Welcome to the September garden notes. It's officially spring, and while we are still going to experience some cold and damp weather, there has been a noticeable shift in the climate.
We've enjoyed some lovely warm days, quite unlike last year, which makes it much more enjoyable to get out in the garden and start preparing for the months ahead.
Getting Ready for Summer Veggies!
Preparing for summer vegetables, herbs, and flowers can now begin in earnest. A wide variety of veggies, including tomatoes, chilies, sweet corn, sweet basil, and cucumbers, along with a great selection of new-season flowers like petunias, are available in stores. While the ground is still too cold for planting many of these veggies directly, you can nurture them until there is enough warmth, which will likely be in about two or three weeks. In the meantime, focus on improving your soil by adding compost and animal manure so that when you do plant them, they will establish and grow vigorously. Also, remember that nearly all vegetables, herbs, and flowers thrive equally well in pots, troughs, and raised garden beds.
Vertical gardens, also known as wall gardens, are currently in high demand as available backyard space for growing vegetables, flowers, and herbs has dwindled. There are numerous styles available, including wall-mounted options, ones designed for kitchen benches, and mobile setups on wheels that can easily be moved to capture the sun or shade as needed. These provide a fantastic way to introduce some greenery to any yard or patio and are highly suitable for cultivating most of the aforementioned flowers and vegetables. Feel free to drop by and explore our range; you'll be astonished by what you can achieve with them nowadays!
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Fertilise Fertilise Fertilise...
Fertilising should be on your agenda this month. Pretty much everything in the garden will be looking for a feed: fruit trees, roses, flowers, bulbs, ornamentals, and indoor plants should all be fed now. Spring-flowering bulbs need fertiliser to help them set next year's flowers, summer grass lawns are starting to grow and need a boost, fruit trees are either flowering or have just finished and need a feed to help them develop fruit. Roses are also putting out plenty of new growth, so give them a feed too. Sudden Impact for Roses is the industry go-to fertiliser for roses and is fantastic. Citrus trees should be given a light feed every month throughout the year.
For those of you who love bulbs, Dahlia tubers are now in stock in various flower shapes and colors. These are easy to grow in well-drained soil with some organic matter added during planting, and they thrive in just about any position; they require only half a day's sun. It's best to stake and tie them up as they grow, and your reward will be a continuous display of flowers from early summer through late autumn.
Maintaining & Getting Ideas
I've mentioned this in previous months, but now is the perfect time to inspect your watering systems. We've already experienced a few days with temperatures in the low to mid-twenties, coupled with some wind, which can quickly dry things out. Fruiting trees that are either flowering now or just finishing will require regular deep watering as they develop their fruit. Lawns are also actively growing and will benefit from a good watering.
Consider applying a wetting agent, either in granular or liquid form, early in the season to help the soil absorb and retain moisture. Pay special attention to your potted plants and hanging baskets, as they tend to dry out quickly in the spring.
Take a stroll through your neighborhood, and you'll notice gardens bursting with color; it seems like everything is blooming simultaneously. Garden centers are also brimming with vibrant plants. Even if you're still in the planning stage and not ready to plant, it's an excellent time to visit and gather ideas. Feel free to explore our selection and don't hesitate to ask our knowledgeable staff for assistance; we're here to help.
Final Notes
As I mentioned at the beginning, spring is definitely here, and it's a delightful change to be able to get out and enjoy the garden without having to add extra layers or wear a beanie. However, please be mindful that with the sun shining more, it's important to practice sun safety by wearing a hat and applying sunscreen.
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.