Patchy season but tomato results pleasing
It’s been a better than average tomato growing season – but not without problems.
Cooler than average temperatures and extended periods of cloud through spring and summer had a major influence on crop growth, particularly fruit ripening.
Despite the unseasonal weather, 67% of gardeners taking part to this year’s Good Gardening / ABC TalkBack Gardening tomato survey, recorded an excellent or good season.
This is lower than last season’s record 72% rating and much higher than the long-term 55% average or the disastrous 31% rating in 2019.
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| Overall rating |
2023 |
2022 |
2021 |
2019 |
| Excellent |
27 % |
34 % |
23 % |
11 % |
| Good |
38 |
32 |
21 |
20 |
| Disappointing |
13 |
18 |
25 |
28 |
| Poor |
10 |
17 |
17 |
41 |
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Most crops slow to ripen
Cool conditions throughout the tomato growing season seriously effected crop performance with 87% of all respondents listing slow crop ripening as their biggest problem.
Small fruit, poor fruit set and poor fruit flowering also effected crop performance. .
Again largely because of seasonal conditions, particularly lack of sunshine, fungal diseases took their toll (45% of respondents) with blossom end rot (a nutritional disorder) listed by almost 19%
Insect pests problems were relatively low with white fly causing the greatest problem (20%).
The absence of heatwave conditions over summer resulted in a much lower rating for heat damage compared with previous years.
Just over 30% rated high temperatures as either severe or moderate a severe problem.
Cherry tomatoes or traditional varieties?
Opinion is again divided over South Australia’s most popular tomato variety.
This season cherry tomatoes toped the poll over traditional varieties – but only just.
In preliminary results published two weeks ago, traditional varieties were out polling cherry tomatoes. However, after tallying 1,162 responses cherries are back on top with an 87% rating compared with 83% for traditional varieties.
Top cherry varieties: Tommy Toe 36%, Black Cherry 7%, Others – listed as cherry 42%.
Traditional varieties: Mighty Red 31%, Roma 25%, Grosse Lisse 19%, Apollo 8%.
Planting time is important
Gardeners establishing their plants during late October and early November produced the best crops.
This is 3 to 4 weeks later than the traditional planting time of late September.
While 80% of those producing excellent or good (top) crops planted their crops pre-Christmas, a further 19% grew a second crop after Christmas.
Most of the second crop was planted out during early January.
Both early and late plantings received a 58% satisfaction rating.
Location, location
Open garden beds remain the location of choice for growing tomatoes.
Open beds 48%, raised beds 44%, containers 13%, wicking beds 8%.
Shading
Despite cool and often cloudy weather, 62% of those responding protected their crops using some form of shading..
Those producing top crops rated the effectiveness of shading at 66%.
For those producing disappointing crops the rating was 54%.
Watering
Hand watering continues to be the main method of watering (Top crops 48%, disappointing crops 56%).
A further 35% of all crops were watered by micro irrigation. These figures are similar to last year's ratings.
Crop nutrition
This season saw a significant change in the way gardeners are feeding their crops.
Just over 50% of all growers are now using liquid organic fertiliser.
This is a 20% increase on last year.
Ratings for applying fertilisers after crop establishment include – organic liquids 50%, organic pellets 20%, both organic and chemical products 16%, chemical products only 5%.
The use of compost before planting is now an entrenched element.
Ratings include: Top crops 91%, disappointing crops 88%.
Mulching
Mulching is also considered to be an essential element needed to produce a successful crop.
Both top and disappointing crops received an 81% rating – similar to last year.
Straw was by far the most widely used form of mulch (70%).
However, it is interesting to note that those producing the best crops also applied the thickest layer of mulch.
(3 to 4 cm layer: top crops 72%, disappointing crops 56%),
Soil stimulants
The use of seaweed based soil stimulants is now widely used by most gardeners (70% yes – 30% no).
On the other hand the benefits of using a soil wetting agent product needs greater promotion with only 20% indicating yes to their use.
Many thanks to the 1,162 gardeners who took part in this year's season survey.
Information provided will be widely used in preparing information for use in the Good Gardening newsletter and for ABC TalkBack Gardening.
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Soil temperatures
Provided by Living Turf, national turf specialists.
