The Serenity Prayer
Spring 2022 At your local - In season plants - Flowers, indoor foliage - Natives - Veggies Luring lithops Beautiful bougainvilleas Super berries
TM
Issue 102
4 8 9 10 11 12
On the table - recipes Blueberry pancakes Mixed berry clafoutis Strawberry chicken salad
14 14 15
Grand grevilleas Fast veggies Seedling success
16 18 19
About spring - Flowers
20
- Hibiscus, daisies, phacelias
- Edibles
22
- Tomatoes, peas, citrus care
- Dirt Doctor
24
- Top dressing lawns
- Climatic zones
26
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next. Amen. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths. Proverbs 3, 5-6
Let nothing disturb thee. Let nothing affright thee Who has God. Wants for nothing. All things pass God alone suffices. God never changes. (St Teresa of Jesus) Patience gains all.
Front cover image: Calibrachoa ‘Tropical Sunrise’ - Aussie Winners
Managing Director: Conway Searle Contributors: Ashley Searle, Jillian Coomb, Kim Syrus, Diggers. Magazine Manager: Alana Searle Design & Layout: Alana Searle ATG Group Co-ordinator & Advertising: Jason Searle About the Garden is published seasonally by About the Garden Pty. Ltd. ABN 21 076 919 992 • 4914 D’Aguilar Highway, Kilcoy or P.O. Box 70, Kilcoy Qld. 4515 Ph: (07) 5422 3090 atg@aboutthegarden.com.au The material appearing in About the Garden is subject to copyright. Other than as permitted by the Copyright Act, no part of this magazine may be reproduced without the permission of the publishers. No responsibility is accepted by About the Garden Pty. Ltd. for the accuracy of information contained in the text, illustrations or advertisements. Although believed to be accurately and correctly sourced, thereof disclaims any liability against itself, editor/s or employees arising from any person acting on the material herein. The opinions expressed in the magazine, or by contributors, do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. ©Copyright 2022 About the Garden Pty. Ltd.
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OVER 10 MAIN ORGANIC INGREDIENTS LONG LASTING PLANT NUTRITION BUILDS HEALTHIER & BETTER SOILS
see what’s new at your local gardening outlet
‘The Prince’
SIZE
40cmH 60cmW
SIZE
ffles’
u ‘Vanillaberry R
50cmH 60cmW
‘Bubbleberry Ruffles’
SIZE
50cmH 80cmW
New from the Lavinnova breeding program, are three neat, compact lavender varieties delivering high colour impact with dense flowering all spring long and beyond. A fine plant for patio containers and feature planting, borders, rockeries in a sunny position where you want colour volume with no fuss. Of particular interest, is the striking pastel-cream bracts of the ‘Vanillaberry Ruffles’ which reminds us of icing on a vanilla cake. Yum! LOVES POTS
FULL SUN
With low water needs, they do like a soak during dry spells. Remove spent flower heads to encourage repeat flowering. Fertilise with Searles Flourish Soluble Plant Food to encourage even more flowers. Lavenders on this page courtesy of www.pma.com.au
page 04 | About the garden magazine
SIZE
50cmH 50cmW
LOVES POTS
LOVES POTS
FULL SUN
They do best in full sun. Allow the top of the soil to dry before watering again. If your plant wilts even though the soil is still moist you very likely have a root rot problem through excess watering or maybe a poor choice of plant from the store. Throughout flowering season, boost better blooms by applying liquid fertiliser, Searles Flourish Soluble Plant Food fortnightly.
Image and info courtesy of www.pma.com.au
New to the Superbell range is another great bi-colour ‘Tropical Sunrise’. As the name suggests your garden will be awash with colours of a sunrise. Superbells low spreading habit and continuous flowering from spring right through to autumn, make them an outstanding colour choice for your courtyard, pots, hanging baskets and gardens with minimum of fuss.
