Citrus gall wasps stuck in glue
If you doubt the effectiveness of painting citrus galls with a horticultural glue to prevent emerging gall wasps from escaping, take a good look at this great photo from ABC Talkback Gardening listener Roy of Beaumont.
You know the wasps have emerged when small round holes suddenly appear on the surface of galls.
However, they don’t all emerge at the same time.
While wasp emergence is currently at its peak it is possible to prevent late emerging insects from reinfesting your tree by spraying the canopy thoroughly with horticultural oil (Pest Oil or eco-oil).
But don’t wait too long – the wasps mate and begin laying eggs within three days of emergence.
Leaf-eaters are on the move
 If you have a shady garden take a close look at the ornamental plants and any vegetables growing in the area.
Don’t be surprised if you find many of your plants are under attack from a number of leaf-eating caterpillars.
The most damaging is likely to be a small green caterpillar which is the juvenile stage of light brown apple moth (LBAM).
The tell-tale calling card is usually two leaves held close together, or a single leaf rolled at the edge.
In both cases they are held together by fine webbing.
LBAM are about 10 mm long and wriggle vigorously when disturbed before dropping to the ground.
When small, they tend to graze on the surface of leaves but later can cause very serious leaf damage.
Caterpillar control is easily achieved by spraying affected areas with Spinosad (Success Ultra). This is a non-toxic chemical that stops caterpillars (only) from feeding.
|
|
Happitunia Violet Star Charm
Happitunias have been designed to put colour in your garden with the minimum of fuss.
Varieties such as Violet Star Charm (pictured), have been selected for their ability to flower constantly from spring through to late autumn.
They certainly have superior vigour and greater resistance to disease when compared with traditional petunias.
Happitunias look great on a patio, spilling over a hanging basket or maybe adding colour to a sunny courtyard container.
Available now from good garden centres.
|
|
Is your soil becoming water repellent?
It’s the time of the year when water from sprinklers (hoses and watering cans) starts to run over the surface of the soil rather than soaking into it.
Non-wetting soils usually result in uneven watering, uneven plant growth and on lawns unsightly dry, brown patches.
In a season that is likely to be drier and warmer than normal it is important that any water you apply to the garden (or rainfall) soaks into the topsoil where it can be used by your plants.
The easiest way to overcome the problem is to treat the area with a soil wetting agent.
|
|
Plant a coastal garden
Choose local native plants to protect our coast from the spread of introduced species.
If you live within three kilometres of the ocean, your garden can face salt spray, sand blasting and sandy or saline soils.
Our award winning Coastal gardens - a planting guide helps you choose water-wise plants that will thrive.
From Mallala to Middleton and beyond, this tailored guide provides step-by-step advice on selecting, planting and caring for local native coastal species.
Find a link to the guide under the Coastal Conservation section here »
Take vegetable growing to the next level
If you would like to be able to grow great vegetables all year round, why not join local urban farmer, Stephen Heopfner and market gardener Nat Wisman for a one-day workshop (plus half day follow-up). Cost $65 full price, $20 concession.
Funded by the NRM Levy and delivered in partnership with Joe’s Connected Garden.
Saturday, November 25, 9 am to 5 pm. Joe’s Connected Garden, Elizabeth Grove.
More information here »
|
|
Top garden by design
The skills of South Australia’s leading landscapers were on display last Friday night when the Master Landscapers of SA presented their annual awards of excellence.
Top award for a landscape design over $250,000 went to Wax Design for this attractive garden at Maylands. (Photo Sam Noonan).
Details of other awards presented »
|
|
Chillies in time for Christmas
A new wave of ornamental but very edible chillies is starting to appear in garden centres. They look great when covered with their bright and often multi-coloured fruits and are sure to be used for Christmas decoration – unless of course you can’t resist the taste of garden-fresh chillies.
|
|
|
Window of planting opportunity closing soon
Establishing new plants over the next few weeks is still OK but it will pay big dividends to spend extra time preparing the soil before you plant.
Keeping the soil moist and mulched after planting will also increase your likelihood of success.
|
|
Patchy lawn mystery solved
So, you fertilised the lawn in spring, controlled the weeds and then started a regular watering and mowing program – yet the lawn looks awful and the grass simply won’t grow.
This problem is mystifying gardeners and lawn mowing contractors right across Adelaide.
After constant calls for help and numerous garden visits, SA turf advisor Stefan Palm has identified the problem – turf mites.
Turf mites are minute sap-sucking insects that are causing mayhem in kikuyu and couch grass lawns.
They are extremely difficult to identify and can be very destructive.
Needless to say the problems caused by turf mites along with sound advice on their management is the topic for this week’s Stefan Palm lawn blog.
More information here »
Forget about catching clippings
If you are into regular mowing and generally remove less than 15 percent of the top growth when you mow, consider leaving the lawnmower catcher in the shed.
Lawn clippings contain very high levels of plant nutrients and it is a pity to confine them to the rubbish dump.
At this time of the year, any clippings that fall to the ground will quickly dehydrate with much of the fertiliser you applied being returned along with some valuable organic material.
|
|
Summer pruning for fruit trees
Young fruit trees that have made strong, healthy growth this season should be summer pruned in the next few weeks.
This will save removing and wasting excessive growth next winter. It will also encourage the tree to mature earlier than normal and contain its eventual size.
|
|
 Send us your diary dates
Don't forget to send us your garden event dates and details for inclusion in the Good Gardening "What's On" calendar.
You can email us here »
|
|
It's tip-pruning time
Spring-flowering shrubs such as viburnums (pictured)) along with summer-flowering plants, including fuchsias, should be producing strong new growth.
Bushes should be tip-pruned regularly over the next few weeks to encourage plants to become bushy.
Well established dahlias and chrysanthemums should also be tipped regularly for the same reason.
 Rhubarb will respond to organic mulching
This versatile plant should be growing strongly at the moment.
To maintain vigour and encourage a heavier crop, the plant should be mulched with old cow manure.
If this is not available, top-dress the plants with half a cup (only) of blood and bone and mulch lightly with an organic material.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
Saturday, November 17
How Does Your Garden Grow. SA Community Gardens Gathering, Prospect Community Garden, Memorial Gardens, Wilcox Avenue, Prospect 2 pm. to 4pm Workshops and tour. RSVP here »
Adelaide Repair Café, 10 am, Adelaide Sustainability Centre. More information here »
|
|
 Open Gardens
Saturday November 17 and Sunday, November 18
Drouin
12 Mossop Court, Littlehampton
An avenue of mature trees lines the driveway down to the house but there are many other interesting features presenting irresistible detours – the rose garden surrounded by a triple hedge, the conifer garden, the salvias, the productive areas are just a few.
More information 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 »
|
|
Talkback Gardening tomorrow
ABC Radio Adelaide Talkback Gardening this Saturday – phone me and Spence Denny on 1300 222 891 and have your own gardening question answered.
Guest – Marcus Lodge, arborist with Arborman Tree Solutions.
Topic – Elm leaf beetle. Practical advice on protecting elm trees growing in your garden.
|
|
Coming soon
Sunday, November 25
Growing Great Veggies, Joe’s Connected Garden, Elizabeth Grove. Register here »
|
|
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 »
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
