Seasonal Tips

IN THE AUTUMN GARDEN March, April, May (2012)

March...

Like most of our readers, I am sure that autumn is the favourite time for gardeners, watching beautiful sunsets in the Western sky and  the trees changing to colours of red, brown and gold.  But before you sit and watch it is now time to tidy up your garden,  trim the shrubs in need of a slight hair cut and get stuck into digging in some blood and bone, manures or dynamic lifter,  then the garden will be ready for you to plan your winter and spring displays for the next season’s planting.

Clean any old pots, and toss out any struggling plants that didn’t make it too well through summer.

Some gardeners place their bulbs in the refrigerator’s crisper for about six weeks, the important thing is to remember to take them out!

April...

Rake  up autumn leaves for your mulch and add to your garden or compost bin remembering  it is best to turn over the existing compost in the bin before adding the new material.  If rain has fallen, watch for the snails and slugs around new seedlings.

Propogate cuttings of native plants and conifers.  Bulbs can be planted now ready for spring, however,  make sure the area receives plenty of sun and the soil has been dug over.   The perennials can be divided and replanted now.

Roses -you will need to trim off any old flowers or hips and feed the rose bushes for an autumn flush.

Plant autumn / spring flowering bulbs such as Anemones, Daffodils, Dutch Iris, Freesias, Jonquils,  Muscari,  Ranunculus, Tulips,  and Snowdrops.  These are just several suggestions for you as the bulb family is very big.  You can check the RHSV Bulb Society web site for more information.

Plant seedlings such as Carnations, Hollyhock, Pansy, Flanders Poppy and Primula.  Now is the time to look out for new plants that will give you winter colour in June.  Go for a walk around your neighbourhood or make a visit to your local Nursery where they will have many seedlings  to suit your needs.

Prune your Pelargoniums very hard and use cuttings for the neighbours and friends.

May...

Now would be a good time to buy a Sasanqua camellia in flower if you haven’t one growing, they are the first camellias to flower.   Move plants around the garden if required for protection from the wind and rain.

Check that your pruning tools are ready for next winter’s pruning season.   Your planting of seedlings for winter and spring colour should have been planted by now.

Reduce water of indoor plants to fortnightly and make sure they are kept well away from heaters.

Now is the time to make a visit to your local nursery to view their Roses for your selection if you have the room for one more!

Prepare your garden beds for planting new or bare-root roses.  Make sure that the soil is well drained and it is very important to add plenty of animal manure (not dog or cat, of course).

Vegetables ...

You should have decided on your choice of  autumn / winter vegetables to plant by now.   The soil is still warm and once prepared with compost and it has  been mulched,  the area will be ready for planting.

April…

Now is the time to plant those Broad beans, peas,  lettuce, silverbeet, cauliflower, broccoli and onion.

May…

Now is the time to plant broccoli, leek, cabbage, spinach and endive.

HOME FRUITING PLANTS…

April..

Now is a good time to plant a citrus tree -  grapefruit, lemon and orange.

Citrus trees will benefit from a spray of White Oil to help control scale and  Lime Sulphur for a pre-winter pest clean-up.   Both of these are available from your local Nursery.

May…

Now is the time to plant strawberries, either in a pot or in the vegetable garden, some people plant them in hanging baskets in a protected area.

Happy gardening to all

Patricia