About the garden magazine | page 05
Loves
warmer climates SIZE
40cmH 30cmW
Introducing Zepeti® (Var. Meibenbino), a true innovation in the world of roses. What sets Zepeti® apart from other roses is its unique form, stunning health, incredible flowering capacity, low maintenance and amazing versatility. Masses of attractive fire engine blooms are continuously produced over each plant for 9 to 12 months depending on the climate – the more sub-tropical the longer the flowering. Forget the traditional rose tag, Zepeti® flourishes in a broad range of climatic conditions be it humid, heat or frost thanks to its inherent vigour and disease resistance. Few roses can boast Zepeti®’s ability to perform in practically every climate zone in Australia. This exciting and eye-catching plant is the missing link between the rose and hedging categories. Growing
to only 40cm high and 30cm wide, Zepeti®’s compact upright habit is more Buxus than rose. Add to that a thicket of small, dark glossy foliage from the ground up and you have the perfect canvas to add a splash of spectacular colour. Balconies, decks and patios are perfect for a potted Zepeti® helping add a beacon of colour and beauty. You can also bring that pot indoors for up to a fortnight and enjoy the blooms. There’s little to do apart from the odd feed, deep water and mechanical trim annually – most times you will be cutting off booms in winter. www.zepeti.com.au
SIZE
1mH 1mW
CUT FLOWERS
Hypoestes aristata is a true perennial and quite tolerant of dry periods between seasons. ‘Blue Cloud’ flowers regularly throughout late autumn right to early spring. ‘Blue Cloud’ has a canopy that trails on the ground and creates lush garden bed features. Excellent as cut flowers for interior displays. Plant in a sunny to semi shaded area in most soil types, benefits from mulching and watering from time to time. Prune lightly to keep their shape and encourage new growth. The plant can tolerate a harder pruning after flowering for reshaping. Breeders have not seen any problems with pests or foliage diseases. page 06 | About the garden magazine
SIZE
1.5mH 1.5mW
CUT FLOWERS
PART SHADE
LOVES POTS
The ‘Tea Time’ Hydrangea collection features large flowering heads on a compact well branched plant, reaching a maximum height of 1.5m. Their neat form and range of vibrant colours available makes them a great choice for patio pots, indoor colour and cut flowers during late spring and summer periods. Position in a part shade position, sheltered away from hot afternoon sun, to add strong colour to the area. Plant up in a well drained acidic soil, Azalea, Camellia & Gardenia Specialty Mix for pots or in garden beds. New growth appears as large fibrous leaves in early spring, so feed fast growth with a liquid feed every fortnight with Searles Flourish Azalea & Camellia Soluble Plant Food. Blue Bi-Colour
Prune back after flowering has finished in autumn to keep its shape.
For year-round colour interest, Hebe ‘Chocolate Box Strawberry Truffle’s' glossy black leaves that deepen in the cooler months makes for a high-impact pot display and can be used as a unique mixed border feature in the garden and mass plantings. The pink flowers are just as interesting as the foliage.
LOVES POTS
FULL SUN
Selected for disease resistance and robust garden performance, this is a compact rounded plant that will suit gardens in a wide range of climates. Tough and easy-care plant, drought and wind tolerant once established are all features of this sun loving Hebe.
SIZE
60cmH 80cmW
Water requirements are medium once established. Clip to shape as a hedge or ball for formal gardens. Plant in Searles Premium Potting Mix for pots or in an enriched soil mix in the garden. Tidy after flowering by removing old flower heads. For best results, feed in late autumn and spring with Searles Recharge Ultimate Fertiliser. Image and info courtesy of www.pma.com.au
A handsome, strappy foliage plant with striking cherry red leaf bases and graceful flower stems that catch the eye. Deep blue flowers add a zingy contrast in late spring and summer. SIZE
75cmH 75cmW
It’s a multi-purpose plant, eye-catching in containers or planted as borders along driveways or garden beds and pathway edges and mass planted in large garden beds for strong statement effect.
If you’re looking for the best screening and hedging plant, you should check out Leptospermum Starry Night. The shiny black-purple foliage on its own would be enough to delight, however when in full flower and spangled all over with starry white flowers, it’s a knockout.
A donation to Free The Bears Fund Inc is made from every one of these lovely plants sold, so not only will you ‘feel good’, you are actually ‘doing good’ when you plant this one. A native groundcover with cats-claw shaped flowers in shades of pink and small grey leaves.
Easy to grow, it’s happy in full sun or light shade and will grow to two metres high and 1.5 wide or you can trim it to whatever size you require.
Flowering from autumn to summer, it flourishes in full sun and well drained soils, especially by the coast. Grow as a hedge to screen out the neighbours, utilities Bird attracting too. area or for beauty alone planted along a path or garden bed where you’ll enjoy its weepy tendrils of new foliage.
SIZE
30cmH 40cmW
If you want to fill a flower bed or large planter with an eye-catching pop of colour, wave petunias are the plants to get! Seven colours in the range and Wave® Pink Cosmos is a stunning colour that provides a mound of big, pink coloured blooms up to 7cm across all season long. Wave® Petunias will fill your containers, baskets, window boxes and landscapes fast and full!
SIZE
40cmH 75cmW
Petunia ‘Cherry Banana’ features blooms that have cherry hearts surrounded by a yellow star. A mounded, early flowering petunia displays masses of blooms from spring through to early autumn. Petunia ‘Cherry Banana’ is ideal in hanging baskets, containers and garden beds showing off it’s eyecatching colour.
