Great long weekend for gardening
If you are thinking of planting vegetables, herbs, flowers, fruit trees or ornamentals over this long weekend, your timing is ideal.
As mentioned last week, it’s all to do with early-autumn soil temperatures.
Currently, soil temperatures across Adelaide are fluctuating between 19°C and 20°C. This is ideal for promoting new plant growth.
Preparation before planting is well worthwhile
Trees and shrub are expected to perform in the same location for many years. Spend a little extra time preparing the ground before you plant.
- Loosen the soil around each planting site for at least half a metre and to a depth of 20 cm – if possible 30 cm.
- Regardless of whether the soil is sandy or a clay loam incorporate a 5 to 10 cm layer of aged animal manure or compost into the topsoil
- If the soil is hard setting (clay or clay loam) incorporate gypsum (1 kg to the square metre). This can be spread with the animal manure or compost.
Autumn rains running late
South Australia’s traditional autumn “break in the season” (arrival of significant rains) is again likely to be late.
The “seasonal break” across the state’s agricultural districts normally arrives around mid-April.
However, independent climatologist Darren Ray believes rainfall through March, April and May is likely to be below average and it may be mid to late June before we see significant falls.
While this pattern is similar to last year, weather models are also suggesting this below-average rainfall is likely to continue through winter and spring.
In contrast, rainfall last year through winter and spring across SA’s agricultural districts ended up slightly above average.
It's changeover time
In many gardens, summer vegetable crops have faded and the strategy is now clear – simply remove all spent plants and reinvigorate the soil with a quality vegetable fertiliser.
You are now ready to start planting crops that will mature through winter and early spring.
When removing spent vegetable plants, take as much of their main roots as possible, as this will help reduce the carryover of disease.
If your plants included tomatoes, mark their exact growing location.
This will ensure next season’s crops can be grown in fresh soil, not contaminated by damaging soil diseases.
Trim time for ornamentals
An extended weekend early in autumn provides many gardeners with an opportunity to carry out a light trim and tidy up.
But the operative words are “a light trim”.
Remove no more than 10 to 15% of the longest, strongest branches or stems.
Topiary plants should be trimmed lightly all over, whereas any long tendrils on vigorous creepers, such as star jasmine, mandevillas and wisteria, should be cut back to the first or second set of mature leaves.
No short back and sides
Early autumn is not a good time to administer a “short back and sides” to most evergreen plants.
Evergreens need plenty of leaves over the next few weeks to assist in storing enough energy to get them through the colder winter months.
Hard pruning and reshaping of most evergreens is best left until spring.
Deciduous plants on the other hand should be hard pruned during winter.
Pick-me-up for container plants
If the leaves on your container plants have a pale green “feed me” look about them, it is probably because they have been watered regularly through summer and many essential nutrients have been leached from the containers.
A liquid organic fertiliser is recommended.
At the same time mulch the surface of the potting mix with a thin layer of organic fertiliser pellets.
These will break down slowly over the next few weeks and improve the health and structure of the soil.
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Soil temperatures
Provided by Living Turf, national science-based turf specialists.
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| Yesterday's readings °C |
| Soil depth » |
10 cm |
20 cm |
| Gawler |
19.6 |
19.6 |
| Walkerville |
18.8 |
18.7 |
| Glenelg |
18.9 |
18.9 |
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Small courtyard delivers in a big way
Cleverly designed, meticulously landscaped and easily maintained, this small courtyard garden at West Beach is big on wow factor.
Contemporary in style with a focus on texture and shape, lines and curves have been creatively combined in the varied hardscaping materials and in the plants.
It is one of nine professionally-designed landscapes which will be open to the public during the SA Landscape Festival on the weekend of April 15 and 16.
The space is multi-purpose – an inspirational entertaining area that doubles as a carpark whilst maintaining its aesthetic appeal.
An outdoor shower, and water bowl with a bubbler add soothing sound, while clusters of stylish pots are a classy touch.
- All safe, there is a small water feature, and pram/wheelchair access is over cobbles.
- Parking is tight in the street / limited. Look for parking opposite Dineen place, or Military road.
More on this landscape design and photos of the work by
Husk Projects and Ground Design Landscaping here »
Open Saturday & Sunday , April 15 & 16 – 10 am to 4 pm
 More information and the complete SA Landscape Festival program and ticket purchase here »
Learn how a professional landscaper can help you »
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Alyogyne West Coast Gem
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Fast-growing “native hibiscus”
West Coast Gem, with its long flowering, vibrant-purple blooms, is a great Australian plant to grow in your garden.
This is an outstanding selection of Alyogyne Huegelii and because of the shape and the colour of its blooms it is generally known as the “native hibiscus”.
West Coast Gem is fast-growing, extremely hardy and, once established, it has excellent tolerance to dry conditions.
