Cool weather spoils tomato season
It has been another good tomato growing season for many SA gardeners but it was disappointing for others.
Cold weather throughout the growing season had a major influence on crop ripening.
More than 80% of gardeners who have already responded to the 2023 Good Gardening / ABC TalkBack Gardening end-of-season survey, identified slow ripening as a major issue.
Preliminary results have also highlighted problems caused by diseases, blossom end rot (a nutrition problem) and insect damage caused by white fly, as significant issues.
In early results, 68% of respondents rated their crops this season as excellent (28%) or good (40%).
This is slightly below last year’s record-breaking of 72%, but well above the long-term average of 55%.
At the same time 32% of respondents indicated their crops were either disappointing (22%) or poor (10%).
There's still time to complete the survey
 Home gardeners who grew tomatoes this season but have not yet taken part in the survey have been encouraged to provide valuable feedback.
The results and comments you provide will help all growers next year in their quest to grow top tomatoes in a changing climate.
The survey will conclude next Monday April 3, with the results published in the Good Gardening newsletter on Friday, April 14 and on Saturday's ABC radio TalkBack Gardening on April 15.
You can complete the survey here »
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Millipedes activated by rain
Don’t be surprised if millipedes suddenly appear in the garden.
Millipedes are activated by early autumn rains and light falls across the suburbs and Hills this week were just what was needed to set them off on their annual autumn march.
Ironically millipedes don’t like cold, wet soil and will quickly make for dry ground.
Because they are also attracted by light, in home gardens they quickly head for the lights of front or back verandahs or outdoor-facing windows, where lights are consistently shining.
Turning off exterior lights and blacking out windows is an effective way of reducing a home invasion.
Having a decoy (solar-powered) light positioned well away from the house to attract the millipedes into a vegetable oil trap or baited area may be worth considering.
. . . and soon it will be snail time
The combination of showers and cooler weather will also encourage snails to come out of their summer hiding places.
The first wave of snails in autumn are always very hungry, as they need to feed before they can begin to mate.
They can be very destructive.
Non-toxic organic baits such as eco shield placed near their hiding places and feeding areas in the next week or so will help reduce populations dramatically.
Regular trapping is also very effective.
Worth noting: Snail populations should be reduced before they start breeding – and that’s likely to be very soon.
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Colourful spring bulbs have arrived
Most garden centres are now carrying an extensive range of new season spring-flowering bulbs.
Don’t be surprised if the best of these disappear quickly.
Bulbs are usually sold in small plastic nets with three to six bulbs per pack.
If you would like to have an extended flowering performance, buy a range of early, mid and late-flowering varieties (this info should be on the label).
Alternatively, you may like to have all of your bulbs flower at the same time.
Check that he packs you buy include full planting instructions and that the bulbs are healthy, firm and free of fungal disease.
Top picks for SA gardens
 Daffodils, hyacinths, freesias and tulips.
Of these, daffodils are the easiest to grow and are ideal bulbs for beginners, as they grow almost as well in a container as they do in the ground.
Choose a sunny position in the garden and make sure the soil or potting mix drains freely. Daffodils – in fact all bulbs – resent wet feet.
This may mean growing your bulbs on a raised mound if they are to be planted in the open or using a free-draining potting mix where they are to be grown in a container.
Benefits in planting early
Spring-flowering bulbs planted during early April usually produce better flowers than those established towards the end of autumn.
For garden planting, they should be placed 15-18 cm below the surface (a little deeper in sandy soils), with the neck or narrow end facing up.
Before planting, improve the soil with well-made compost and a fertiliser blended specifically for bulbs. These contain relatively low levels of nitrogen and higher than normal levels of phosphorus and potash. Make sure some of the fertiliser and compost is spread below the bulbs' root zone.
Bulbs in containers
Bulb containers should be deep enough to cover the bulb with 10-15 cm of potting mix and provide an equal depth for the root zone.
The space between the bulbs is not so important, particularly if you are trying to achieve a massed flowering effect.
