Not a good weekend for planting
If you are planning to establish vegetables, herbs, flowers, fruit trees or ornamentals over this long weekend consider putting these plans on hold.
Temperatures across Adelaide and agricultural regions are  expected to remain in the high 30s over the next several days.
Trying to establish new plants (particularly seedlings and plants in small containers) before they have time to re-establish a new root system can be disastrous.
Keep a close watch on the seven-day weather forecasts.
Where possible time your planting to coincide with a period when maximum temperatures will remain below 32°C for at least four days (ideally seven).
This should be long enough for these plants to start re-establishing new roots.
Be prepared to cover newly-established seedlings and small plants with 50 percent shade cloth when temperatures are likely to exceed 32°C.
If you have plants ready to establish, keep them well watered in a shady but well-lit location, pending suitable planting conditions.
Late summer crops looking good
Gardeners who acted quickly and established late summer crops early in February – following forecasts for warm but not heatwave conditions – are about to be rewarded.
In most gardens tomato, cucumber and zucchini crops along with lettuce, silver beet and broccoli are producing strong vigorous growth and have the potential to produce excellent crops through late autumn and, depending on the weather, early winter.
. . . but early-summer vegetables are fading fast
In many gardens summer vegetables established early in spring are now well past their prime.
In these gardens it is time to remove spent material, reinvigorate the soil by incorporating generous quantities of quality compost and establish a planting schedule for vegetables that mature through late winter and early spring.
When removing spent vegetable plants, take as much of their main roots as possible as this will help reduce the potential carryover of disease.
If your plants include tomatoes, mark their exact growing location.
This will ensure next season’s tomato crop can be grown in a different position, not contaminated by soil-borne diseases.
Cool-season vegetables planted during March and early April, while the ground is very warm, will produce twice the yield of those established in May when soil conditions are much colder.
These cool season vegetables are reliable
If you are planning to establish cool season vegetables put the brassica family at the top of your list.
Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and brussel sprouts are all top performers but don’t overlook leafy vegetables such a silver beet, spinach and non-hearting lettuce.
All of these are very easy to grow at this time of the year – even if you are starting a vegetable patch for the first time.
Brassicas produce large dark green leaves, ideal for trapping the sun and converting it into food.
The bigger the leaves, the more heart, curd or sprouts they produce.
The aim is to stimulate your plants into quick early growth using high nutrition and plenty of water.
Did you know?
The original cabbages had no heads, only leaves, while early cauliflowers had curds no bigger than a golf ball.
Over the years, the heads have become bigger and with cabbages, rounder, although the more modern cabbage has a conical shape.
These are mainly hybrid varieties that grow and mature very quickly (i.e. 8-10 weeks after planting out).
The latest hybrids also contain good news for those who dislike the strong smell of cooking cabbage, as they contain less of the compounds that produce the smell.
They are sweeter and not as fibrous.
Collecting kitchen herbs
You don’t need much space to grow kitchen herbs – and early autumn is an ideal time to establish a small collection.
These can be grown either in individual containers or grouped together in a planter box or, if space is available, a small raised garden bed.
Consider buying plants already well established.
This way you will be enjoying the flavours of garden fresh herbs very soon after planting.
|
|
Soil temperatures
Provided by Living Turf, national turf specialists.
|
Yesterday's readings °C
(Last week’s in brackets) |
| Soil depth |
10 cm |
20 cm |
| Gawler |
22.6 (23.6) |
22.3 (23.0) |
| Walkerville |
22.4 (23.0) |
21.8 (22.3) |
| Glenelg |
23.6 (24.5) |
23.2 (23.9) |
Average
last week |
22.4 |
22.2 |
|
|
Don’t put the garden hoses away just yet
It’s almost six weeks since the late January rains and, with no falls recorded in February (West Terrace), topsoil moisture in many gardens is disappearing fast.
While evergreen trees and shrubs should not be overstimulated with water (or fertiliser) in autumn, make sure the soil around their roots is kept adequately moist.
This is particularly important for fruiting evergreens, such as navel oranges and early maturing mandarins, as fruit size should start expanding soon as a prelude to harvest.
