GARDEN MATTERS

February

Garden Matters

     

GARDEN MATTERS

Hopefully your garden is surviving the bouts of hot weather we have been experiencing, but if it hasn’t and you have burnt plants, don’t be tempted to cut off the burnt parts as these will protect the rest of the plant, which you can prune in the cooler months of Autumn.  Remember to keep your mulch topped up and make sure your garden is getting enough water! 

 

By that I mean.)

1.                    The soil isn’t water repellent. If it is, use a soil wetting agent, such as Grosorb. A little dearer but worth the extra cost.

2.                  Your reticulation or sprinklers are working properly. 

If hand-watering, make sure you are watering deep enough, don’t just splash the topsoil.  Finally, make sure the water is penetrating the mulch!  If you tick all the boxes and your garden is still burning, think about planting a tree or two, or some large shrubs for shade and protection!  (plus the shade of trees and the privacy of shrubs become crucial for enjoying outdoor leisure time!)  We Aussies love a good B.B.Q.!!!!   If planting a tree, think very carefully about what you want, meaning size, position, evergreen or deciduous.  I love deciduous trees because of the different colours in Autumn,  plus they let the sun in during the cold winter days!!  Some of my favourites are Chinese Tallow, Jacaranda,  Claret Ash, Liquidambar, Silver Birch, Flowering Plums, Crepe Myrtle and the list is endless!  If you haven’t got room for a tree, how about planting some larger shrubs, such as grevilleas, bottlebrush, hibiscus, etc. to make a screen along a fence for shade and privacy.  Another idea is to plant a Citrus or stone fruit tree, thus having the added advantage of picking your own fruit!  If not quite sure, just drive around your town until something takes your fancy, then do your homework on the variety you have selected.  Just remember, three words describe shrubs and trees in summer; green, cool and lush!

 

VEGIE PATCH**** If your tomatoes, corn, beans, etc; are nearly finished fruiting, plant another crop now as there is still time to get another harvest before winter.  Just remember to build your soil back up with compost, hopefully you have your own, or soil improver and animal manures, plus Blood & Bone with Potash & Trace Elements.  As it is late in the season, I would be inclined to use seedlings as this will be quicker!!  Share a punnet with a friend!  If the seedlings have come out of a sheltered area, cover with shade cloth until they acclimatise, plus water weekly with Seasol.  If you decide that you have finished growing summer vegetables, build your soil back up ready for your winter crop, and think about what you are going to plant this autumn, even buying your seeds early before they are in short supply.  Hopefully, we will have an early break for winter this year!  Keep your herbs well trimmed by consuming them regularly or by picking bunches and drying them, as they will bolt into flower and lose their flavour if you neglect them.  Basil is easy to grow from seed, so if yours looks sad, plant some more!!  Basil should be torn, not chopped, and added to hot food at the last moment to preserve the flavour.  It doesn’t dry well.

Basil does really well, planted beneath tomato plants.

 

CANNAS**** The maybe old fashioned BUT cannas are the great all-rounder! They cope with anything, look great for nine months of the year and have stunning foliage and flowers, which range in colour from the common yellows, reds and oranges to pink, cream and apricot.  They also work in with a variety of gardening styles, from Victorian to tropical, or the modern perennial border.  Cannas love a warm, frost-free climate but if you live in a cool area, mulch generously, (pea-straw is great!) this will protect the rhizomes from the cold.  Propagate cannas in spring by dividing the rhizomes.

 

Keep cool, and until next month, HAPPY GARDENING!!

A