But bear in mind, the bulbs will multiply as they grow and you'll need to leave space if they are to be left in the one position for a number of years.
Bulbs planted in pots should be kept in a cool, dark position until the first leaves appear.
This encourages the plant to produce a stronger root system and, eventually, better flowers.
After flowering
The secret to having the bulbs flower each year is to ensure the plants keep growing for at least six weeks after flowering.
This is the critical stage when the plants gather enough energy for next year's flowers.
It is also the stage where the bulbs will multiply, providing there is adequate nutrition.
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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 |
19.4 |
19.5 |
| Walkerville |
19.4 |
19.2 |
| Glenelg |
18.7 |
19.1 |
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Natives respond to autumn attention
Many gardeners are choosing to increase the number of Australian plants they grow, while some now have a garden planted entirely to natives.
Australian plants certainly add a touch of class to any garden while they also provide an important habitat and food source for wildlife, as well as for birds and insects.
Autumn is an important time to keep these plants looking good by pruning to keep them in shape, mulching to keep the soil moist and feeding to keep them thriving.
A fertiliser that is low in phosphorus is recommended, such as PowerFeed with Troforte All Purpose including natives.
A regular application every 6 to 8 weeks will boost soil health and plant growth as it contains nutrients essential for Australian plants as well as beneficial microbes to improve soil health.
More information »
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Garden herbs for beginners
Herbs established over the next few weeks (while the ground remains warm) will begin growing immediately and should be well established before winter sets in.
The plants you select 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 some of your herbs already well established. This way you can enjoying the flavours of garden-fresh herbs very soon after planting.
Cool season favourites
- Chives: The leaves are great for adding onion flavour to many foods. Slow to start.
- Coriander: Spicy flavours for salads and Asian foods. Harvest leaves regularly.
- Mint: A big range of flavours worth trying. Grow in a container as the plants can become invasive.
- Oregano: Many flavours. Sun lover, easy to grow, trim often.
- Parsley: Full of vitamins. Chop finely for salads and mid-eastern dishes.
- Sage: Very strong flavours. Easy to grow, needs good drainage.
- Thyme: Many flavours available. Needs full sun and good drainage.
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Picturesque stream a central feature
Renowned for their expertise in constructing water features that imitate nature, SA Waterscapes created an alluring watercourse as the centerpiece of the St Michael’s College Reflective Garden at Henley Beach.
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.
Biologically-filtered water gently trickles along a rocky stream bed through several little waterfalls and under a bridge to a tranquil pond that is home to aquatic plants, fish and frogs.
The soothing sound of water has added a sense of calm, restfulness and wellbeing in this lovely quiet, green space dedicated to learning and reflection.
More on this landscape design and photos of the work by
SA Waterscapes 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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Why some tomatoes have black bottoms
If some of the tomatoes you grew this season had black leathery distortions at the non-stem end, the problem was blossom end rot (BER).
This happens when plants are unable to absorb sufficient calcium from the soil.
Movement of calcium within a plant is completely dependent on its ability to absorb sufficient moisture.
If there is insufficient moisture, such as if the soil dries out on a hot day, the supply of calcium to the rapidly developing fruit is disrupted and cells at the base end begin to break down.
This season, relatively mild conditions encouraged many gardeners to reduce watering.
However, if there was insufficient soil moisture at the time when temperatures suddenly climbed into the high 30s, the plants quickly suffered moisture stress, followed soon after by blossom end rot.
Experienced gardeners say the secret of managing BER lies in always keeping the roots of tomato plants moist, by regular watering and mulching.
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New Delbard roses for SA gardens
French roses from the house of Delbard, with their multicoloured petals and painter collections, are now being grown in South Australia.
Brian Wagner has selected two of his favourites as feature roses for this week.
A rose that has it all. Grimaldi with it's bright splashes of salmon and pink petals striped with white, exudes a delicate perfume of lemon and rose.
