Change Or Perish

That was the headline that greeted me yesterday morning from the local newspaper.

The article went on to tell us that South Australians need to change the way we grow plants or face a backyard wipeout.

The local expert being interviewed pointed out that with climate change and water restrictions gardeners need to adapt to those conditions.

Further into the newspaper there was an article suggesting that backyard gardeners used raised beds and shadecloth to combat the problems mentioned. That is going to be great for the manufacturers and suppliers of raised beds and shadecloth. 

The article also suggested ways to improve soils in the raised beds, which would also mean making your own compost, or buying it in from elsewhere. Another boost for a sector of the gardening supply industry.

There are some compelling arguments and handy tips about using water wisely. One thing that is not mentioned is how the use of wicking beds can be a great tool for sensible and conservative water use. Most raised beds advocates still have the bed build on soil or other stuff that will allow water to drain away, while a wicking bed retains that water, to be circulated around the root system of your plants.

In a post of a few days ago I outlined how I made a small wicking bed, and planted some seeds. Those seeds are now starting to raise their heads now.

Rocket Seedlings in a Wicking Bed

 The newspaper also is running a promotion where they are offering little packets of seeds, available for a small cost with a coupon from the newspaper. Now that not just an effort to raise circulation is it? Or am I being a bit too cynical linking the doom and gloom headline to the seed offer?