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Yesterday's readings °C
(Last week’s in brackets) |
| Soil depth |
10 cm |
20 cm |
| Gawler |
16.6 (17.5) |
16.9 (17.5) |
| Walkerville |
16.4(17.1) |
16.3 (16.8) |
| Glenelg |
16.3(16.9) |
16.5 (16.9) |
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Cirtus leaf miner damage
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Solving the leaf curl problem on citrus
Trees with distorted leaves that curl at the edge and have very thin, silvery lines running through them are under attack from citrus leaf miner.
This is the juvenile or larval stage of a very small night flying moth.
The moth prefers to lay eggs on fresh new leaves that appear through late summer and autumn, particularly when the trees have been overstimulated with nitrogen fertiliser.
While the visual effect is often worse than the damage they cause, particularly on mature trees, the foliage on small trees along with serious infestations should be protected.
- Remove and destroy as many damaged leaves as possible to prevent further breeding.
- Spray the leaves that remain with horticultural oil (Pest Oil, eco-oil). These oils are very effective in discouraging further egg laying by remaining moths
Leaf curl damage caused by citrus leaf miner should not be confused with the leaf curl on stone fruits, caused by a fungus.
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Moth laying citrus leaf miner eggs
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Millipedes are being controlled naturally
Millipedes don’t cause damage in the garden but they look revolting and can cause problems if they come inside.
They move towards the house because they are attracted by light and come inside to keep dry.
Fortunately, these unpopular critters are being attacked by millipede eating nematodes, that live inside the millipedes.
This nematode is spreading slowly across the suburbs and hills inside live millipedes) as they migrate from one location the another.
However, you can speed up the nematodes spread by collecting 30 to 50 millipedes from a friend’s garden where there have been large numbers in the past, but they have all but disappeared – thanks to the nematodes.
The insects you collect are sure to be infected with nematodes. If you spread them around your garden, they will be eaten by healthy millepedes. Soon after they will die.
It may take a season or two, but once nematode-infected millipedes are established in your garden your annual invasion will disappear.
. . . but no bio-control for slugs and snails
Slugs and snails have few natural enemies and so home garden biological control is not an option.
With the return to mild wet weather both pests will start to breed and before long their numbers are likely to explode.
An effective control strategy is needed to reduce the population before breeding occurs.
Bating is effective and there are now organic products on the market such as eco-shield and Multi Guard, that offer good control without being harmful to pets.
These products are based on an iron EDTA complex. They are particularly effective against slugs.
Sunshine the key to sweet pea success
My grandma grew great sweet peas, highly perfumed blooms trailing over a tall trellis with long pendulous stems that were somehow replaced as fast as we could pick them.
The plants were bathed in full sun all day and, where sweet peas are concerned, sunlight and flower power are synonymous.
Some sweet peas lovers erect a trellis in the middle of their backyard with the framework running north and south to ensure sunlight on both sides of the bushes.
However, sweet peas will grow just as well on the sunny side of a fence, garage, or pergola.
The trellis (or support wires) should be at least two metres tall and made of something that will allow the sweet pea tendrils to hold on.
Ideally, the trellis should be erected before the seeds are sown.
When the plants are around 30 cm tall, remove the tip growth to encourage side branches to form.
You may have to assist the early branches to take hold of the trellis with a little tying.
A liquid blossom booster fertiliser applied fortnightly once the first buds begin to form will repay you with an endless supply of flowers.
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Lilly pilly shrubs with pimple-free leaves
At last, it is possible to buy attractive lilly pilly (syzygium) shrubs with leaves that don’t distort or develop unsightly pimples.
These pimples are caused by very small sap-sucking insects called psyllids. 
In their juvenile form, they burrow into the underside of lilly pilly leaves to feed on sap.
The leaves become distorted and look unsightly for many weeks, before falling to the ground.
Yet lilly pillies are deservedly one of the most popular shrubs grown in South Australia, as they provide:
- Very attractive glossy green leaves
- A flexible but dense canopy that lends itself to clipping, hedging or producing topiary shapes
- Varieties with a range of sizes, the tallest making ideal screening plants, while the smallest adapt well to container growing.