Masses of loose, double blooms flower prolifically against dark, glossy foliage from November to May, making an impressive display when planted en masse. Height to 100cm.
This rose is from the Delbard "Painter Series", featuring soft, buttery yellow tones with pale raspberry pink stripes, toning to darker pink petals, splashed across semi-double blooms.
Each bloom features a different pattern of colouring.
The camellia-like shaped bush is a vigorous, willowy plant and will suit being espaliered on a pillar, fence or trellis. The fragrance is light, height to 200cm.
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The flavours of home-grown garlic
There is something about the flavours of home-grown garlic that sets it apart from most of the garlic you buy from a shop.
And now, while the ground is still warm is an ideal time to start growing.
All too often planting is left until the end of autumn or early winter, when soil temperatures have dropped considerably.
This results in very slow growth during winter and relatively small bulbs when it comes to harvest early in summer.
Garlic thrives in full sun, grows best in free-draining, fertile soil and, just as importantly, it is very easy to grow.
The top high-performing variety from Living Colour this season is aptly named, Grow Your Own.
This is an easy-to-grow garlic with a range of rich distinctive flavours.
It grows in most climates and when harvested correctly it has a long shelf life.
 Grow Your Own garlic is 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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Coleus provide constant garden colour
Shade-loving plants don’t have to produce flowers to provide great garden colour.
The leaf colour combinations in the latest coleus varieties are quite outstanding.
The leaves are larger, while the bushes (30 to 50 cm x 30 to 40 cm) have more side branches, resulting in a dense canopy of compact foliage.
However, the great thing about coleus colour is its constancy – once the plants are established the leaf colour remains all year round.
The latest varieties have been selected for their ability to form brilliantly in the sun or shade and they adapt well to both garden beds and containers, planted either alone or in mixed combinations.
These are great “wow“plants, with some of the latest varieties including, Coleosaurus, Spiced Curry and Heartbreaker.
Coleus 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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Replenishing the soil
Garden beds that produce vegetables all year round use large quantities of available soil nutrients.
These need to be replenished.
A quality organic fertiliser that contains a balance of nitrogen, phosphorus and potash is ideal, as the nutrients will be released slowly, stimulating winter grown crops to make steady but not over-vigorous growth.
At the same time consider incorporating well aged compost into the topsoil to improve the soil's health and structure.
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Effective control for emerging snails
Keep your seedlings and plants protected from hungry snails with OCP eco-shield organic snail & slug killer.
The pellets will control snails, slugs and slaters and are approved for use in organic gardens.
Simply scatter them around seedlings, veggies and other plants that you want to protect.
As an added bonus the pellets breakdown into nutrients for the soil and plants.
eco-shield is available from hardware stores, nurseries, supermarkets and online »
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Avoid hard pruning trees and shrubs
During autumn the growth on most ornamental garden plants slows, as they begin their natural process of storing energy beneath their bark and buds to achieve bud burst in the following season.
Hard pruning stimulates these plants into producing additional strong growth at the expense of this important energy-building process.
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Try trimming instead
Trimming involves the removal of the growing tips and, at the most, one set of leaves behind the tips.
However, during autumn, if the aim is to maintain the plant's existing shape and size, trimming should be confined to removing the tip growth on vigorous main branches only.
Keep trimming on the side branches and short laterals to a minimum.
This way excessive branch growth is slowed but not overstimulated.
Over vigorous tip removal is likely to stimulate dormant buds on vigorous branches into further new growth at a time when they should be storing energy for the season ahead.
. . . but not spring-flowering ornamentals
Take care not to prune ornamental trees and shrubs that flower in spring, as this will remove their flower buds and significantly reduce their flowering potential in spring.
This is important for spring-flowering deciduous trees, such as flowering cherries, almonds, plums, apricots and apples.
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Not all micro irrigation fittings are equal
There is nothing worse than investing in a water efficient drip irrigation system, to then waste water through leaking or blown off fittings.
