Tips for your garden in a hotter, drier Dubbo

With our region experiencing hotter summers and drier spells,

many gardeners are wondering: Can we still grow veggies

without using a heap of water? The good news is—absolutely

yes! With a few clever techniques, you can grow a productive,

tasty vegetable patch while being kind to our water supply.

1. Choose the Right Veggies

Start with drought-tolerant crops.

Think:

 Sweet potatoes

 Zucchinis

 Eggplants

 Silverbeet

 Cherry tomatoes

 Pumpkins

These are tough performers that can handle the heat and still

feed the family.

2. Mulch, Mulch, Mulch!

A thick layer of mulch (like straw, sugarcane mulch, or even

shredded newspaper) keeps the soil cool and locks in moisture.

It also suppresses weeds, which compete for water.

3. Improve Your Soil

Healthy soil holds water better. Add compost or well-rotted

manure to make your soil more sponge-like. The better your

soil, the less you’ll need to water.

4. Water Smart, Not More

 Water early morning or evening to avoid evaporation.

 Water deeply but less often – this encourages roots to

grow deeper, where it's cooler and moister.

 Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses instead of sprinklers.

They deliver water right where plants need it—at the roots.

5. Plant Close Together

Growing plants closer together can create shade on the soil

surface and reduce evaporation. Just make sure they have

enough space to grow well.

6. Catch and Store Rainwater

Install a rainwater tank or use buckets to collect water from

your roof. This free resource is perfect for the veggie patch!

Growing your own food not only helps you eat fresh and

healthy—it’s a great way to build resilience during dry

times. So, roll up those sleeves, dig in, and let’s grow smart for

a climate-wise future.

�� Every drop counts—happy gardening!