About the garden magazine | page 09
The popularity of bougainvilleas in Australian gardens comes as little surprise. These hardy climbers will bring dazzling colour via their ‘bracts’ to your garden throughout the year, even in the face of severe neglect or drought. Bougainvilleas are also versatile. Traditionally a climber, bougainvilleas can be trained to behave like shrubs, trees – even hedges. Bougainvilleas also make spectacular hanging basket and pot displays. Bougainvilleas are available in all the warmer shades of the spectrum like red, pink, orange, white, gold, yellow and warm purple. It is their ‘bracts’ that display all the colour and the tiny white flowers inside pale in comparison. There are also varieties with variegated foliage, so carefully choose your bougainvilleas to suit the look and colour scheme that you want. Bambino bougs are a collection of new bougainvillea selected for their smaller growth habit and superior flowering. Bambino® Bougs come in a range of vibrant colours and varieties suitable for enhancing pot plants, courtyards, patios, balconies, hanging baskets and mass planting. A rewarding low maintenance plant for a well drained soil in a sunny position. ®
Bougainvillea shrubs in the garden
It is easy to train a bougainvillea to become a shrub and they are very forgiving of the beginner with the page 10 | About the garden magazine
pruning shears. Make a mistake and they will quickly recover enough to give you a second chance. Dig 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser into the soil before planting and fertilise with Searles Hibiscus & Bougainvillea Food for best results. Prune off runaway branches as it grows, so that the bush maintains a compact, round shape. Once the bush stands between 100 and 150cm tall, prune off the branches on the lower 50cm of the bush. Cut right up against the trunk. This should achieve a pleasing, ‘lolly-pop’ shape. Continue to prune when needed. To make the most of flowering, stop pruning when flowers start to appear and begin again when flowering has finished. To boost flowering, fertilise fortnightly with Searles Flourish Soluble Plant Food.
Bougainvilleas in hanging baskets
Choose bougainvilleas that are not too advanced for growing in hanging baskets — Bambino® varieties are ideal. Use large hanging baskets at least 50cm wide, as smaller baskets will dry out too quickly in hot weather. Use a high quality potting mix such as Searles Platinum Potting Mix and make sure the original soil level of the pot does not fall below the new soil level in the basket, once planted. Once your bougainvillea hanging baskets are watered they will become quite heavy, so pot them up and hang them before applying water. Hang the basket in full sun and rotate the basket every two or three weeks for even growth.
Have you seen these hoofed-like succulents in gardening outlets recently? Lithops will reward you with intriguing bright patterns and textures on unusually formed leaves and are well suited for potted succulent displays indoors and on patios, terrariums and desert gardens with low rainfall. Daisy style flowers appear during the main growing period in spring. Originally from African regions where the climate is dry and receives very low rainfall, Lithops like an exposed position in the sun, protected from rain and frost. Get the right watering and sun position and these cuties will live a successful life. Lithops like their soil open and very well drained, so plant in Searles Cacti & Succulent Mix to get the benefits of both of these attributes.
Lithops need direct sun or very bright indirect light daily. If grown indoors, position plant close to sunny windows to catch the light. Now watering is pertinent to give Lithops plump, fat and tight leaves. Lithops growth is dormant during winter and in their traditional climate receive minimal rainfall during this period, so water sporadically. In areas where rains come in the winter, keep Lithops in pots away from the wet. When the weather warms and new leaves emerge in spring, recommence watering once a week. Check regularly for soggy soil, they dislike moist soil and will die easily. Shrivelling of the leaves may indicate it is time to water.
Bougainvillea as espaliers
Espaliering a plant means to flatten the branches against a lattice or wall, in a formal pattern. During the 17th Century this was a popular feature in gardens and has made a revival over the past few decades. Fruit trees are often used for espaliers, but bougainvillea’s long branching habit create marvellous displays. Bougainvillea are easy to manipulate the branches when they are young, to make a stunning feature on a hot wall or the western side of the garden. First start with careful selection of location and within a few years you can be attacking it with hedge shears and it still will come back strong and gorgeous.
Watering bougainvillea
Bougainvilleas planted in the ground flower better when not watered often. Increase watering slightly for potted specimens as the soil can dry out quicker.
Pruning bougainvillea
Flower terminals grow on the end of new shoots. For better flowering tip prune regularly to keep their shape and promote new terminal growth.
About the garden magazine | page 11
Producing its pretty white or pale pink flowers from late winter and familiar red berries, which curiously bear their seeds on the outside, strawberries will crop throughout spring and summer with many varieties continuing through autumn.
Buying strawberry plants
When buying a strawberry plant, consider its cropping season, because they’re not all the same. Some crop predominantly in the spring, others continue through summer and into autumn. Planting a range of varieties can greatly extend your harvest.