If the soil under citrus trees close to harvest is dry and moisture is suddenly added, (heavy rain, irrigation) many of the fruits will split.
You can tell when the garden needs watering
Keep a close eye on the leaves of your plants, as they will tell you when it’s time to water.
Look carefully at their leaves and particularly the growing tips both before and soon after watering (or you received a soaking rain).
After watering (or rain) the leaves should be turgid and the growing tips quite stiff.
If the plants were not stressed for moisture between watering, leaf colour brightness is also evident.
As moisture in the soil is used or evaporates the leaves lose their turgidity (and their bright green colour) and just as they begin to run short of water, they start to wilt
The effects of wilting on plants with large soft leaves such as hydrangeas and fuchsias are very evident.
For plants with small leaves, the effect is not as noticeable, but with practice you will soon come to recognise the change.
|
|
Woolly Bush a garden favourite
When choosing an attractive Australian plant for the garden there are many good reasons to selecting a Woolly Bush (Adenanthos Sericeus).
To start with, everyone loves its soft silver grey foliage. It is also quick to produce an attractive dense canopy – that looks great in the garden.
Woolly Bush is native to Western Australia but thrives in South Australia’s relatively dry Mediterranean climate where the soils drain freely.
The bushes grow quickly (1 to 5 m), don’t mind the heat, and have excellent tolerance to drought.
They will also tolerate coastal exposure and are sometimes used as a windbreak.
While the plants are sun lovers, they also have good tolerance to partial shade.
Woolly Bush looks good when grown as a single specimen plant but is often used to create an attractive copse or hedge.
It is sometimes grown in a large container and used as an Australian Christmas tree.
Well-established Woolly Bush plants ready for planting are available from the State Flora Plant Nursery at Belair.
 State Flora catalogue »
 State Flora is South Australia’s leading Australian native plant nursery. It stocks more than 1,800 species of native plants for sale to the public at its Belair and Murray Bridge nurseries.
|
|
Different and delightful
Two feature rose varieties selected this week by Daniel Knight.
Well-formed bright yellow blooms with green overtones.
The flowers are slow to open and hold well in the heat without fading.
Grey-green foliage on a medium to tall bush of 1.2 to 1.5m. Mildly fragrant.
A great miniature rose with vigorous, bushy growth. Small glossy green leaves, height to 45 cm.
Double flowers are slightly fragrant with the petals creamy white and edged with deep red-pink. Very free flowering.
|
|
 Knights' Roses, one of the largest rose growers and suppliers in Australia, offer a comprehensive collection of rose bushes to both wholesalers and the public. 44 Jack Cooper Drive, Gawler, SA.
Phone (08) 8523 1311.
|
|
Trailing pansies spread the colour
Trailing pansies have a wonderful spreading or trailing growth habit.
This is very different to the traditional upright growth of most pansies.
Trailing pansies can be trimmed to promote branching but they will continue to spread because their natural growth habit.
While their flower size is a bit smaller than the larger blooming pansies, this trailing/ spreading growth makes them perfect for spilling over the sides of pots and hanging baskets or featured as spreading ground covers.
You can plant them much further apart, which means fewer plants and less of your time spent planting.
For good flowering, trailing pansies need a sunny position, although in warm climates, they will benefit from hot afternoon sun protection.
However, pansies can become quite spindly and won’t flower well in full shade.
Trailing pansies are in stock at Heyne's Garden Centre, Beulah Park, Semaphore Pets & Gardens and Barrow & Bench, Malvern and should be available at other good gardening centres.
|
|
Hot Pink an eye-catching mini Supertunia
For year-round, eye-catching colour take a close look at Hot Pink, the latest Mini Vista Supertunia
Vista Supertunias are very different to the traditional one season only annual petunias, as they are perennial in habit.
Across Adelaide and warmer districts, they will continue to flower all year round.
Mini Vista Hot Pink Supertunias have been carefully selected to produce masses of stunning pink flowers, slightly smaller than other Supertunias.
These are self-cleaning and produced on 15 t0 30 cm high canopies that can spread 50 to 60 cm.
The plants are vigorous and fast-growing with a slightly mounding / trailing habit.
Once established they need little care, although an occasional trimming will prevent the plants from becoming leggy.
