Target spot hits tomatoes after our wet weather
 This week’s showery weather, combined with mild temperatures has provided ideal conditions for target spot, a soil-borne fungal disease that can seriously affects tomato plants early in the growing season.
Because this disease is soil-borne, the fungal spores are easily splashed onto the lower leaves of your newly established tomato plants – starting a new infection, i.e. the lower leaves develop brown spots and then turn yellow.
If you have recently established tomato seedlings consider removing their lower leaves (only) and mulching around the base of the plants. This has shown to be an effective method of preventing its spread.
• Spray for extra protection
Spraying your plants with wettable sulphur is also worth considering as it is very effective in preventing target spot along with other fungal diseases.
However, it will also give you early control of tomato mites – destructive sap sucking insects that are sure to cause problems when conditions turn dry.
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Inticanchas – great for courtyard containers
Inticantchas are a new series of alstroemerias developed specifically for growing in containers.
As pot plants in an attractive container they are absolutely brilliant, producing colourful blooms from early spring through to late autumn.
Inticanchas are very compact with their foliage continually covered in elegant petals.
These come in a very wide range of vibrant colours.
The blooms can also be used for indoor decoration as they have a very long vase life.
The plants (50 x 50 cm) are very hardy, need little maintenance and look great when planted as a garden border.
You can check out these colourful plants this week at The Garden Shop, Mount Barker and Semaphore Pets and Gardens, Semaphore.
More information »
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Don’t waste this rain
Most Adelaide suburbs received 10 to 15 mm of rain during the week. This is hardly a soaking, but it is our first significant rain (10 mm plus) since early September.
With dry conditions forecast to continue through late spring and early summer, it’s time to think seriously about mulching the garden.
Experienced gardeners will tell you the most effective method of retaining moisture in your soil is to cover the ground with a generous layer of mulch.
 Chunky mulches are readily available in bulk from landscape supply yards and are generally produced by hogging or chopping pine or gum timber into small pieces (2-5cm).
Some outlets (including councils) also provide effective mulch produced from chopped tree branches.
Chunky mulches are usually preferred for large areas and particularly ornamental gardens as the large spaces between the pieces of mulch allow rainfall (or water from a sprinkler) to enter the soil while reducing losses through evaporation.
Soft mulches are made from a range of plants including cereals and legumes, sugarcane (bagasse) and the outer husk of coconuts.
Hay, straw and bagasse are usually sold in bales with the mulch spread 2-3cm over the garden.
Soft mulches are often preferred for vegetable and flower beds.
However, they also play an important role where you want to improve the structure and health of your soil.
Soft mulches are easily broken down by worms and other critters and incorporated into the soil, as such these mulches usually only last one growing season.
Tip
Chunky bark should be spread 4 to 6 cm thick. With soft mulches, a depth of 3 to 5 cm is ideal for tree trimmings, but you will only need 1 to 2 cm if you are using finely processed products.
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Keep the roses blooming
In many gardens roses are currently providing a magnificent display.
To achieve this they use a considerable amount of energy and this must be replaced otherwise the bushes will move into resting mode or at best, produced fewer smaller flowers.
Bushes that were fertilised early in spring should receive a one third cupful of manufactured rose fertiliser or one cupful of potash boosted chicken manure pellets.
If you overlooked the spring fertiliser, double these rates.
• Remove the dead heads
The quickest way to stimulate a healthy rosebush into producing more flowers after an early spring flush is to trim the canopy.
The operative word is trim. As soon each flower fades, remove the spent bloom and two sets of leaves behind it i.e. 10 to 15 cm of growth.
This action will stimulate the production of strong new flower bearing branches.
Cutting blooms for indoor decoration produces the same effect.
Spring rose show this weekend
If you would like to see a magnificent display of roses make sure you attend the SA Rose Society's spring show this weekend.
As usual it will be staged in the Burnside Community Centre – corner of Portrush and Greenhill Roads.
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Black spot showing up on roses
Black spot on roses thrives when the leaves remain wet for 10 to 12 hours and temperatures are relatively mild (15 to 25° C).
Needless to say after five days of light but persistent showery weather, conditions have been ideal for black spot to flare – particularly where bushes are growing in part shade.
Effective sprays include triforine, liquid copper and milk (one part milk, 10 parts water) providing the bushes are sprayed before black spots appear.
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The way you water the lawn matters
With drier and warmer weather predicted through late spring and also summer the issue for gardeners that enjoy growing a lawn is now focusing on irrigation – when should you start watering regularly and in particular what type of watering system is best?
In this week’s lawn blog SA turf advisor Stefan Palm suggests many of the lawn problems he and his advisory team are asked to solve is closely related to the way the lawn is watered.
More information »
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Vegetable space savers
When space for a vegetable garden is at a premium, there are a number of strategies worth considering:
- Attractive lightweight planter boxes holding 30 litres or more of potting mix are great for a sunny patio, veranda or courtyard.
- Give high priority to crops that can grow vertically i.e. climbing peas and beans, cucumbers, non-staking tomatoes.
- Grow cut and come again vegetables in large planter bowls or wide containers i.e. non-hearting lettuce, bokchoy, spinach, silver beet, along with many summer herbs.
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Herbs in planter boxes
 Lightweight planter boxes are also ideal for establishing a range of kitchen herbs.
Where possible, place them close to where the herbs will be used i.e. next to the barbecue.
A planter box 60cm long will provide enough room for three or four different herbs.
Tips for top herbs
Basil. Needs plenty of sun through spring and autumn but semi-shade when it’s hot.