Planting strawberries
Everywhere outside the tropics, new strawberry plants can be planted in late winter/early spring. (Tropical gardeners might prefer to put them in earlier to give them the longest growing season. Strawberries need full sun and love a well-drained, slightly acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the soil, add plenty of 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser to the soil before planting and dig it in thoroughly. They will mound and spread as they grow, so give them space. As a guide, rows of strawberries should be planted about 75cm apart with 30cm between plants. (Overcrowding them can result in a reduced crop, so don’t be greedy by planting too many!) page 12 | About the garden magazine
Strawberries in pots
Strawberries grow beautifully in hanging baskets, pots, strawberry planters or wine barrels and look gorgeous on a sunny deck or verandah. This also benefits the fruit, as the fruit spills over the edges making them easy to reach and protects the fruit from the soil. Growing them in pots is also a great solution if space is limited or you have poor soil. Grow in Searles Platinum Potting Mix for easy results.
Fertilising strawberries
Straight after planting, give strawberries a good watering and feed them with a half-strength application of SeaMax Fish & Kelp. To produce the amount of fruit required for a healthy crop, feed them as you would a hungry teen boy – often. Continue feeding every two weeks with a potassium rich instant fertiliser such as Searles Flourish Fruit & Citrus Soluble Plant Food throughout the growing season for a bumper crop.
Watering strawberries
Strawberries are shallow-rooted, so mulch them well and keep them well-watered — especially in very hot or dry weather. Strawberries in pots need to be watered more frequently — once every day in normal conditions. Laying straw around the base of each plant will help control weeds, keep the moisture in and roots from overheating in the sun. It can also stop the fruit coming in contact with the soil, which can rot them.
Due to the height blueberries bushes grow, approx. 2m high, they are ideal for sunny spots in small gardens and container planting. Like azaleas, blueberry bushes are members of the Ericaceae family and flourish well in slightly acidic and well draining soil. If planting into the ground, mix Searles Azalea, Camellia & Gardenia Specialty Mix into the soil. This mix can also be used for planting in pots. Blueberry bushes have shallow roots with fine, fibrous, surface feeding roots, so after planting, add a top layer of mulch over the soil to protect them from extremes of weather. Plant blueberries preferably between late autumn and spring to give time for the plant to establish it’s root system before the onset of flowering in spring. Generally, potted blueberries are available in garden centres all year round.
Propagating strawberries
Strawberries can be easy to propagate as they often grow runners. To create new plants, peg the runners down — still attached to the parent plant — until new roots form, then snip them off and plant them in a new location. (If you don’t want more plants, remove the runners immediately to give the parent plant more energy for fruiting.)
Strawberry plant care
It is recommended that strawberry plants be removed, thinned and the runners replanted every few years to ensure good crops and avoid overcrowding. Birds love strawberries as much as we do, so protect them with netting or place wire cages over your plants to protect your crop.
Warm climate strawberries These super sweet and tasty varieties are for the warm climate grower ‘Lowanna’, ‘Redlands Joy’, ‘Ruby Gem’ & ‘Sugar Baby’.
month or two later the flowers wither and the fruit appears. As a general rule, blueberry bushes flower earlier in Queensland and Northern NSW compared to their southern states. Harvest fruit when it turns to a deep dark blue colour and the fruit easily comes off the tree with a light twist with the hand. To have a healthy supply of berries for many months, plant a few different varieties, similar to growing strawberries. Prune any dead branches and unproductive shoots to encourage fresh new growth. A light tip prune will also be beneficial. Fertilise the plant before and during flowering with Searles Fruit & Citrus Food to encourage more fruit.
Blueberries love warm days and cool nights. Depending on where you live in Australia white belled shaped flowers start appearing on the bush in spring. Then a
About the garden magazine | page 13
simple recipes made from garden kitchen produce
Ingredients
This classic french dessert will wow your dinner guests with a minimum of cooking preparation. page 14 | About the garden magazine
1 egg 1/4 cup plain flour 1/4 cup milk 1 1/2 tablespoon caster sugar 1 teaspoon melted butter 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup frozen or fresh mixed berries 1/2 teaspoon icing sugar, to serve
Prepare
Preheat oven to 180°C. Lightly oil a 20cm diametre shallow baking dish. Whisk egg and flour in a small bowl until combined. Whisk in milk, caster sugar, butter and vanilla extract. Pour into dish. Top with berries. Bake 30 minutes or until mixture is puffed and golden. Add more fresh berries and dust with icing sugar to serve.
We think the picture says it all. Let yourself enjoy the fruits of your labour.
Ingredients 3/4
cup milk 2 tablespoons white vinegar 1 cup flour 2 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2
teaspoon salt 1 egg, whisked 2 tablespoons melted butter 1 1/2 cup fresh blueberries more butter for the pan
Prepare
Mix the milk and vinegar and let it sit for a minute or two to create buttermilk. Whisk the dry ingredients together. Add milk mixture, whisked egg and butter with the dry ingredients until just combined. Melt a little butter in the pan over medium heat. Pour about 1/3 cup of batter into the pan and spread it so it is still thick. Scatter a handful of blueberries on top. Flip when little bubbles appear on the top and the edges start to firm. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the pancakes are sky-high fluffy and cooked through.
