January Heat Waves

The heatwave is continuing here in South-East Queensland and our gardening enthusiasm has hit an all-time low. I guess every gardener goes through these lows, and we should be resting ahead of busy year with the new garden just waiting for rain before it's first planting.

I came across this article from Aussie Organic Gardening and it has given a little inspiration to at least do 'something' outside...

"January and February can be tricky months for gardening in Australia, and gardeners will have to adjust their planting to suit local climate conditions. If it is too hot to grow things in your area, use the time to do a good job of preparing beds for strawberries, leeks and winter vegetables early in the morning or in late afternoon when temperatures are lower. Many parts of Australia are experiencing extreme conditions and the vegetable garden will appreciate some temporary shade.

Before the Full Moon, silver beet (pre-soak seed), and sunflower can be sown directly into beds, as well as a green manure crop of adzuki bean, cow pea, lablab, millet, mung bean, pigeon pea, Japanese millet, or sorghum. Leek can be sown in late January.

During First Quarter phase, eggplant, rockmelon, summer squash, tomato, and watermelon can be sown, also cucumber in late January. Bush and climbing beans, and sweet corn can be sown directly into beds.

During Full Moon phase, lemon grass, mango, pineapple and watercress can be sown or planted out. Beetroot (pre-soak seed), carrot, parsnip, potato and radish can be sown directly into beds."

As our new garden is divided in two, we are considering a green manure crop as ironically suggested above. It will basically provide more organic matter to the soil and/or if we grow legumes (i.e. cow pea) will also provide nitrogen via the root nodes into the soil.

Check out this forecast for the week ... ouch!

Gympie 7-day Weather Forecast

Summary	Sun Jan 6		Mon Jan 7		Tue Jan 8		Wed Jan 9		Thu Jan 10		Fri Jan 11		Sat Jan 12
	Possible shower		Possible shower		Mostly sunny		Sunny		Late thunder		Mostly sunny		Possible shower
Maximum	31°C		32°C		32°C		38°C		38°C		37°C		36°C
Minimum	19°C		19°C		19°C		19°C		21°C		21°C		21°C
Chance of Rain	70%		50%		5%		10%		60%		30%		80%
Rain Amount	1-5mm		< 1mm		< 1mm		1-5mm		5-10mm		< 1mm		1-5mm
UV Index	Extreme		Extreme		Extreme		Extreme		Extreme		Extreme