While it is only just starting to build, the effects of the ‘Super El Niño’ are already being felt, with below average rainfall and a slightly warmer than usual winter.

These effects are predicted to peak during our summer, giving us a much drier summer than we have had the last couple of years. We will likely be facing some persistently hot days, heightened wildfire risks, and potential drought conditions. The more we can do now to get the garden resilient means the better chance our plants have of coping with the coming heat and drought.

Here are some of the things to consider doing now:

Strengthen your plants. Weekly watering with seaweed tonic will start to strengthen cell structure within the plants, making them more drought tolerant. When you water, try to water less frequently but with more water; this trains the plants to send their roots further into the soil to search for water and again will make them more resilient to drought.

Improve soil composition. If you have clay soil, start adding gypsum, sheep pellets and compost now, if you are dealing with smaller areas you may consider ‘lasagna mulching’ (YouTube has some great how to videos), which can greatly improve the top layer of soil in a relatively short amount of time.

Mulch. Adding a nice thick layer of mulch over winter or spring before the ground starts to dry out and warm up will help to reduce evaporation once the heat starts to pick up.

Choose hardy plants. Hebes, coprosma, renga renga, and libertia are almost as tough as the huge variety of grasses and flaxes that are available. There are also plenty of Australian, South African and Mediterranean plants readily available.

Rain harvesting. Divert rainfall from your roof during the wetter months to be stored in a holding tank and used on the garden as grey water.

Drip irrigation.This is the most economical and most efficient way to water your garden beds. As the water is dispersed below the soil you get much less lost via evaporation and deeper watering.