Serve
Serve with butter, maple syrup and a sprinkle of more blueberries.
Throw out the rule book and sweeten up your salads with some freshly sliced strawberries.
Ingredients
2 chicken breast fillets
Baby spinach Strawberries, sliced Balsamic vinaigrette dressing Smooth feta 1/3 olive oil 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar Pecans, or nut of your choice 1 teaspoon maple syrup 1 clove garlic, finely minced salt & pepper to taste
Prepare
Chargrill chicken fillets in a pan. Slice once rested. Combine all balsamic vinaigrette ingredients in a small bowl.
Serve
Add chicken to a plate on a bed of baby spinach. Sprinkle with feta, nuts and strawberries. Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette dressing over the top.
for more recipes, visit
www.aboutthegarden.com.au About the garden magazine | page 15
‘Ned Kelly’
‘Dorothy Gordon’
Commonly known as the spider flower the Grevillea genus consists of over 250 species with new hybrids being developed yearly. Here are a few “tried & true” varieties that have been grown successfully by the home gardener for years. With so many varieties it is not surprising that they are very diverse in their growth habits, flower styles (which come in every colour of the rainbow), and foliage. Ranging from sprawling ground covers to large rainforest trees, most are easily grown in our Australian climate. Grevilleas are the largest genus in the proteaceae family which makes them close cousins of the South African Proteas, Australian Hakeas & the ivory curl flower (Buckinghamia). page 16 | About the garden magazine
‘Peaches and cream’ There is only a handful that are not native to Australia, with some coming from our neighbours Papua New Guinea & New Caledonia. Grevilleas are very easy to grow and are ideal in a dry “water wise” garden. Most of them flower from winter to spring but some will give you blooms all year round. All Grevilleas love full sun and because they don’t like wet feet they will adore a sloping or raised garden bed. Dry conditions and long periods without rain will not trouble them once established and a good water once a week when they are established will be sufficient.
ground covers When planting your Grevillea, dig a hole and mix in Searles Native Plant Mix. This will give them a flying start. Strong roots develop early so try not to disturb them when planting. Once they have settled in, mulch them to help prevent weeds from growing around them. Maintenance of your Grevillea is minimal. Fertilising only needs to be done once every 8-10 weeks. Like most natives they have a dislike for phosphorous so Searles Native Food is excellent, as it is specially formulated with a low Phosphorus content. As Grevilleas get on in age they can develop old & woody branches and lots of dead twigs. To clean them out and to make them look fresh again, pruning should be carried out in October. At this time you can cut them back by one third to a half, with a follow up tip prune 2 months later. In doing so, you will end up with a specimen with bushy new growth all over & an abundance of flowers. Grevilleas are not normally troubled by any pests because of the high number of birds they attract that keep insects under control. Root rot can be a common cause of death to Grevilleas in wet conditions. Occasionally the plant will curl up its leaves and simply fall over within a few days. Choosing a free draining sloping garden bed will help in preventing this from happening. Propagation of Grevilleas should always be done by cuttings. Take half ripened tips in summer and strike them in Searles Propagating Mix. Growing Grevilleas from cuttings is preferred over raised from seed. In recent years hybridising has become very popular in Grevilleas with an extraordinarily diverse range of varieties being developed, with new ones being released regularly. You are sure to find one that suits your needs and in no time at all you will have a flourishing habitat for our native birds.
‘Winter Delight’
Grevillea “Poorinda Royal Mantle”
- 0.2mH & 6m spread, year round flowering
Grevillea “Bronze Rambler”
- 0.5mH & 3-5m spread, year round flowering
Grevillea “Carpet Layer”
- 0.2mH & 2.5m spread, flowers spring to early winter
Grevillea “Winter Delight”
- 0.4mH & 1.2m spread, winter and spring flowering
Grevillea biternata (Syn. Curviloba) ‘Carpet Layer’
Grevillea banigera “Mt Tamboritha Form” Grevillea Banksii “Prostrate Red Form”
small shrubs Grevillea “Pink Midget”
- 40cmH, year round pink spider flowers, fine narrow foliage
Grevillea “Robyn Gordon”
- 1.5mH, deep red flowers, year round
‘Pink Midget’
Grevillea “Ned Kelly”
- 2mH, fast growing, flowering all year
Grevillea “Scarlet Sprite”
- 1mH, bright scarlet flowers that appear in winter and spring
Grevillea “Miss Muffet”
- A medium shrub, 2-3 metres high, with narrow, smooth dark green leaves. Purple spider type flowers most of the year.
