Heat got beat

As summer draws to a close in Melbourne, it's time to start thinking about how to transition your garden for the cooler months ahead. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your end-of-summer gardening in Melbourne.

1. Harvest Your Summer Crops: If you've been growing summer crops like tomatoes, zucchinis, or peppers, it's time to harvest them before the cooler weather sets in. You can enjoy them fresh or preserve them for later use.

2. Remove Dead or Diseased Plants: As summer comes to an end, it's important to remove any dead or diseased plants from your garden. This will help prevent pests and diseases from spreading and ensure your garden is healthy and ready for the next growing season.

3. Prune Your Trees and Shrubs: Late summer is a good time to prune your trees and shrubs, as the cooler weather will make it less stressful for them. You can remove any dead or damaged branches and shape the remaining foliage to keep your garden looking neat and tidy.

4. Plant Cool-Season Crops: As the weather cools down, it's time to start planting cool-season crops like spinach, lettuce, and broccoli. These vegetables will thrive in cooler temperatures and provide you with fresh produce throughout the autumn and winter months.

5. Prepare Your Soil: Late summer is also a good time to prepare your soil for the next growing season. You can add organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to improve its fertility and structure. This will help your plants grow strong and healthy in the coming months.

6. Protect Your Garden from the Elements: As the weather starts to cool down and the winds pick up, it's important to protect your garden from the elements. You can use windbreaks, frost cloth, or row covers to protect your plants from the cold and wind.

In conclusion, as summer ends in Melbourne, it's time to start thinking about how to prepare your garden for the cooler months ahead. By harvesting your summer crops, removing dead or diseased plants, pruning your trees and shrubs, planting cool-season crops, preparing your soil, and protecting your garden from the elements, you can ensure your garden stays healthy and productive throughout the year.