The crisp air is rolling in, the days are getting shorter and winter is just around the corner! As the temperature starts to drop, it’s time to start preparing your garden for winter and get ready to switch off your sprinklers. The Winter Sprinkler Switch-off runs from 1 June to 31 August and requires all scheme and garden bore water users in Perth, Mandurah and some parts of the South West and Great Southern to turn off their sprinklers. It’s a fantastic opportunity to give your sprinklers a well-deserved rest, save precious water and set the stage for a vibrant spring!
Why the Big Switch? Nature Knows Best!
Makurur, the Noongar season for the start of Winter, brings with it increased rainfall and lower evaporation rates. Your plants, just like us, slow down their growth during this period, particularly your lawn. Imagine trying to drink a litre of water when you’re already swimming in it. That’s kind of what happens to your garden in winter if you keep the sprinklers blasting. Pumping extra water onto already damp soil is not only wasteful but can actually be detrimental, leading to soggy roots and potential fungal diseases. By switching off your sprinklers, you’re aligning with nature’s rhythm, allowing your garden to thrive in its own time and doing your bit to help save five billion litres of water – enough to fill Optus Stadium five times.
Getting Your Garden Winter Ready!
Here’s a few ways to pamper your garden when you’ve got time on those cooler weekends.
Soil SOS? Time to Get Down and Dirty (in a Good Way!)
Think of your soil as the comfy mattress for your plants’ roots. Winter is the perfect time to spoil your soil! Healthy soil acts like a sponge, retaining moisture more effectively. This means that your plants will be able to access that water more efficiently through Spring and help prepare them for less rainy days.
- Add Organic Matter: We’re talking compost, manure and even those fallen leaves you’ve been meaning to rake up. Digging these into the top 30 cm of soil in your garden beds will improve soil structure, drainage and nutrient content.
- Mulch Like a Pro: Applying a layer of mulch around your plants will help protect their roots from the cold, suppress weeds and retain any moisture from rainfall. The key when applying mulch is to always go for the chunkiest option and spread an even layer of about 5-10 cm thickness.
Winter Lawn TLC
As your sprinklers take a nap your, lawn does too by going dormant in winter, but it still needs some attention. Water Corporation advises that winter lawn care focuses on maintaining health rather than promoting rapid growth.
- Reduce Mowing: Give your mower a bit of a break and reduce how often you’re cutting the grass.
- Air it Out: If your lawn is looking compacted, think about giving it a little aeration. This helps the rain soak in better and lets the roots breathe.
- Wetting Agent: Sandy soils in Perth are known to be water repellent. Help your lawn improve the absorption of water in winter by adding a wetting agent.
- Weed Control: Weeds are a real pain in the grass. Keep an eye out for winter weeds and tackle them early before they become a bigger problem. Challenge yourself to remove five weeds each time you go out into the garden! Your garden will be looking great and pollinators like bees will thank you for reducing the use of chemicals.
Preparing the Rest of Your Garden
Beyond soil and lawns, there are other ways to prepare your garden for the cooler months:
- Reduce Watering (Even Before the Switch-Off): Switch off sprinklers when we receive Autumn rain, ahead of the Winter Sprinkler Switch-off.
- Shelter Sensitive Plants: Got some delicate pot plants? Move those that are vulnerable to frost or heavy rain to a more sheltered location.
- Prune Deciduous Plants and Trees: Winter dormancy is a great time to give some of your deciduous plants a haircut.
- Winter Blooms: Brighten up those grey days by planting some cheerful winter-flowering plants like local banksias, grevilleas and vibrant Purple Flags (Patersonia occidentalis). Find more winter flowering plants through Water Corporations waterwise plant search.
Check Your Soil Before You Grab the Hose!
Remember, the Winter Sprinkler Switch-off applies to sprinklers using scheme or bore water. You can still hand water your garden if absolutely necessary, focusing on specific plants that might need a little extra attention. Before turning on the hose, dig your fingers through your chunky waterwise mulch and into the soil to check the moisture levels first.
The Upsides of the Switch-Off
Switching off your sprinklers and giving your garden some winter love isn’t just good for your plants, it’s a win-win for everyone! You’re directly contributing to saving up to five billion litres of our precious water resources by being waterwise, go you! Not to mention giving your garden a little winter TLC means your garden will be bursting with life come springtime. As well as seeing a noticeable difference in your water bill. More money for coffee (or more waterwise plants – we won’t judge!).
As the calendar edges closer to June, let’s embrace the switch-off with open arms (and gardening gloves!). It’s a fantastic opportunity to give our sprinklers a well-deserved rest, save some water and get our garden ready to put on a spectacular show come spring!
Top Image Credit: Water Corporation
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