‘Robyn Gordon’
tall shrubs/small trees Grevillea “Honey Gem” - 4mH, orange/yellow flowers, all year flowering
Grevillea “Moonlight”
-5mH, cream flowers, all year flowering
Grevillea “Sylvia”
- 5mH pink flowers, all year flowering
Grevillea “Majestic”
- 5mH, cream flowers, all year flowering
Grevillea “Ivanhoe”
- 5mH, red flowers, winter, spring and summer flowering
‘Moonlight’
Grevillea “Venusta”
- 5mH, orange flowers, prefers warmer climates
trees
Grevillea robusta, 10mH* Grevillea hilliana, 15mH* Grevillea baileyana, 8mH* ‘Honey Gem’
*Plant heights may vary due to soil conditions and regions.
About the garden magazine | page 17
Herbs – Many herbs can be picked straight away after planting seedlings. Most herbs will grow well in spring. Leafy greens – Harvest within weeks. Harvest younger leaves for better taste and encourage more leafy growth. Choose kale, rocket, baby spinach, bok choy and mesclun mix, all can be harvested within 4 - 6 weeks. Dwarf Beans – pick young and often for a more productive crop and encourage flower production. Harvest in 4-6 weeks from seedlings. Can be sown during spring in warmer zones. For cooler climates grow in spring and summer or in a protected shadehouse during the colder months. Radishes are one of the fastest and simplest plants you can grow. They are ready to harvest in about four weeks from sowing. Can be grown all year round in most climatic zones. For tropical areas grow in the cooler months of the year.
Have fast growing veggies for harvesting within several weeks. Here is a list of veggies to start your productive crop this spring.
PLANTING VEGETABLES
Snow Peas / Peas – Peas are best grown in cooler seasons. Being a climber, support their growth by installing a trellis before planting. Liquid feed with Potash to boost flower and pod production. Harvest in 9-11 weeks. Pick the pods every day to increase production.
Most vegetables and herbs require a full sun position for a lengthy part of the day to grow healthy stems and produce flowers and vegetables. Enrich your soil with 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser to provide needed nutrients to the soil for roots. For quick and delicious results in pots, raised beds & gardens, plant veggie seedlings SCAN CODE in Searles Herb & Vegetable Specialty Mix which will fuel veggie growth for up to 9 months. If you haven’t had time to buy pots, plant straight into the Searles veggie bag. For directions, scan QR code.
Cherry tomatoes – buy advanced seedlings
WATERING TIP FOR VEGETABLES
and have ruby red tomatoes within weeks. Can be grown all year round in the tropics, arid and frost free areas in subtropics. For colder areas plant in spring. ’Tommy Toe’ and ’Tiny Tim’ are tasty varieties to try.
Remember to water your plants regularly and consistently. Keep soil slightly moist and regularly check pots are not sitting in water to rot their roots. A good watering regime will give them the best chance at producing well-formed, mature vegetables.
Baby carrots don’t take as long as full-sized
For leafy greens, water daily to keep soil moist and growth fast.
Shallots – can be planted during spring in all
climatic zones. Harvest within 12 weeks or earlier if planted from seedlings.
carrots because they don’t have to grow to be as large and they can be grown in pots. Baby carrots are ready to harvest in 55 to 65 days after planting. Can be grown in all Australian climatic zones in spring.
page 18| About the garden magazine
CHOOSE SEEDLINGS FOR FASTER RESULTS Choose seedlings and herbs in bigger size pots to reduce the wait time. To encourage fast growth, liquid feed with Searles Organic Fertiliser - Pots & Gardens every fortnight.
Veggie Protection Controls aphids, thrips, caterpillars, whitefly and leafhoppers on veggies & flowers
Once you have brought home your seedlings to plant, here are some tips to ensure successful growth to maturity. Seedlings grow quickly and will out grow their pot and the starter soil they were planted in, so transplant seedlings into their final location within a day or two after purchasing.
Prepare soil before planting by creating a hole for the seedlings to be placed in. When removing the seedlings from the pot or seedlings tray, gently squeeze the pot multiple times to loosen the soil away from the pot edges. To remove the seedling, place your finger tips at the base of the plant near the roots and gently pull plant and attached soil from the pot. Place seedlings to prepared hole and gently backfill, being careful to tamp down the soil firmly without squashing the plant’s roots. Always water your seedlings in after planting and keep the soil slightly moist until the plant is established in its new position. An application of half strength dilution of SeaMax Organic Fertiliser at planting time will ensure they have a right nutrients for root establishment and continued growth while settling in. Protect seedlings from birds, snails and slugs, which love tender shoots, with cloches, cloth covers or snail pellets until they are established and have started to grow bigger. Shade covers will protect seedlings from extremes of temperatures also.
