A very strong El Niño is expected to influence New Zealand through spring and summer 2026/27. By taking a few practical steps now you can protect vulnerable plants, use water more efficiently and stay productive.
Conditions will vary around the country. Northern and eastern regions are more likely to experience drier weather, stronger winds and unusually high temperatures – which our focus for this article.
Here are some practical areas to consider before summer takes hold.
Review your irrigation setup
Reliable irrigation becomes even more important when rainfall is limited and temperatures rise. Now is a good time to inspect driplines, fittings, sprinklers and emitters for leaks, blockages or uneven delivery.
Pay particular attention to exposed areas, newly potted plants and smaller pots which can dry out quickly. Grouping plants with similar watering requirements makes irrigation more targeted and help reduce unnecessary water use.
Consider whether irrigation schedules need to be adjusted as conditions change. Watering at cooler times of the day may help reduce evaporation, while regular monitoring will help you avoid both under-watering and unnecessary over-watering.
Reduce competition from weeds
Weeds compete with nursery plants for water, nutrients and light, making good weed control especially important during dry conditions.
Our premium grade weedmat creates a clean, stable growing surface while helping to suppress weeds throughout production areas. It can also reduce the time your team spends on ongoing weed management.
Before summer, inspect existing weedmat for damaged or exposed areas and make sure joins and edges remain securely pinned. If you are setting up or extending a growing area, investing in a durable weedmat now can deliver benefits well beyond one season.
Protect plants from wind
El Niño conditions typically bring stronger westerly winds, adding extra stress on young plants, or damaging foliage and causing unsupported plants or containers to topple.
Check the quality of your stakes, bamboo canes, fiberglass stakes and ensure they are firmly positioned in exposed parts of the nursery. Tree ties should hold plants securely without rubbing against or constricting stems.
It is also worth reviewing the layout of vulnerable crops. Where practical, moving lighter pots or sensitive plants into more sheltered areas may help reduce damage during high-wind events.
Support newly established plants
Young plants and recently potted stock can be particularly vulnerable to heat, wind and inconsistent moisture.
Our SmartGro Soil Improver (in powder and tablet form) will support growing conditions by improving the structure and moisture-holding capacity of growing media when applied according to the needs of the crop and growing system.
Create shade where it’s needed
Periods of unusually warm weather can increase plant stress, particularly for shade-loving plants, fragile young stock and crops in small pots.
Review shade-covered areas before peak summer conditions arrive. Check shadecloth, windbreak clips, and support structures for wear or damage, and consider whether additional temporary shade may be needed for vulnerable crops.
Shade should still allow suitable light levels and airflow, so the requirements of each plant variety need to guide your setup – and we have a good range for you to select from.
Secure loose equipment and supplies
Preparing for wind is not only about protecting plants. Loose pots, trays, covers, signage and lightweight equipment can quickly become damaged or create hazards around the nursery.
Walk through outdoor production areas and identify anything that may need to be secured, relocated or stored. Keeping trays and pots neatly stacked and using our popular SmartGro Nursery Carts can also make it easier to move plants quickly when challenging weather is forecast.
Keep essential supplies on hand
Hot, dry or windy conditions can expose weaknesses in a nursery setup quickly. Having commonly used repair and replacement items available means your team can respond without waiting for an urgent delivery.
Depending on your operation, this could include:
- Irrigation fittings and accessories
- Weedmat and pins
- Bamboo canes and stakes
- Plant ties and Tapener supplies
- Shadecloth and fixings
- Nursery carts and plant trolleys
Prepare early and stay flexible
No two El Niño events affect NZ in exactly the same way, and conditions can differ significantly between regions. Keep an eye on local forecasts and soil or growing-media moisture, then adjust irrigation and plant protection measures as the season develops.
Explore our range of practical growing, irrigation and plant-protection solutions, or contact our team about the right products for your nursery – we’re here to help.