Three top attractive, psyllid-resistant varieties:
- Syzygium ‘Winter Lights’
Top rated for appearance with the leaves colouring early and often, producing a range of bright red and burgundy tones. The trees grow 3-5 metres tall by 1.5 m wide and hold their pyramid shape well. Ideal as a feature plant or formal hedge. White flowers are followed by bird attracting purple berries.
- Syzygium ‘Resilience’
An excellent medium to tall syzygium (3-5 metres) but easily kept to a lower height. Resilience produces a dense canopy of glossy bright green leaves with the new tip growth appearing regularly flushed in coppery pink. Expect fluffy white flowers in summer followed by bird attracting red berries in autumn. Quick growing, ideal as a screening plant or for topiary work.
- Syzygium ‘Backyard Bliss’
Tallest of the three new psyllid resistant varieties. Fast growing with a dense canopy. This makes it ideal for growing as a tall screening hedge between properties or around pools or courtyards. Large glossy green leaves with regular flushes of bronze tip growth. Very easy to maintain with a little light pruning. Reasonable frost tolerance once established.
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Cineraria
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Why cineraria are so popular
Cineraria are popular cool season colour plants now available in a range of vibrant shades including blue, pink and mixed.
The plants are mound-forming with large attractive leaves and are covered with masses of flowers during their blooming season.
Cineraria flower from autumn to spring and will certainly add colour to your garden.
The plants grow best in filtered sunlight or partial shade and resent full sun.
However, if you would like to grow them as short- lived indoor plants, they will need bright but filtered sunlight.
Cineraria like a rich, moist, slightly acidic soil that has good drainage. Amendments such as peat moss and coffee grounds can help create good soil conditions.
After planting the soil needs to remain moist by watering frequently at the base of the plants.
Check regularly that it feels moist but not soggy. Keep in mind their roots still need to breathe.
Stimulate the plants weekly with a diluted liquid seaweed product and apply a slow-release general purpose fertiliser.
Cineraria gown by Easy Colour are available in a range of bright colours. Look for them in Easy Colour's distinctive purple cell packs.
Cineraria 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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Bee's Paradise are roses with a difference
Bee's Paradise roses belong to a collection of new-age patio and landscaping roses with special appeal to nature lovers.
These roses are low growing, low maintenance and very hardy.
The bushes produce compact, dense growth that makes them ideal for gardens either large or small or in any landscape situation.
Bee's Paradise will flower almost continuously throughout the growing season. The flowers have bright golden stamens that attract bees to your garden as well as creating an attractive display. Deadheading is not essential
The bushes have excellent resistance to mildew and good resistance to other fungal diseases.
These roses are now available in four striking colours, red, pink, white and a salmon pink-yellow bicolour.
Given the volume of flowers they produce and long flowering season, Bee's Paradise make a valuable contribution to bee survival.
More information »
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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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Euphorbia Diamond Dazzler
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A dazzling, year-round display
Diamond Dazzler (a euphorbia hybrid) is one of those rare colour plants that is happy to flower all year round.
The flowers are pure white, fully double, and completely smother the plant's canopy.
Diamond Dazzler is also very compact (25 x 25 cm), making it very suitable for growing in all kinds of containers as well using as a feature or edging plant in the garden.
This is a very hardy, easy-care plant that thrives in full sun and performs well in semi-shade.
Tolerance to drought is excellent but it will need protection from heavy frosts.
This is a great plant if you are new to gardening or time for plant care is limited.
 Diamond Dazzlers 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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Passionfruit without any pulp
It’s the time of the year when problems with passionfruit vines seem to appear, particularly problems with vines that flower and set fruit but have little pulp inside.
Passionfruit develop a very extensive root system that is very close to the surface.
If this is allowed to become dry as the fruit matures its ability to produce pulp can be compromised. However, lack of pulp may also indicate the vine is being affected by a virus.
Consider mulching the plant and follow this with a deep watering. Repeat this action early next growing season.
If the vine continues to produce fruit without pulp it has a virus and should be removed.
How about an early crop of broad beans?
If you enjoy eating broad beans consider establishing a small planting over the next few weeks.
Broad beans are best grown from seed. These germinate and grow quickly and should be producing edible pods through June and July.
Select dwarf varieties, as they are less likely to blow over in the wind.