Protect herbs, vegetables, trees and shrubs from possums, kangaroos, wallabies, rabbits, hares, bandicoots, deer, foxes and other wildlife. Protect vegetables, fruit trees, ornamentals, seedlings and buildings from cockatoos, crows, ducks, pigeons, rosellas, starlings, swallows, other birds, fruit bats and microbats. Protects homes, gardens, patios, shop fronts and paved areas from both dogs and cats or rats and mice.
Protects one plant or a whole area — perimeter &/or band sprays. Repels — without harming animals or humans. Not considered a poison — no withholding period. Easy to use — spray on. Effective when dry. Safe, Proven and Effective. Available in 100g, 1Kg & 4Kg Sizes.
is unique. Reject products said to be "just as good", nothing is at all "like it". For more specific information send 2 x $1 stamps, Please mention your problem, post to:
D-TER, Dept. A, PO Box 3, Oyster Bay, NSW 2225. Enquiries: Phone: (02) 9589 0703 Fax: (02) 9589 0147
GG20-260/02
When gardening and using soil products, always read the health warning and adhere to the PPE guidelines on the packaging for your personal safety. When transplanting seedlings wear gloves and a face mask and after gardening, wash hands thoroughly.
About the garden magazine | page 19
allzones spring planting and care guide us ‘Showtime ’ M al > Azaleas are on display in full bloom early spring. There are many types of azaleas suited to a range of lighting conditions from full sun positions to shaded areas. When planting azaleas, remember that they love an acidic soil, rich in organic matter. Improve the soil by planting into Searles Azalea & Camellia Specialty Mix. This will give your azaleas the right mix of nutrients and pH for a great start and strong, healthy growth. Water azaleas regularly, avoiding the petals which can result in petal blight. Feed them with Searles Flourish Azalea & Camellia Fertiliser, which gently acidifies the soil, provides essential iron and promotes strong growth and flowering. Look out for azalea lace bug. This sap sucker, is responsible for the silvering of the leaves on most varieties of azaleas. Treat promptly with Searles Conguard. > A gardeners favourite for most garden styles, Lavender needs full sun to grow and flower well. Lavender traditionally comes from a dry, Mediterranean climate and dislikes humidity and long period of rain. If you live in a warm or cool temperate climate you should be able to grow most lavenders. Some modern hybrids have an increased resistance to humidity and can even be grown in the tropics if the right conditions are given such as excellent drainage, free air circulation and full sun. In warm climates choose varieties from the French, Italian and Spanish family.
> Malus or Crab apples must surely be among the most useful of all the ornamental trees, as they are one of the most hardy and easily grown trees available. They are a source of bright spring blossom, many feature edible fruits that are excellent for making jelly and still others feature wonderful autumn tones and highly-coloured ornamental fruits. All are easy-to-grow, small trees that tolerate a wide variety of growing conditions. > The sudden flush of Jasmine polyanthum flowers signals spring has arrived. Plant one in a sunny spot with room to ramble and enjoy the sweet fragrance as you walk outside your house every morning. > By now, Clivias will be on full display in all parts of Australia. Their hardy nature, all year thick strappy foliage, and when spring arrives clumps of bright blooms sitting erect from the leaves make them a stand out. > Scented beauties for spring time scent; Port Wine Magnolia, Rondeltia amoena, lavender, daphne & native frangipani.
Prune hibiscus in early September and fertilise with Searles Hibiscus & Bougainvillea Plant Food. If you live in the tropics or subtropics, beware of hibiscus beetle in flower buds and hibiscus mite (which appears as wart-like galls on the leaves). If you see evidence of these pests, spray them with Searles Conguard. page 20| About the garden magazine
> Jacarandas, Silky Oaks, Tabebuias, Illawarra Flame Tree, Prunus (ornamental cherry) and Malus (apples) are flowering now. > Although each daylily flower only lasts a day, it is usually replaced by another on the same stem the following day. When daylilies are massed in the landscape they are a truly splendid sight, yet they also look good as individual specimens in the garden or in a pot. This means they suit gardens of all sizes and shapes, from the patio to the acreage lot; as well as all types of gardeners, from the truly dedicated to the lazy weekender. Plant in full sun in late winter, early spring in well composted soil. Daylilies grow happily in dry, well-drained or boggy soils. They cope with drought, frost, windy and seaside conditions and have little trouble with pests and disease. Today’s varieties flower for long periods and when not in flower, the foliage makes an attractive feature. They are not true lilies at all, nor bulbs, but herbaceous perennials which form clumps that can be divided every three years in autumn. Fertilise during flowering season with an instant release fertiliser - Searles Flourish for continued big blooms. Control caterpillars and aphids with Searles Bug Beater.