Mini Vista Hot Pink Supertunias are Ideally suited to growing in containers and large hanging baskets or group planted in garden beds.
Water needs are average and the plants will respond to a slow release fertiliser in spring, along with a monthly application of foliar fertiliser while conditions remain warm.
 Mini Vista Supertunias are in stock at Heyne's Garden Centre, Beulah Park, Semaphore Pets & Gardens and Barrow & Bench, Malvern and should be available at other good gardening centres.
|
|
Soil wetters or plant improvers?
Deciding whether your soil needs a soil wetting solution or granule or maybe some liquid or powdered seaweed can be a little confusing – particularly when you’re by yourself in a self-service store.
- Soil wetting solutions.These can be used on new or existing plants to improve the distribution of water and nutrients across the plant’s root zone.
- Soil wetting granules.Very effective when spread on lawns for improving water penetration and distribution into the topsoil.
- Seaweed solutions and powders. These are plant stimulants, not fertilisers. Very effective in stimulating new and established plants while increasing plant resistance to weather stress and disease.
|
|
Bloomers offer quick colour
For a quick splash of autumn colour buy two or three packs of “bloomers.”
These are well-established annuals already in bloom and ready to be re-established in an attractive container or planted in the garden.
- Alyssum; Long flowering and very easy to grow.
- Begonias (bedding); available in reds, pinks and white. Excellent in well-lit shade.
- Dianthus; Very hardy, many colours, sun or semi-shade.
- Pansy/Viola; Hard to beat, long flowering, great colours.
- Snapdragons (dwarf); long lasting colour once established.
|
|
|
|
Cane begonia
|
|
Begonias, ferns performers in the shade
Most gardens have a shady section where life for traditional sun-loving plants is a struggle.
However, in SA gardens there are two top shade-loving performers – begonias and ferns.
There are many different types of begonias but for colour and easy care, cane begonias are hard to beat.
As the name suggests, the stems are more like canes, quite fleshy and carrying an array of interestingly shaped leaves with unusual colours and markings.
They also produce masses of flowers in cascading clusters.
Flowering usually reaches a peak during summer and autumn with the blooms lasting for weeks and sometimes months.
While cane begonias thrive in full shade the light needs to be bright.
The eastern and southern side of a shady courtyard, tree or building is often suitable, given protection from the wind.
However, an increasing number of home gardeners are finding the ideal position is under a creeper or shade cloth covered pergola.
Don’t overlook sunrooms and enclosed verandas.
Starting a fern collection
If you are just discovering ferns start with some of the toughies, fortunately they also include some of the more attractive plants.
The common sword fern Nephrolepis cordifolia is a good example.
It is extremely tough – almost indestructible.
But with just a little attention, mainly water, it will provide metre long arching fronds. Each frond comprises dozens of mini leaves or pinnai.
The Boston fern, Exaltata is a close relative that is almost as durable and often grown indoors.
It looks very attractive when grown in a hanging basket. Under good conditions the fronds will reach one and a half to two metres in length.
Blechnum’s or Water Ferns are just as attractive and many are very easy to grow given reasonable access to water.
B.occidentale is certainly tough, will tolerate a little morning sun, grows well in the ground and looks good in a container or hanging basket.
• For more information about growing begonias and ferns, visit the combined Begonia and Fern show this Saturday, March 9 at the Klemzig Community Hall.
|
|
Ornamental trees
Sam Luke, Balhannah Nurseries
|
|
|
Crepe myrtles' superb late summer colour
There are not many trees that produce a magnificent flower display late in summer.
Crepe myrtles are a superb exception!
Crepe myrtles are hard to miss in our gardens right now, covered with mases of blooms in a range of pinks, purples and white – with a shade to suit most tastes.
In addition, the trees produce a striking display of mottled bark and the glossy foliage.
Favourite varieties include the watermelon pink Tuscarora (6m H x 3m W) or the stately looking pure white Natchez (7-8m H x 6m W).
However, Tonto (deep pink/red blooms) and Acoma (white blossom) are top smaller forms that are easily maintained to around 3m.
Other traditional varieties range in height from 3-8m.