It will quickly fill a 2 m x 1.5 m space but regular trimming will keep the canopy compact and lower.
As a result, it can be used as a hedge or screening plant and it certainly blends well with other plants in an Australian-style garden.
West Coast Gem thrives in the sun, tolerates part shade, also light frost.
It adapts well to most garden soils, providing they drain freely.
Mulching will help retain moisture and help keep weeds supressed.
 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.
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In search of the perfect rose
Gardeners who love their roses, like rose breeders, are constantly seeking “the perfect rose”.
While there are many elements that must come together to produce a new rose, most rose lovers will tell you beauty and fragrance are essential.
This week’s Good Gardening feature rose, was developed at Knight’s Roses and combines both elements.
A rose named to honour amazing mothers everywhere.
It features two essential elements, beauty and fragrance. With Amazing Mum, the fragrance is intense and quite outstanding.
Rose perfume generally comes from oil glands on the flower petals, with intensity increasing as the petal count increases.
Breeders are constantly seeking to breed the perfect rose – one with perfume, disease-resistance and a long vase life.
Amazing Mum was bred by Knight’s Roses and is a great example of a modern hybrid tea rose, with its seductive floral scent and well-shaped large dark pink-purple flowers.
These are produced on a strong vigorous, healthy bush reaching 1.4 m x 1.6 m.
With Amazing Mum, the blooms are classic in shape with plenty of extremely fragrant petals. These have a long vase life which is unusual for a rose with fragrant blooms.
Amazing Mum is available from Knights for pre-order as a bare root rose for winter.
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 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.
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A new trailing pansy with a difference
Trailing pansies not only spread over a much wider space than traditional upright pansies, they cascade wonderfully over the side of pots and hanging baskets.
Swirl is a new trailing variety released this autumn by Easy Colour.
For good flowering, trailing pansies need a sunny position, although in warm climates they usually prefer some protection from the hot afternoon sun.
In such cases, ensure they have sun for at least half the day.
Pansies can become quite spindly and won’t flower well in full shade.
Trailing pansies have shallow roots, which means they can dry out quickly in hot spells.
Make sure you keep them moist and well mulched. Mulching also helps insulate the roots and discourages weeds.
Because of their spreading habit (60- 70 cm), Easy Colour recommends planting trailing pansies 25 to 30 cm apart.
As with all pansies, regular feeding and removal of spent blooms will boost their performance and keep them flowering over a longer period.
Picking a “pretty posy” every few days will also help keep them in good health and vigour!
Because Trailing Pansy Swirl is new, supplies in some locations may be limited.
However, they are easy to identify in Easy Colour’s distinctive purple cell packs.
Swirl 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.
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Colourful callistemon for small gardens
Callistemon Hot Pink is a small colourful native plant that has been carefully selected to grow into today’s smaller gardens.
Its bottle-like blooms really are “Hot Pink” and completely smother the plants during spring as they appear on both the plants terminal tips and side branches.
The blooms act as a magnet to nectar-feeding birds, butterflies, bees and other insects.
Like all callistemons Hot Pink is easy to grow, tolerates a wide range of conditions and needs minimum maintenance, although a light trim after flowering will help retain its attractive shape.
This is a great plant to grow in a sunny native garden either by itself or established as a low hedge.
 Callistemon Hot Pink 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.
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Garlic – when fresh is best
Why buy garlic grown overseas when you can harvest all you need so easily, fresh from your own garden?
Overseas-grown garlic must be treated with a very toxic fumigant before it can be sold in Australia.
Because the bulbs may need to be stored for six to nine months before sale, they are also dosed with chemicals to prevent premature sprouting.
Growing bigger, better garlic
Now, while the ground is still warm, is the best time to start growing your own garlic.
All too often planting is left until the end of autumn or early winter when soil temperatures have dropped and leaf growth is very slow.
It’s worth noting the size of the bulb at harvest and, in particular, the size of individual cloves is very dependent on the number of leaves formed by the end of winter.
The number of leaves produced is of course reliant on the size and vigour of the roots.
This brings us back to planting time.
Cloves of garlic pushed into the garden during March and early April while the ground is warm will begin growing immediately.
Providing the area is kept weed-free, numerous healthy groups of leaves will develop.
Know your garlic
Garlic produces very short, fibrous roots beneath a thin platform that supports clumps of individual cloves. These are held together by a thin papery skin.
The resulting bulb also produces a number of thin strap-like leaves.
Garlic growers say:
- Garlic thrives in full sun and grows best in fertile soil, but it must be well drained.
- Individual cloves of garlic should be planted with the tip of the thin end level with the surface.
- Before planting incorporate a balanced fertiliser with a relatively high phosphorus level into the soil.
