Readers rate their tastiest tomatoes
Traditional tomato varieties topped the popularity poll in this season’s tomato survey – but only just.
Traditional varieties when combined received an 85% rating, with cherry varieties not far behind at 83%.
In the Good Gardening / ABC TalkBack Gardening end-of-season survey gardeners were asked to nominate their three top tomato varieties for yield and taste.
Top traditional tomatoes:
Mighty Red 31%, Roma 25%, Grosse Lisse 19%, Apollo 9%.
Top cherry varieties:
Tommy Toe 34%, Black Cherry 7%, other cherry varieties 38%.
In last season’s survey cherry tomatoes out -rated traditional varieties by almost 10%.
Heritage varieties rated poorly – less than 10% – and again there was a small but significant increase for truss varieties.
A complete report on this season’s tomato survey will be published on Friday, April 21 and on Saturdays ABC radio TalkBack Gardening on April 22.
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Easter great time for planting – but hurry
If you are planning to growing vegetables, herbs or flowering annuals over the Easter break and the showers hold off, take heart, as planting conditions are ideal – but not for long.
After a short burst of warmth this week soil temperatures (a major driver of plant growth) are still fluctuating between 18 and 20°C.
However, they are likely to drop three or four degrees over the next three weeks.
Favourable planting and growing conditions will continue while soil temperatures remain over 16°C.
If you are growing vegetables for the first time, choose a position that receives full sun for at least two-thirds of the day.
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Soil temperatures
Provided by Living Turf, national turf specialists.
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| Yesterday's readings °C |
| Soil depth |
10 cm |
20 cm |
| Gawler |
18.3 |
18.4 |
| Walkerville |
18.0 |
17.7 |
| Glenelg |
17.7 |
17.8 |
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Save those autumn leaves
Over the next few weeks, autumn leaves will start to fall, producing a smorgasbord for nature’s composters – providing you leave them as garden bed mulch or rake them into small heaps.
During winter earthworms, ground beetles, along with hordes of beneficial fungi, nematodes and bacteria will feast on them.
In their wake, you can expect valuable quantities of moisture-absorbing, nutrient-rich garden compost.
When you add compost to your garden soil it will:
- act like a sponge, storing many times its own weight in moisture during summer
- help stick small soil particles together, improving aeration and drainage
- release plant nutrients into the soil over an extended period.
Roses responsive to seasonal conditions
Rose bushes in many gardens are producing numerous fresh flower buds in preparation for a colourful performance through late April and May.
Sadly, in gardens where roses were not fertilised back in February and watered regularly over the past two months, stem growth is short, the leaves are pale green and flower buds will be much smaller than normal.
Beware of fungal spots
Showery conditions over Easter, following widespread showers late last month are sure to activate a range of fungal diseases, particularly black spot, on roses and powdery mildew on ornamentals (including roses), and vegetables.
Experienced rose growers have already sprayed their bushes with a protective chemical such as mancozeb plus or wettable sulphur.
Why powdery mildew is becoming a problem
Night temperatures are beginning to fall and when morning dew forms, they create ideal conditions for powdery mildew.
This is a quick-spreading fungus that attacks a wide range of garden plants.
It develops by feeding on the surface of leaves.
As a result, they turn yellow, then brown before falling or dying.
Powdery mildew is responsible for the premature end of many productive vegetable crops.
However, by the time you see the fungus, the damage has been done.
This is very much a case of prevention being much better than cure.
Sprays that protect
Start soon by spraying your vegetable crops, roses, and susceptible ornamentals.
Milk is an effective short-term preventative when applied one part milk, 10 parts water.
Horticultural soaps containing potassium bicarbonate, such as eco-fungicide, are also effective.).
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Sophie’s Patch this Easter
Sophie’s Patch, the Adelaide Hills demonstration garden developed by Sophie Thomson, is open over the Easter weekend.
Well-known garden experts will provide demonstrations and discussions on a range of wildlife and organic gardening topics.
The event will also involve garden nurseries and include art and craft, children’s activities, and food tasting.