The key to achieving spectacular blooms each summer is pruning the spent flower stems well back on a dry sunny day in winter. 
Crepe myrtles are well suited to our warm climate, and because of their medium size and adaptability they are now being used by councils as street trees.
Premium locally grown stock from Balhannah Nurseries are available now. The green bag is the guarantee of a premium tree.
|
|
Compost boost for container plant mix
Plants growing in containers are completely reliant on potting mix to store the nutrients and moisture they need for growth.
During a normal season the nutrients you provide (either solid or liquid) are quickly dissolved in the water you supply.
But much of this is lost when excess moisture drains from the container.
By the end of a long, warm dry growing season nutrient levels in the potting mix are often running low.
Constant watering also washes away a big percentage of the soft organic compost materials that are part of the original potting mix.
These need to be replaced:
Organic composts contain very big populations of micro flora, essential for converting fertiliser into plant nutrients.
The easiest way to boost micro flora populations is to spread small quantities of compost over the surface of your potting mix three times a year – spring, summer and autumn.
|
|
Simple on-off valves solve problems
When establishing an irrigation system, it is crucial to set up separate zones to ensure each section of the garden receives the right amount of water.
Yet, in many urban gardens, the number of available water taps limits the number of zones than can be connected directly to a water source.
One solution is to use Australian-made Antelco “On- Off”valves.
These valves allow you to establish multiple irrigation systems that can be connected to a single water source.
By installing an Antelco valve at the beginning of your system, you can easily control which section of your garden is being watered as well as controlling how long that section receives water.
This allows for greater control over watering times and leads to less water wastage.
Antelco valves are designed with an ergonomic top that comfortably fits in your hand, allowing for easy turning for on/off operations.
The large, brightly coloured button also facilitates quick identification.
Antelco Green Back® and Purple Back® valves come in barbed models for standard tubing connections at both inlet and outlet, or threaded models for connection from rain tanks or non-pressured containers.
More information »
|
|
Lawn care
Stefan Palm, Paul Munns Instant Lawn
|
|
|
A better way to beat lawn beetles
Most gardeners are familiar with small black beetles, often seen during summer in or close to the lawn.
But are you familiar with lawn beetle grubs – the juvenile stage of black lawn beetles.
Identifying the grubs and when they are likely to occur your lawn is important as it is the grubs rather than the beetles that cause most lawn damage.
While spring is an ideal time to control beetle grubs, in this week’s lawn blog turf consultant Stefan Palm explains why late summer and early autumn is an ideal time to control the adult beetle.
Right now, according to Stefan, lawn beetles are planning to overwinter in your lawn, lay eggs in spring and cause significant damage next season.
More information »
|
|
Camellias respond to early autumn feed
Camellias and other winter-flowering shrubs should be helped along with a handful or two of organic fertiliser.
Being organic it will provide the plants with the nutrients they need, but slowly.
Too much concentrated fertiliser at this time of the year will encourage your plants to produce vigorous growth when they should be developing flowers.
Roses, citrus, dahlias and chrysanthemums will all respond to an application of liquid organic fertiliser.
|
|
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 advice please give me a call on ABC Radio Adelaide's Saturday morning Talkback Gardening or ask at your local garden centre.
|
|
|
Saturday, March 9
Begonia and fern show
Klemzig Community Hall, Main NE Road, Klemzig, 10 am to 3 pm.
Sunday, March 10
Unley Gardeners Plant Rescue autumn sale
9.30 am to 11.30 am, garden at the rear of the Fullarton Park Community Centre (off Fisher Street). Huge variety of plants for sale including agapanthus, begonia, clivia, elkhorn, ferns, frangipani, a wide range of succulents. All proceeds will be donated to charity. Some plants are in large pots so a trailer or a ute could be useful.
More information »
|
|
Talkback Gardening tomorrow
 ABC Radio Adelaide Talkback Gardening this Saturday, 8 am to 9.30 am – phone Deb Tribe and me on 1300 222 891 and have your own gardening question answered.
Begonia Society champion Val Hendy provides a mini masterclass on propagating and growing cane begonias.
|
|
Garden centre directory
Leading Adelaide garden centres recommended by Good Gardening newsletter.
|
|
|
Heyne's Garden Centre
283-289 The Parade, Beulah Park. (08) 8332 2933
Heyne’s is open all long weekend so why not plan a gardening project. We have everything you need!
