Another new beetle invades Adelaide gardens
 A new destructive leaf-eating beetle is invading Adelaide gardens.
The beetle (paropsides calypso) has a strong preference for lilly pillies and could be just as destructive as the recently introduced elm leaf beetle, as both the beetle and its larvae feed continually on lilly pilly leaves and their new tip growth.
Currently referred to as the "lilly pilly beetle”, it is bright green in colour and similar in size and shape to the ladybird beetle.
The grub-like larvae are light green and grow up to 1 cm in length.
Adult beetles usually fly into lilly pilly trees early in spring and lay eggs with the resulting small (less than 1 cm) pale green larvae reaching a peak during mid spring.
Beetle populations continue to build through late spring and early summer,  with further activity in autumn.
At this stage there are no chemicals registered for the beetle’s control.
However, early reports indicate a combination of eco-neem and eco-oil (both organic) will effectively suppress numbers by preventing the insects from feeding.
More information »
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Water the garden before temperatures spike
The importance of watering the garden before temperatures begin to climb was again clearly demonstrated following last Thursday’s heat spike.
Gardens that were well watered before temperatures reached 40°C came through the event practically unscathed.
On the other hand where soil moisture was limited many plants suffered considerable heat stress.
More practical information on watering the garden through summer in my Advertiser gardening column, tomorrow.
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Early blast of summer claims citrus victims
When a citrus tree runs out of moisture and its canopy is not fully covered with leaves the result is obvious – burnt fruit.
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Sneak preview of new release "wow" plants
Here's two of more than 200 new “soon-to-be-released” colour plants, vegetables and houseplants which were on display at Ball Australia’s “new plant” trial gardens in Melbourne last week.
Begonia Megawatt (left) and Vinca Tattoo (right).
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Deep watering discourages invasive tree roots
The best way to prevent tree roots from invading your lawn or vegetable patch is to develop the practice of watering the tree roots separately from the rest of the garden.
Allow the hose to soak water slowly but deep down into the subsoil around the tree every 4-6 weeks during the summer growing season.
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Fruit trees – a great Christmas gift idea
What about giving family or friends a fruit tree this Christmas?
A fruit tree is the kind of gift that will keep on giving, providing someone with joy and satisfaction as well as an interest in the years ahead.
A fruit tree will also produce something unique – genuine home garden fresh fruit flavour.
Incidentally, you may care to go the extra mile and plant the tree as part of your gift.
You will find a wide selection of healthy South Australian container-grown fruit trees at most local garden centres.
More information »
Summer pruning encourages earlier maturity
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.
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Water more often – not longer
 A number of gardeners using drip irrigation on a weekly basis to water their garden were surprised after last week’s heat spike to see how quickly their plants suffered water stress.
In many gardens drippers are installed so they only wet a small amount of the plant’s root zone.
As a result on a hot day the available moisture is quickly absorbed by the plants.
Very deep watering below the plant’s root zone is futile as this water is unavailable to your plants.
A sounder strategy is to retain your weekly soaking of the root zone, but apply a top up (30 to 50 percent of normal) the day before very hot weather is forecast.
More irrigation advice »
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Tomatoes
Carerful watering will help stop the rot
Blossom end rot (BER), which causes the bottom end of tomatoes to turn black, is sure to be a big problem this season.
It is associated with uneven watering, particularly letting the plant’s roots dry out in between waterings.
To prevent this problem, water regularly, giving the plants a soak not a squirt – and don’t forget the mulch.
Mulching not only reduces water losses from the soil but also helps reduce the likelihood of the roots drying out between watering.
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Choosing local natives will save water, fertiliser
 Next time you’re shopping for some plants, go for local natives (species that occurred in your neighbourhood prior to European settlement).
Also called indigenous plants, they have evolved to suit local conditions, making them the best plants for your area.
Local native plants require less effort, water and fertiliser to maintain, saving you money and time.
They provide food and shelter for native animals, and flower in different seasons – so with good planning you can have colour in your garden all year round.
Check out Adelaide Gardens – a planting guide for great local native alternatives »
Chrysocephalum apiculatum. Photo: Caroline Taylor
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Harvest hygiene helps beat fungal problems
Cherry plums and early apricots are starting to ripen in many gardens and invariably some of this fruit falls to the ground.
Windfall fruit should be removed immediately – and certainly before it starts to break down.
Fungal rots that cause fruit decay can be quickly spread to ripening fruit on the tree by a range of scavenging insects.
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Watering lawns wisely in summer
Once again our long-range forecasts are suggesting a hot, lawn-drying summer.
This week SA turf consultant Stefan Palm provides three practical ideas for keeping your grass green through the hotter months.
• The first thing is to look at the “wettability” of your soil. It is very common for water to sit on top of the soil and never make it into the root zone – where it is needed.
This is called water-repellent soil and is one of the leading causes of lawns turning brown in summer.
It is easily treated with a liquid wetting agent which will ensure that every drop of water your lawn receives will not be wasted.
• Secondly, fertilise three times per year with a balanced fertiliser. This will encourage a deep healthy root system which is able to withstand the rigours of summer.
• Thirdly, if your lawn grass is extra low, raise your mower height a notch. This will add some protection to the soil surface and slow down the rate of evaporation.
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Leafy veg respond well to regular liquid fertiliser
Leafy vegetables should be kept growing steadily with a liquid fertiliser.
A weak solution (half strength) every two weeks will give better results than a full strength application once a month.
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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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 Open Gardens
There are no gardens open this weekend.
The Open Gardens program resumes on Saturday, January 12.
Gardens open 10 am to 4.30 pm.
Entry $8 - OGSA members; $6 - Government concession card holders; children under 18 free.
More information on the 2019 season »
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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: Chris Scrase from Wealdview Gardens Fuchsia Nursery.
Topic: A better way to grow fuchsias in SA gardens.
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Coming soon
Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7, 2019
Enfield Horticultural Society’s Autumn Show
Saturday 12 noon - 5 pm, and Sunday 10 am - 4pm, Klemzig Community Hall, 242 North East Road, Klemzig. Admission $2. Enquiries 8251 2299.
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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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