Sophie’s Patch (Hamlyn cottage) is at 394 Springs Road, Mount Barker Springs.
More information »
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Grow your own oregano
Oregano is an essential herb if you enjoy making – and eating – pizza and pasta with a tomato-based sauce.
However, it needs room to grow, as it quickly develops into a small, leafy shrub.
Prune regularly to keep the plants compact.
There are many different forms available with a big variation in flavours.
Oregano grows well in full sun during winter but it will benefit from light shading through summer.
Good drainage is essential.
Tip prune regularly, even if you are not using the leaves.
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Landscape celebrates much-loved tree
A large, handsome dragon tree planted in the early 1900s on the boundary within the adjacent park dominated the front garden of this Medindie home and was the impetus for the design and plant choices.
Unfortunately the tree was vandalised, which brought infection, and it slowly died, being removed by Council about a year ago.
As a tribute a new dragon tree has been planted close to the original location.
The garden 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 gardens to each side of the house work off the rooms inside – one is contemplative for the master bedroom the other to create a bright outlook from the sewing room and kitchen.
The rear garden has had the biggest change undertaken to reflect the age of the children now in their late teens and early 20s.
Gone are the sand pit, swing set and artificial lawn replaced by a suspended fire place that seconds as a pizza oven, concrete bench and timber day bed with chill-out deck and bean bags under the shade of the original London Plane tree.
• Dogs on lead are welcome; swimming pool on site so care must be taken; wheelchair access can be made available to sections of the garden.
More on this landscape design and photos of the work by
David Baptiste and Habitat Landscapes 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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Gardening for kids over Easter
Don’t overlook the value of encouraging kids to spend time in the garden.
While planting and potting may hold their attention for a while, why not introduce an element of fun such as a Grand Prix for snails or millipedes?
Last week’s showery weather has activated both critters. Maybe start with a competition for who can capture the most.
If this is successful maybe it’s time for a Grand Prix for garden critters.
- Collect your critters
- Make a circle and place critters in the centre
- First person’s critter over the line is a winner
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These insecticides are safe to use
What to do when garden insect pests need to be controlled but you don't want to use an insecticide that contains chemicals that are poisonous?
Garden centres now carry a range of “non-toxic” chemicals capable of controlling or containing most garden pests that are quite safe for gardeners (and the environment) to use.
These include:
- Horticultural oils (eco-oil or Pest Oil). Very low toxicity but effective in controlling aphids, scale, mealy bugs, white fly and leaf miners, while containing small caterpillars.
- Potassium soaps (Yates Nature’s Way) Non-toxic plant oil spray for controlling a wide range of soft bodied insects including aphids, white fly, and mealy bug. When combined with eco-oil or Pest Oil potassium soap will also control mites).
- Success Ultra. Extremely low toxicity. Prevents insects from feeding. Very effective in controlling soft-bodied, leaf-eating insects such as caterpillars, cherry slugs, thrips and leaf miners. Not effective on sucking insects.
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Two roses with worldwide popularity
Through April and early May, South Australian rose gardens will be at their blooming best.
With this in mind, the feature roses for this week, selected by Daniel Knight, are two of the world’s most popular Hybrid Tea roses.
Double Delight is deservedly one of the world’s most popular Hybrid Tea roses. It was inducted into the World Federation of Rose Societies Rose Hall of Fame in 1985 and is now widely grown (and admired) in South Australian gardens.
This is an upright, spreading rose with bushy growth, producing masses of large double blooms. The petals are creamy white, edged with red, while the fragrance is spicy.
Introduced in 1965, Mister Lincoln is also recognised internationally as one of our most popular hybrid tea roses.
Mister Lincoln is everything you could want in a red rose with its strongly fragranced, classically shaped, deep red, bluish-toned flowers produced on long, straight stems.
Indoors, Mister Lincoln has a long vase life.
In the garden it thrives in full sun while blooming regularly and consistently. The bushes grow around 2 metres tall.
