Another month has slid by and we are starting the run towards Christmas, a sure sign being the Pageant happening last Saturday. Not sure where the year goes!
We are about to enter a period of pretty warm to hot days with temperatures ranging from the low to mid 30s. What this means is that we now need to be very mindful of our garden's requirements. I know that I've been giving my garden a good drink lately, especially my fruit trees. Since fruiting trees are currently trying to develop and grow their fruit, it's essential to ensure they receive adequate water; otherwise, the fruit will end up undersized and tasteless. For example, a mature citrus tree would require approximately 100 liters per week.
Remember To Water!
Paying attention to your plants' leaves is a great way to determine when they need watering. They will lose their vibrant green color and become limp when they are getting dry. Your lawn behaves similarly, with the leaf color changing, and when you walk on the grass, the leaves won't spring back upright after you've moved. Water your lawn deeply (a minimum of 25mm per application) on a weekly basis to maintain its appearance. If you haven't already, it's a good time to fertilize your lawn. Avoid mowing it too short at this point; instead, raise the height of the blades a notch or two to maintain some length in the lawn. This not only helps reduce weeds but also provides shade to the root system, which helps conserve water.
Top With Mulch
As always, when the weather warms up, we recommend topping up the mulch in your gardens. This is the most effective way to retain moisture in the soil while simultaneously suppressing weeds. Applications of seaweed-based products will assist plants in coping with heat stress. These products can be applied either through the soil or as a foliar spray, and using "wetting" agents is always a good idea. I personally treat my entire garden at this time of the year, particularly pots and hanging baskets.
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Beware of the Lawn Beetles!
Lawn beetle can begin to pose a problem at this time, and if your lawn develops irregular dead patches and birds are actively feeding on it after watering, these are two signs that you may have this issue. There are granules and liquid preparations available for controlling beetles, both of which are simple to use. However, one of the best defenses is to maintain the health and robust growth of your lawn.
Perfect Time to Visit Our Garden Centres
This is a great time in garden centres, with an absolute riot of flower colors and shapes to brighten any spot in your garden. Daisies, Kangaroo Paw, Osteospermum (African Daisies), and a host of other plants are in full bloom, just waiting to find a home in someone's garden. With so much to choose from, it may be a little daunting to figure out what to get, but that's where our garden staff comes into play. We're here to provide you with advice for all your gardening projects and to answer your questions about all things related to gardening.
One of the all-time classic garden plants is the beautiful Hydrangea, and they are now available in stores in a variety of sizes and colors. They are very suitable for growing in pots as well as in the ground. All you need is a position facing south or east where they can receive some early morning sun but are protected from hot sun and wind. Keep the water consistent as they enjoy moisture and be sure to feed them regularly. Even when the flowers have faded, they still look showy and can be left on the plant for an extended period. They also make a wonderful gift, being much more affordable and longer-lasting than a bunch of flowers!
Speaking of flowers, there is still time to plant annuals, such as petunias, to add color to your garden for Christmas. Most annuals will produce good flowers within 6-8 weeks from planting. Feed them fortnightly with a liquid fertilizer to help them thrive. Of course, you can also opt for more mature 'potted color' plants, which will provide an instant burst of color.
Summer Veggies & the Vegepod Range
Summer vegetables are still selling well in stores, and there is a great variety of tomatoes, chilies, and the like that can all be planted out until well after Christmas, depending a bit on the weather. There's really nothing like growing your own. Apart from the convenience of just walking out your door and picking fruit, the taste is much more flavorful than supermarket-bought produce.
We are now stocking the Vegepod Range of planters, which are perfect for growing veggies and herbs. They are a form of wicking bed that makes caring for your plants much easier during warm weather. Available in three sizes, there is one to suit just about everybody, and there are optional stands to save a lot of bending over, which is handy as we get older. Stop by and take a look and chat with one of our staff members who will be more than happy to explain how great they are!
Final Notes
Finally, another recurring reminder: be sun-smart! Over the weekend, it wasn't particularly hot, but the sun still had quite a bite. So, cover up, use sunscreen, and drink plenty of fluids. Above all, get out into the garden and make the most of this wonderful time of year.
Ask one of our knowledgeable garden staff members for advice if you have any questions regarding anything having to do with your garden, indoors or out. We would be pleased to lead you on the correct path. Call us on 1300 165 165 or visit your local store.