Antelco’s range of poly fittings and ratchet clamps are South Australian-made, using only high-quality plastics.
Combine Antelco fittings with its range of ratchet clamps for the ultimate leak-proof seal.
Ratchet clamps are designed with smooth edges to allow for easy assembly by hand.
Visit the Antelco website to find a distributor near you.
More information »
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It's time to prune citrus wasp galls
Newly formed galls (brown cylindrical lumps) caused by the citrus gall wasp are now evident on new season branches of home garden citrus trees.
If you prefer to remove these new galls by pruning, rather than rely on sprays and sticky traps in spring, now is the time for action – not late in winter.
Pruning now will encourage new season branches to grow almost immediately.
But the branches will have time to harden before the tiny wasps begin laying eggs early in spring.
Pruning late in winter will result in soft new growth that is preferred by the wasps when they lay their eggs.
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Lawn care
Stefan Palm, Paul Munns Instant Lawn
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Hurry if you want to control winter grass
Wintergrass is that annoying, light green grass that invariably comes up in your lawn early in winter.
To do nothing in the way of control is not a good idea.
Having spoilt the look of your lawn through winter it flowers and sets huge quantities of seed before dying sometime during spring.
While winter grass is extremely difficult and sometimes impossible to control once it appears in your lawn during winter – it can be controlled very effectively, through the use of what is known as a pre-emergence chemical.
This is a chemical that prevents the winter grass seeds from germinating.
However, the timing of when to apply this chemical is critical.
In this week’s lawn blog turf consultant Stefan Palm explains why this pre-emergence herbicide is so effective.
And for those that received light showers this week – why you will need to act quickly, as time for its application is running out.
More information »
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Leaf colour a good guide to plant health
Leaf colour at this time of the year is a good guide to how garden trees and shrubs coped with the stresses of summer.
Dark green is good. It indicates that nutrient levels in the soil are adequate – particularly nitrogen, the element largely responsible for active growth.
Just as important, it also means your plants have had access to enough soil moisture through summer to encourage the growth of healthy, nutrient-absorbing roots.
Light green is a signal that soil nutrients or moisture (possibly both) are borderline.
Pale green, particularly when combined with the older leaves turning yellow, is a sure sign that your nutrient levels are low.
If there are numerous yellow leaves and they are starting to fall, be warned, soil moisture levels under these plants could be extremely low and need to be “topped up” immediately.
Bigger chrysanthemums blooms
The size of individual blooms on chrysanthemum plants can be increased considerably if the number of buds on each flower head is reduced.
Keep the plants growing vigorously by applying a small quantity of balanced liquid fertiliser.
Check vegetables for winter aphids
Winter vegetables, particularly sprouts, cabbage and broccoli, should be checked for signs of black aphids. Black aphids are hard to displace with water and breed rapidly during autumn.
A thorough spray with pest oil or eco-oil may be needed.
Feeding winter-flowering shrubs
Shrubs that flower in winter and early spring should receive a small dressing of fertiliser as soon as their buds are well formed.
Use a complete fertiliser, using no more than a quarter of a cupful on small bushes and half a cupful around large shrubs.
Make sure it is washed thoroughly into the plant’s root system.
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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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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 »
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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.
Independent consulting climatologist Darren Ray provides his regular three-month weather outlook for home gardeners.
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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
Don’t forget your greens!
Now is a great time to get your patch planted with those lovely winter greens and vegetables to enjoy over our cooler months.
Come and check out our seasonal range 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
Well a good drop of rain is the green light to get into your garden and start planting.
The garden centre is awash with beautiful autumn stock that will carry their beauty into the cooler weather.
Anyone who has ever been here knows the quality of greenlife and pet products we stock. So pop on in to our awesome 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
Looking fabulous in store this week are bougainvillea, chrysanthemum, the ‘Big’ series of geraniums, fabulous natives, advanced crepe myrtles and, if you’re quick, two stunning advanced wisteria.
Open 7 Days. 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.
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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