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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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Cyclamen – an elegant plant for Mum
Cyclamen are charming plants grown for their distinctive, nodding flowers with upturned petals.
These are elegant, long-lasting and stand high above patterned leaves, making for a stunning plant.
Cyclamen aren't fussy but they do need some general maintenance.
When a flower is finished, don't rip it off, push the stem and twist at the same time. This removes the old stem without damaging the bulb-like corm.
Most often grown in pots indoors, cyclamen like plenty of natural light.
A well-lit, cool but draught- free spot is ideal – preferably with an hour or two of sunlight each morning but no strong sunlight.
This also applies to plants on patios, decks and verandas.
When grown as an indoor plant cyclamen are a good alternative to cut flowers.
Outdoors they are very long flowering and will certainly brighten up the garden through autumn and winter as they also have attractive, variegated leaves.
Cyclamen grown by Easy Colour are available in a range of bright colours. Look for them in the distinctive purple 4 cell packs.
Cyclamen 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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Evolvulus Blew My Mind
Plants like “Blew My Mind” that produce bright blue flowers are to be treasured.
The flowers on this recently introduced Evolvulus are continually covered in clusters of sky blue flowers, resulting in a very attractive dwarf shrub (30 x 60 cm).
Blew My Mind plants are fast-growing and look great when used as a feature in the landscape or allowed to spill over the side of rockeries, walls or hanging baskets.
They are also happy to perform in sun or semi-shade, as well as most well-drained gardens soils.
While the plants thrive in hot weather and can withstand dry conditions, growth and flowering is improved where the soil is kept moist. Deadheading is unnecessary.
An occasional application of compost, along with a slow-release fertiliser will improve performance.
 Blew My Mind 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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Have you planted your sweet peas yet?
One of the joys of growing sweet peas is deciding what varieties to grow, as blooms are now available in a fascinating range of colours, shapes, and fragrance.
Check out the seed stands at various garden outlets.
If you are looking for early blooms make sure the word “early” is included on the packet’s variety description.
Many of the newer sweet pea varieties produce exquisite “old style” perfume but generally these flower late in the season.
Late-planted displays are often ruined by an early burst of heat in spring.
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Up the stakes in your garden beds
 Thinking of adding an irrigation system to your garden or upgrading your existing system?
Antelco has the perfect Micro Stake for securing micro sprays in garden beds.
The clever stake design provides greater retention in soil while the retaining hole secures the tube close to the stake to prevent it dislodging from the lateral tube.
Antelco Micro Stakes can be purchased as a stake only or pre-assembled with 400 mm, 500 mm or 600 mm lengths of 4 mm tube fitted with an adaptor for connecting into low density poly pipe.
More information »
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Sandy or clay soil – what’s the difference?
Sandy soils are easy to dig and loosen but their ability to retain plant foods and moisture is usually very poor.
This is easily overcome by mixing well-aged compost or commercial soil improver into the top 20-30cm of soil where a plant is to be established.
Clay soils on the other hand retain nutrients and moisture quite well but all too often they set hard in summer and drain poorly in winter.
Once again, the answer is well aged organic matter (compost or soil improver).
If possible, add up to 25 percent by volume to the top 30cm of the planting area.
The structure of clay soils can also be improved cheaply and very effectively by spreading gypsum over the soil before incorporating the organic matter.
Gypsum is a natural soil conditioner available in small bags from garden centres. You will need ¾-1kg to the square metre.
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Lawn care
Stefan Palm, Paul Munns Instant Lawn
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Why mushrooms and toadstools appear
The sudden appearance of mushrooms and toadstools in the lawn is often considered a mystery. For some it is also a cause for concern.
In this week’s lawn blog Stefan Palm, explains why they suddenly pop up, whether they are likely to damage the lawn and what you can do to get rid of them.
He also explains why these fungi sometimes appear as “fairy rings” – although he has yet to find fairies at the bottom of any gardens.
More information »
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Garden fertilisers – a quick guide
- Liquid fertiliser (both organic and manufactured) is ideal for newly established plants, particularly seedlings. It should be applied fortnightly (half strength) until the plants are growing well. Also good for stimulating quick-growing plants, particularly vegetables and flowers.
