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The Edible Garden
- Some of the summer vege crops will be coming to an end this month. As they do, it is a perfect time to dig over the ground in preparation for new winter crops. Add in organic compost and follow with a dressing of garden lime. Do this several weeks before fertilising and planting new seedlings.
- In colder areas if you still have tomatoes on the vine, it is best to pick them and let them ripen on a sunny windowsill. This will stop early frosts splitting them!
- Once soil has been prepared seedlings of cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, spinach and silver beet can be planted out.
- Carrot and parsnip seeds can be sown directly into the garden. For a succession of other crops sow seeds of cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, silverbeet in seed trays for planting out later in the season.
- Any areas of the garden which are not going to have a winter crop can be sown with a green manure crop such as blue lupin or mustard. These crops can be dug in in early spring to provide structure and nutrients to the soil.
- Citrus trees can be fed this month - apply fertiliser out to the drip line of the tree and water in well afterwards.
- Continue to feed that last of the summer veges with liquid food to get the best out of the late harvest.
The Flower Garden
- Keep planting spring flowering bulbs this month - you can start to plant tulips plus all the other favourites, including daffodils, freesias, crocus, Lachenalia, hyacinths.
- The flower garden can now be replanted with seedlings of Polyanthus, Primulas, Pansises, Stock, Calendula. Remember good preparation is the key to success - dig soil over, add compost and general garden fertiliser before planting.
- A handful of dried blood around your polyanthus seedlings will do wonders for them.
- Sow Sweet Pea seeds directly into the ground - traditionally before St Patrick's Day on the 17th. Soak seeds overnight to soften their hard skin and speed up germination.
- In cooler areas this is good time to lift and divides perennials and replant fresh new pieces for next summer flowering.
- Stop deadheading roses now and let hips develop for winter colour. Some rose food now will help new wood to harden before winter.
- Freshen up pots and hanging baskets with potted colour pansies, violas, lobelia, and alyssum.
General
- Mow lawns more regularly and feed with lawn food as rain becomes more frequent
- The first of the season's cyclamen will appear in store this month. Remember to keep in a well lit room that has cool even temperature.
- New season's Camellias are now coming into store. The perfect shrub for winter colour in the garden
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