Bigger bulbs
As soil temperatures begin to rise in spring and day length increases the bulbs begin to expand.
During this phase it is important the soil is kept moist but avoid adding nitrogen fertiliser, as high nitrogen levels can affect the bulbs storage life.
Where do you get it?
The easiest way to establish your own garlic is to buy a large garlic bulb filled with plump cloves.
Try your local garden centre or maybe your local green grocer.
Make sure you buy Australian garlic as imported products have been treated with toxic materials that prevent them from sprouting.
The Diggers’ Shop located within the Adelaide Botanic Garden currently has an interesting range of Heirloom garlic available.
You can find more great advice in “Garlic”, written by Australian horticulturalist Penny Woodward »
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Quick guide for winter vegetables
If you are growing cool-season vegetables for the first time, choose the sunniest spot in the garden – one that normally receives at least four hours a day of direct sun.
Garden beds
Clear the area of weeds. Before you start planting incorporate a 2 to 3 cm layer of quality compost into the top 15 cm of soil.
At the same time, mix in a small quantity of balanced vegetable fertiliser. (Manufactured granules – half a cup per square metre or organic pellets – 2 cups per square metre).
Rake the area smooth, moisten the soil and you’re ready to start planting.
Raised garden beds
These are ideal for growing vegetables as the growing media you provide will drain freely and contain plenty of air, resulting in strong healthy plant roots.
Easy-to-assemble garden beds are available from most garden outlets.
Asian vegetables are well worth growing
Pak choi – commonly known as Chinese white cabbage and also called bok choy.
This is a very popular non-head forming cabbage that produces clusters of short crunchy white stems (20cm high) that support small cabbage like, green leaves.
There are many different cultivars including an attractive green stemmed form.
The leaves and stems are used fresh in salads as well as a wide range of cooked dishes.
Pak choi is very easy to grow, quick to mature and in SA is often grown all year round.
During the warmer months the plants respond quickly to a little extra water and fertiliser.
At this time of the year plants grow readily from seed or you can save time by transplanting established seedlings.
These are often available in combo packs – two plants of three different forms.
Space the plants 20 to 25 cm apart. The outer leaves of young plants can be continually harvested like silver beet.
• More easy-to-grow Asian vegetables will be featured in Good Gardening over the next few weeks.
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Lawn care
Stefan Palm, Paul Munns Instant Lawn
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Why lawns grow best on a sandy loam
Is the soil in your garden good enough to grow a quality lawn?
If you are thinking of rolling out instant turf in the near future, it’s an issue well worth considering.
While it is generally agreed that lawns grow best on a quality sandy loam, it raises the question – what is a quality sandy loam?
In this week’s lawn blog, turf consultant Stefan Palm takes a detailed look at the main elements making up a quality loam and explains why they are important.
Stefan also provides some practical ideas on how you can identify the quality of your own garden soil and determine whether it is good enough to grow a quality lawn or do you need to bring in some quality sandy loam?
More information »
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Are you buying a citrus tree?
Planting new citrus trees that are root bound is one of the major reasons why the trees fail to grow properly when planted in the garden or a large container.
When you buy, take a good look at the top growth.
It should be in balance with the root system.
A tree producing long, vigorous growth in a very small pot is likely to be root bound and is best avoided.
However, a tree that is not producing strong new growth, particularly if the leaves are pale, should also be avoided, as it is likely to have been in the container for too long and again, could be root bound.
Check the root system carefully before you start planting.
If the tree is completely root bound, take it back to the garden centre and ask for your money back.
If the roots are only slightly tangled, use a pair of secateurs to trim the matted roots from the base of the root system and any long roots circling the root ball.
Try to keep the rest of the root-ball intact.
Iris looks good in courtyard gardens
Many home gardeners looking for courtyard colour have discovered how easy it is to grow iris. Apart from creating a cottage garden effect Flag iris (Iris Germanica) look great as a massed display and the blooms are often cut for indoor decoration.
By careful selection, it is possible to have plants in flower from late winter through to early summer.
Iris produce chunky underground rhizomes that multiply quickly. But they don’t have to be dug and divided every year.
It is likely that the clumps will become congested after three to four years and at this stage, flowering may be affected.
When this happens, it is best to dig the entire clump, separate the rhizomes and start all over again.
Planting window closing soon
When dividing the plants, trim two thirds off the leaves, cutting to produce a fan shape.
Each rhizome should be placed so that its top is level with the surface.
Before replanting, improve the soil by incorporating well-aged compost, along with half a cupful of superphosphate and a quarter of a cupful of sulphate of potash to each square metre.
If you intend to divide or plant rhizomes this season – hurry.
Iris needs plenty of time to develop a new root system before they begin flowering early in spring.
Bulb planting time approaches
It will soon be time to plant out spring-flowering bulbs.