Keep in mind early-sown crops produce very large plants and should be sown at least 20 cm apart.
Close planting is likely to restrict access to bees when the plants are flowering.
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Improving garden soils over winter
The condition of your garden soil next spring can be improved quite dramatically by using organic materials.
Composted soil improvers are available from most landscape supply yards.
These are made from a range of materials, including pine bark, mushroom compost, stable and farmyard manures.
But make sure they have been composted.
Mushroom compost is often available but the pH should be checked carefully before you buy, as the material can be very alkaline and this may only increase your problems if your soil already has a high pH.
Animal manures, particularly horse and cow manures along with organic materials that have been composted, make ideal soil improvers.
Providing they are well aged or fully composted, they can be dug into the topsoil and you can begin planting in 3-4 weeks.
Organic materials including animal manures, soggy leaves and chopped straw that have not been composted can still be added to the soil.
However, wait for at least six weeks before establishing plants as the natural breakdown of the organic material in the soil is likely to produce side effects that can harm your plants.
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Lawn care
Stefan Palm, Paul Munns Instant Lawn
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How effective is your lawn fertiliser?
Most gardeners fertilise their lawn in autumn and as a result the lawn grasses grow faster and turn a darker shade of green.
But there are times when the lawn grasses fail to respond.
In this week’s lawn blog turf consultant Stefan Palm comments on how lawn grasses react when they are fertilised and suggests it may not be the fertiliser causing problem when the grasses fail to respond.
Stefan then looks at some of these reasons, including the pH of your soil, non-wetting soils and insect damage.
More information »
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Don’t prune spring flowering ornamentals
Take care not to autumn 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 particularly important for popular spring flowering deciduous trees, such as flowering cherries, almonds, plums, apricots and apples.
Tidy up perennials
Old flowering stems from perennial plants should be cut back to ground level.
The list includes phlox, asters and other daisies and cannas. Large clumps can be dug and divided.
Remove spent vegetable plants
Old vegetable bushes should be removed as soon as their crops have been harvested, as they can help carry disease and insects from one season to the next.
Diseased plants should be placed in the rubbish bin rather than composted.
Tomatoes need picking
Fruit left on the vine at this time of the year can lack flavour.
Try picking the fruit as it starts to colour and leaving it in a dark cupboard. This improves the flavour and hastens the ripening process.
Water-repellent potting mix
Towards the end of the growing season the potting mix in many plant containers becomes water repellent.
Instead of moisture diffusing quickly into the topsoil and then soaking around the plan'ts root system, it runs over the surface and down the outside of the root ball.
This problem is usually caused when the top few centimetres of potting mix is allowed to dry out completely in between watering
Symptoms of water repellent potting mix include:
- loss of plant vigour
- plants wilting during warm weather
- Large quantities of water escaping through the container’s drainage holes.
The problem of water-repellent soils is easily solved using a soil wetter. (Liquid or granular) these are readily available from garden centres.
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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 22 & 23
Festival of Flowers
Angle Park Greyhound Park. More information »
Sunday, April 23
Plant sale – Friends of the Botanic Gardens
10.30 am - 2.30 pm, Mt.Lofty Botanic Garden, Chris Steele-Scott Pavilion, just south of the Lower Car Park off Lampert Road, Piccadilly.
List of plants available »
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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.
Results from the 2023 Good Gardening / ABC Talkback Gardening tomato survey with expert advice from vegetable agronomist Domenic Cavellaro.
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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
Camellias have landed at Heyne’s and we have a fabulous range of sasanqua and japonica varieties.
Camellias are an easy-to-grow and exceptional choice for some gorgeous colour over the cooler months.
With a stunning range of shades and forms sometimes it’s hard to pick just one!
Come and see our selection 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
Mother's Day is around the corner and we are bursting at the seams with beautiful and practical gifts.
We gift wrap for free and will be chockas with beautifully-wrapped cyclamen, spaths and anthuriums. So if you want something special for Mum, come on down to Semaphore and see the crew.
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
Grab them while you can – beautiful Post Office Farm Hellebores have arrived.
If you are familiar with Post Office Farm in the Macedon Ranges, you will know how special these hellebores are. Quite simply, they are divine.
Lovely range available in singles and doubles. 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, 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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