As we head towards the end of the year and enjoy some warmer weather (albeit somewhat delayed this year), now is a great time to start harvesting your garden!
- Seeds such as sweetcorn, spinach, lettuce, radish, swedes, parsnip, beetroot and beans are still able to be planted into the soil! Remember to do so every two weeks for continuous harvesting
- Tasty seedlings of gherkin, cucumber, melon, capsicum, courgette, pumpkin, tomato, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli and lettuce can be planted in preparation for family meals
- All seedlings and plants will go through massive growth in December, so be sure to continue watering, weeding, feeding, and protecting
- Use a copper oxychloride spray to protect cucumbers and courgettes from powdery mildew
- Fast-acting liquid feed should be used on tomatoes at least once a week to promote growth. Also, ensure they are firmly staked and remove laterals as they grow
- To prepare fruit trees for bumper crops, be sure to feed them well and water them to prevent fruit from falling
- To conserve soil moisture around vegetable plants, apply a layer of compost around the base of the plant
- To see what to plant and when in your area, you can download this handy planting calendar. Download this handy planting calendar to see what to plant in your area, and when.
- Summer stunners such as zinnia, salpiglossis, rudbeckia, cyclamen, cosmos and ageratum can now be planted. While seedlings of salvia, portulaca, gypsophila, dianthus and chrysanthemum can be sown into the soil
- If November was a busy month for you, perennials and roses can still be planted in time for Christmas displays. Ensure they are well watered
- Once the leaves have completely died down on spring-flowering bulbs, lift them out to store in a cool, dry place
- Remember to fertilise and spray plants with a pest and disease control for a healthy display
- Lastly, early mornings or evening is the ideal time to water plants to avoid drying out quickly in the wind or scorching sun
- Encourage new blooms growth by removing all dead flowers from roses
- Fertilise and retain moisture levels by placing mulch around the base of the rose bush.
- Lastly, be sure to spray your new rose bush with a pest and fungus repellent!
- Flowering annuals such as phlox, marigolds, petunias or impatiens are great for filling pots. These will create a bright display in time for Christmas
- As the days get warmer, be sure to keep watering all plants
- Consider installing an in-ground water system with a digital timer to save water and time
- If you are unable to water your plants while on holiday, consider water storage crystals to retain moisture and keep your plants thriving
- If your lawn is looking a little dull, apply lawn fertiliser before it is due to rain, or simply use a sprinkler!
- You should also not cut your lawn to short while in a dry climate!
December is a busy month for preparing your summer displays and edibles! Do not forget small jobs and remember to maintain existing plants and trees.
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