New varieties are being featured in nursery catalogues and in many retail outlets.
Now is the time to dig the ground and incorporate compost, aged animal manure or complete fertiliser.
More mulch please
Assuming the extremely hot weather will soon fade, it is worth considering what lies ahead. There are at least 12 to 14 weeks of good growing conditions left in the season.
However, the weather may continue to remain dry.
Check how much mulch is left on the garden beds, particularly those protecting quick-growing plants such as vegetables and fruit trees.
A top up now could pay big dividends as the season progresses.
Wow geraniums - grow your own
March is a good time to strike cuttings from new high performing geraniums.
Take mature tip cuttings 6-8cm long, place in moist coarse washed sand and locate in a shaded protected position.
Rooted cuttings should be ready for potting-on early in spring.
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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 advice please give me a call on ABC Radio Adelaide's Saturday morning Talkback Gardening or ask at your local garden centre.
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Talkback Gardening tomorrow
 ABC Radio Adelaide Talkback Gardening this Saturday, 8.30 am to 10 am – phone Deb Tribe and me on 1300 222 891 and have your own gardening question answered.
Horticulturalist and Riverland citrus authority Ian Tolley provides practical advice for fruit growers with a special focus on fruit tree survival after flooding.
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Garden centre directory
Leading Adelaide garden centres recommended by Good Gardening newsletter.
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Heyne's Garden Centre
283-289 The Parade, Beulah Park. (08) 8332 2933
Heyne’s is open all long weekend so why not come and enjoy the mild weather and see what’s new!
We’re always stocked up on a great range of indoor plants and pots, natives, ferns, cacti, perennials, annual colour and so much more.
There’s something for everyone! 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
OPEN ALL LONG WEEKEND. Well, beautiful autumn is here to stay. New season veggies have arrived along with a massive selection of bulbs.
New lines are added daily, so if there is something you are chasing, pop on in and see our beautiful, accredited garden centre.
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
Colour your garden with autumn treasures.
Gorgeous potted cyclamen and kalanchoe, both in-store and looking fabulous.
While you’re gardening, don’t forget about planting citrus - it’s the perfect time.
Specialising in providing quality plants and expert garden advice. Follow the Instagram feed »
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Coming soon
Saturday & Sunday, March 18 &19
‘Secret Garden’ open
43 Torrens Street, Victor Harbor 11 am to 4 pm each day. Tea, coffee and cake will be available, supplied by Victor Harbor branch of CWA. Plants will also be available to purchase. All proceeds will go to Fleurieu Cancer Support Group and South Australian Country Women’s Association.
Saturday & Sunday, March 18 & 19
Bromeliad Society Annual Show and Sales Extravaganza
Maltese Cultural Centre, 6 Jeanes St, Beverly. 9 am- 3 pm Sat, 10 am - 3 pm Sun. Free entry both days.
Sunday, March 19
Unley Gardeners Plant Rescue autumn sale
9.30 to 11.30 am at the rear of the Fullarton Park Community Centre (off Fisher Street). An amazing range of plants for sale this time, including camellias, Japanese maples, roses, hoya, bougainvillea, a wide range of succulents, pots, tools and much more. Some of the plants are large so a trailer or a Ute would be needed to transport them
More information »
Sunday, March 19
SA Autumn Garden Festival
Clare showgrounds. More information »
Saturday & Sunday, April 15 & 16
SA Landscape Festival 2023
Take a look at SA's most beautiful, professionally-designed and built, privately-owned gardens. A chance to learn from skilled landscaping professionals as they share their secrets, tips and tricks.
Nine gardens to choose from, all with unique beauty.
More information and ticket booking here »
Saturday & Sunday, April 1 & 2
Barossa Rose and Flower Show
Barossa Nursery, 3186 Barossa Valley Way Nuriootpa.
Members of the public are invited to enter flowers and/or floral arrangements. Sections include the special classes, cut flowers (roses & other flowers) dahlias, floral arrangements, junior cut flower and floral arrangements. Free entry.
Email for more information »
Saturday & Sunday, April 15 &16
Rose Society of SA autumn rose show
Noel Lothian Hall, Adelaide Botanic Garden, Hackney Road entrance, and National Rose Trial Garden of Australia, Sat. 11 am to 4 pm and Sun. 10 am to 4 pm.
People’s Choice rose judging weekend at the Rose Trial Garden, also at the Adelaide Botanic Garden from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday & Sunday, April 22 & 23
Festival of Flowers
Angle Park Greyhound Park. More information »
Saturday, May 13
Australian Plants Society (SA Region) autumn plant sale
Urrbrae Agricultural High School, Fullarton Road, Netherby. 10 am – 4 pm.
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Regular garden attractions
Check with each venue's web site for any Covid-19 restrictions on opening hours.
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 »
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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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