- Solid organic fertiliser (pellets). Very suitable for feeding established plants, both ornamental and productive (fruit and vegetables). However, for the pellets to be effective they must be soaked or incorporated into the topsoil.
- Controlled-release fertiliser (prills). A very safe way to apply the right amount of fertiliser to plants in containers. Incorporate the prills into the top 2cm of potting mix and water well.
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Mini heated greenhouses worth a look
If you like the thought of growing vegetables herbs and flowers from seed or maybe starting plants from cuttings, consider buying a mini heated greenhouse.
They may be small (40 x 30 cm) but they are extremely versatile, including germinating vegetable or herb seeds for autumn and winter seedlings or striking cuttings all year round.
The units are powered by electricity and the base acts like a small (very safe) electric blanket.
These should be available from larger garden outlets. Expect to pay between $50 and $60.
Serious gardeners may care to check out the excellent range of larger units with temperature controls, available on line from horticultural suppliers.
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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.
Multi-award-winning landscaper Jamie McIlwain will add a touch off class to your landscape using grasses and structural plants. Jamie will also highlight some of the standout features at next weekend's SA Landscape Festival.
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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
Happy Easter to all our wonderful customers!
We are closed on Good Friday but back open from Saturday for all your gardening needs.
Our nursery is looking beautiful with lots of colourful seasonal blooms and gorgeous gifts to go with those Easter eggs!
Come on a hunt this 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 Saturday, Sunday and Monday over the Easter long weekend.
🐇 Hop on in (lame I know) and see what our beautiful store has to offer.
We have some massive savings on pots. Everything is so fresh and clean.
Bring your kite, as the 2023 Kite festival is on – so make it a day adventure down to sunny Semaphore.
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
Protect your winter veggies the natural way. Sweet cabbage white butterfly decoys available, along with both round and tunnel wire cloche, which are as beautiful as they are effective.
And while you are here, look out for organic insect control, fertilisers and soil conditioners.
Open Saturday, Sunday and Monday this Easter (closed Good Friday). See you in store soon.
Specialising in providing quality plants and expert garden advice.
Follow the Instagram feed »
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Coming soon
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 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, each with unique beauty.
More information and ticket booking here »
Sunday, April 16
Herb and salvia propagation workshop
Herb Society of SA. Herb Garden at the back of the Findon Community Centre, 222 Findon Road, Findon, 2 pm – 4 pm
Tour the garden and learn how to propagate herbs and salvias. Materials provided. Bring your own secateurs if you have some. More details »
Saturday & Sunday, April 22 & 23
Festival of Flowers
Angle Park Greyhound Park. More information »
Saturday, May 6
Northern Yorke Peninsula Australian Plants Society annual plant sale
Lot 1866, South Terrace, Kadina. 10 am - 3 pm. Plants for sale from several vendors, gardens open to the public, advice on establishing an Australian native garden, flower display, and much more, including tea and coffee. Free entry.
Saturday, May 6
SA Orchidaceous Society autumn show
Western Link Church Hall, 93 Crittenden Road Findon. 9 am to 4 pm. Entry $5 includes a free tea or coffee and biscuit Display of orchids and a trading table of orchids and other plants just in time for a Mother’s Day gift.
Saturday & Sunday, May 6 & 7
Enfield Horticultural Society autumn show
Held with the SA Chrysanthemum & Floral Art Society, Klemzig Community Hall,
242 North East Road, Klemzig. Displays and plant sales, trading table and raffle. morning & afternoon teas.
Saturday 12 noon - 4 pm, Sunday 11 am - 3.30 pm. Admission $4.
Thursday, May 11 to Saturday, May 13
South Coast Orchid Club of SA autumn show
Seaford Central Shopping Centre, Commercial Rd Seaford. Shopping centre hours.
Display of orchid plants, plus a trading table with a variety of orchids for sale. Experienced growers on hand to give advice, fact sheets available.
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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