New season bulbs, vegetables and flowers are in stock now.
See you this long weekend 😊
South Australia's oldest established garden centre. Huge range. Expert staff on hand for personal advice. Visit online »
Semaphore Pets and Garden
119 Semaphore Rd, Semaphore. (08) 8242 7302
Help protect your plants in the heat by watering with GoGo Juice.
It's packed with billions of beneficial bacteria – the BEST pro-biotic concentrate for your plants and your soil.
And its made here in South Australia! Support local companies and businesses by shopping locally.
Always a great selection of plants, pets and giftware – all under the one roof. Open 7 days.
Facebook »
Barrow & Bench Mitre 10
321 Unley Rd, Malvern. (08) 8272 8566
The heat is on – and we have you and your garden covered! Shade cloth by the metre, Yates Drought Shield- for protecting your sensitive plants, wetting agents- both granular & liquid plus mulch, mulch, mulch by the bag & bale.
We also have a full range irrigation- both drip & micro, hoses and misting systems to help to keep you and your plants cool as well as cold drinks and ice creams!
Open this Adelaide Cup public holiday Monday 9-5pm. The friendly team here look forward to welcoming you soon.
Specialising in providing quality plants and expert garden advice. Follow the Instagram feed »
|
|
Coming soon
Saturday, March 16
Linde Community Garden plant sale
54 Stepney St, Stepney – next to St Peter’s Rotary Shed. 10 am - 3.00 pm
Cash only event, no ATM on site.
Sunday, March 24
Friends of Botanic Gardens of Adelaide plant sale
Mt. Lofty Botanic Garden, 10.30 am to 1.30 pm in the Chris Steele Scott Pavilion, south of the Lower Car Park, off Lampert Road, Piccadilly.
Saturday & Sunday, March 23 & 24
Bromeliad Society annual show and sales
Maltese Cultural Centre, 6 Jeanes St, Beverley. Sat 9am to 3pm, Sun 10 am to 3 pm. Free entry both days. EFTPOS available.
Friday, April 12
South Australian Geranium & Pelargonium Society event
North Adelaide Croquet Club.'Geranium Man' , who owns a pelargonium nursery in NSW, will bring a variety of pelargoniums, including yellow ones, which will be for sale following his presentation, which starts at12.45 pm
A gold coin donation is requested. More information »
Sunday, May 5
Adelaide Hills Garden Affair
Stangate House and Gardens, Aldgate. 10 am to 3 pm
More information and tickets »
|
|
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 »
Carrick Hill
Heritage house museum and garden, the former home of Sir Edward and Lady Ursula Hayward. Open weekends & public holidays. Free admission into garden and grounds. 46 Carrick Hill Drive, Springfield.
More information »
Cummins Historic House and gardens
23 Sheoak Ave, Novar Gardens. Gardens open and plant sales on 1st & 3rd Sundays of each month (except Dec & Jan) 2 pm - 4.30 pm. Plant sales also available every Friday morning 9 am to noon. More information » | Facebook »
Heysen - The Cedars
The historic home of two of Australia’s most noted artists, Sir Hans Heysen and his daughter Nora. This unique, 60-hectare heritage estate features the original family home, two artists’ studios and the celebrated cottage-style garden, planted chiefly with exotics, including the massive Himalayan cedar trees.
Heysen Road, Hahndorf. Open 10 am - 4.30 pm, Tuesday to Sunday, and also open on public holiday Mondays. Ticketed entry, including guided tours at 11am and 2 pm.
More information »
Old Government House, Belair National Park
The former vice-regal summer residence of some of the early governors of South Australia. An excellent example of Victorian architecture, set amongst one acre of magnificent gardens. Features cottage plants and flowers cultivated in Victorian times, heritage roses and mature trees.
Tours and afternoon tea on the first and third Sundays each month and public holidays, 1 pm – 4.30 pm. Free entry into Belair National Park if you are visiting OGH - tell the info office staff as you drive in.
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 »
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 »
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
UPDATE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS
UNSUBSCRIBE