Chives. Grow quickly, as the young fresh leaves taste best. Water regularly in hot weather but don’t overwater, particularly in cooler weather.
Coriander. Grows in semi-shade but very good light. Don’t let potting mix dry out. Harvest the outer leaves regularly regardless of whether they’re needed.
Lemongrass. Plenty of warmth and moisture. Don’t overfeed.
Mints. Grow in semi-shade in their own container. Be mean with the fertiliser.
Oregano. Good drainage essential. Full sun in winter but semi-shade through summer. Don’t overwater.
Parsley. Grows best in a well lit semi-shaded position. Keep well watered when it’s warm.
Thyme. Full sun all year round. Also perfect drainage. Keep the potting mix on the dry side except during very hot weather.
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Please keep your questions for Talkback Gardening
Good Gardening is unable to answer individual reader's questions via email.
If you're looking for specific gardening advice please give me a call on ABC Radio Adelaide's Saturday morning Talkback Gardening or speak to the experts at your local garden centre.
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October 19, 20 and 21
Burra Districts Open Gardens, Spring Gardens Expo.
More information here »
Saturday, October 20
SA Begonia and Fern Societies. 2018 spring show. 10 am to 3 pm. Klemzig Community Hall, 242 North East Road (Enter from Wellington Street).
Chrysanthemums plant sale
10 Lucknow Street, Marleston. 10 am – 2 pm.
A great event if you are just beginning to grow chrysanthemums or maybe looking for new varieties.
Saturday, October 20 and Sunday, October 21
Rose Society of South Australia Spring Rose Show. Saturday 12 noon to 5 pm, Sunday 10 am to 4 pm.
Burnside Community Centre, 401 Greenhill Road, Tusmore. Guest speakers. Opening by Jon Lamb.
More information »
Anlaby Open Garden
Anlaby Road, Hamilton via Kapunda.
A beautiful step back in time in this 10 acre, historically-listed garden and grounds. 10 am to 5 pm – last entry 3:30 pm.
Sunday, October 21
Urrbrae Wetland open day, 1.30 to 4.30 pm. Find out about this fascinating site just off Cross Road. Illustrated talks, guided walks and children’s activities. Gold coin donation.
More information »
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 Open Gardens
Erica's Garden
57 Sheoak Road, Belair
Behind the tall established trees that shelter Erica’s front garden is a tranquil leafy haven created mostly with water efficient plants from Mediterranean regions.
More information on the garden and directions »
Gardens open 10 am to 4.30 pm.
Entry $8 - OGSA members; $6 - Government concession card holders; children under 18 free.
For more information on the 2018 season, visit the Open Gardens SA website »
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Talkback Gardening tomorrow
ABC Radio Adelaide Talkback Gardening this Saturday – phone me and Deb Tribe on
1300 222 891 and have your own gardening question answered.
Guest – Maureen Rose Publicity Officer for the SA Rose Society.
Topic – All you need to know to keep your roses blooming.
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Coming soon
Saturday, October 27
Walkerville Gardens and Heritage. A selection of speakers on topics ranging from how to grow a Mediterranean garden to the history of the town. Presented by the Women of Walkerville Foundation.
More information »
Saturday and Sunday, October 27 and 28
Bromeliad Society Spring Sale & Extravaganza. Maltese Cultural Centre, 6 Jeanes St, Beverley. Saturday 9 am to 3 pm, Sunday 10 am to 3 pm.Free Entry. Big range of colourful plants for sale.
Sunday, October 28
Salvia Spring Sale. 8.30 am to noon. Fullarton Park Centre grounds, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton.
Fern Avenue Community Garden Open Day. Herbs, olives and plants for sale. Guided tours, workshops on bees, composting and soil improvement. 18-20 Fern Ave, Fullarton. 11 am to 4 pm. Free entry.
Jamestown Annual Rose and Flower Show. Combined Services Clubroom, 1 pm. $10 entry includes afternoon tea, workshop, raffle and a surprise to take home. Enquiries to Anne Redden phone 08 8664 0888 or pcandae@arranstreet.com
Sunday November 4
Herb Society of SA. Herb Day Market, Fullarton Park Centre, Fullarton.
Botanic Gardens Masterclass – topiary craft.
More details »
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Regular garden attractions
Adelaide Botanic Gardens – free guided walks
Friends of the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide guided walks for the public at Adelaide, Mount Lofty and Wittunga Botanic Gardens, and Botanic Park.
More information »
The Waite Arboretum, Fullarton Road, Urrbrae
Open free to the public every day of the year from dawn to dusk, except on fire ban days. Free guided walks on the first Sunday of every month, 11 am to 12.30 pm.
Meet at the West lawn (Croquet Lawn) of Urrbrae House. Bookings not necessary.
More information »
Urrbrae House historic precinct gardens
At the end of Walter Young Avenue, off Fullarton Road, Urrbrae, or from the Urrbrae House gate, Claremont Avenue, Netherby.
Open from dawn until dusk every day. Free entry.
More information »
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Disclaimer: Although all reasonable care is taken in preparing information contained in this email, neither Jon Lamb Communications (JLC) nor its officers, staff or suppliers involved in the editing and production of this email accept any liability resulting from the interpretation or use of the information set out in this document. Information contained in this document is subject to change without notice and is of a general nature and should not take the place of professional personal advice. No responsibility is accepted by Jon Lamb Communications for the accuracy of information contained in web sites linked from this email. Publication of an advertisement does not constitute endorsement by JLC of any product or service, or warrant its suitability.
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