great option.

Trees in pots require more maintenance, but can still thrive with the right care.

Maintaining Your Tree

So you’ve planted the tree, now how to keep it alive? There are some key maintenance tasks that will keep your tree healthy and make it thrive.

Prune trees from the start: “Don’t just plant them and forget them,” says Tim. “You have to maintain them and prune those lower branches off to form the shape you want.”

Keep grass at least a metre away from the base of the tree, otherwise the roots won’t get enough water. Mulching is also important: “Put a layer of woodchip or sugarcane, some sort of organic product that is going to insulate the soil from hot sun,” advises Tim.

Mulching helps retain water and keep the soil cool.

Water your tree frequently in the first three months of planting when roots are taking hold. And remember, even native trees need watering: “If you don’t water your tree, they’re going to die,” says Tim.

By following these simple tips, you can enjoy the many benefits of having a tree in your backyard. Happy planting!