Sprinkle these daisy type flowers around the garden for spring dazzle. Marguerite or federation daisies - Marguerite or Federation daisies (Argyranthemum frutescens), remain a highly popular choice with many who enjoy cottage style gardens where they can fill in tight spaces with flashes of vibrant colour for months on end. Well suited to various Australian climatic zones. African Daisies (Osteospurmum) are the heralds of spring. Although similar in appearance to the Marguerite daisy, African daisies are tough contenders in the garden. African daisies are often the better choice for long-term enjoyment throughout summer months. African Daisy
The simple Erigeron, or Seaside daisy (Erigeron karvinskianus) is a delicate, yet robust daisy species and is capable of growing just about anywhere, ideal for ground cover.
Gazanias - Great living mulch to eron carpet the ground and control rig weeds.
E
Spring is a perfect time to re-pot cymbidiums. Use Searles Cymbidium & Bromeliad Mix for the right soil media for healthy growth. This mix contains 9 months fertiliser and water penetration granules.
Shasta daisy - This spreading perennial is available in both dwarf and taller forms and makes excellent cut flowers. Flowers usually appear during the warmer months.
Gazania
These lovely bundles of purple flowers of the Phacelia are a low fuss way to bring in pollinators and beneficial insects to control pests for veggie patches and potted gardens. They flower best in full sun in areas of low humidity and dry summers. They don’t like frost, so sow seeds in spring for temperate areas and mid-spring to summer for cool areas and you should see their attractive flowers within 12 weeks. Phacelia can spread widely so consider planting them in a contained setting. Deadhead flowers to prolong flowering and keep their soil slightly on the drier side.
Boost spring native flowering by using a low phosphorus fertiliser specifically designed for natives. Ideal for grevilleas, callistemons and banksias. Pictured: winter-spring flowering Grevillea ‘Jelly Beans’
About the garden magazine | page 21
allzones spring planting and care guide
> Even if you have limited garden space, a passionfruit vine can provide not only two delicious fruit crops a year but also beautiful, shiny green foliage and breathtakingly ornamental, purple and white flowers. For passionfruit to produce well, dig 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser into existing soil before planting and fertiliser every season with Searles Fruit & Citrus Plant Food will ensure your vine has adequate nutrients for successful cropping. Support their growth with a fence or trellis. Water consistently to ensure better fruit set. > Cucumbers can be planted all year in the tropics, in spring and summer in the subtropics and from late spring to summer in the cool temperate climates after the last frosts. Enrich the soil with plenty of compost before planting and water regularly to keep the fruit sweet. > Olive trees can be planted into the ground or pots in spring. Plant in Fruit, Citrus & Rose Specialty Mix for either application. > Plant pineapple heads into the ground or pots once the soil warms in your climatic zone. Plant in Fruit, Citrus & Rose Specialty Mix. > As the soil warms up, fruit trees like mangoes, citrus, olives, apricots, coconuts, almonds, mulberries, blueberries, peaches and figs can be planted. Ensure the winter deciduous varieties have started new growth. Winter deciduous stock should be planted in winter.
page 22| About the garden magazine
> For a Christmas harvest of watermelon for friends and family to devour, plant now. To avoid a watery-tasting crop, minimise watering as fruit approaches maturity. > Control leafspot on pawpaw and other tropical fruit trees with Searles Copper Oxychloride. Spray all of the leaves, stems, trunk and fruit for effective results. Prune gall wasp off citrus trees and burn or bin them to stop the breeding cycle. > Place fruit fly traps around the perimeter of your orchard or veggie garden and one trap in the centre to monitor fruit flies. The traps will kill the male flies stopping the breeding cycle and also indicate fruit flies are around. Fruit fly particularly sting the fruit of tomatoes, citrus and passionfruit. Place traps in trees and check them weekly, starting late august in the tropics, September in Brisbane and October in cooler climates such as in Sydney areas. > Before planting spring veggies, mix into existing soil 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser per directions on the packaging. Plant warm season vegetables such as, tomato, capsicum, beetroot, beans & carrot. In warmer areas,
Peas grow well in spring all throughout Australia. Whether you pick a climbing or bush variety, support their growing habit by installing a trellis. Plant in compost enriched soil. Water bushes regularly at the base of the plant to promote consistent pod production and to reduce the risk of powdery mildew. Pick young and often to encourage more flowers.
sweet corn, zucchini, pumpkin, cucumber and beans can also be planted from early spring. For cooler areas, hold off planting these until mid to late spring. > Another crop of leafy greens can be planted and harvested before summer. Plant lettuce, asian greens, spinach, kale and swiss chard. > Plants are hungry feeders in spring. Sprinkle 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser Pellets around gardens, lawns and fruit trees to enrich the soil with well composted manures and nutrients for healthy organic growth. > Spray mangoes with Searles Mancozeb fungicide after flowering to protect them from anthracnose - a common cause of fruit drop. Spray passionfruit with Searles Bug Beater, a natural pyrethrum spray to control sucking and chewing pests. > Don’t let pests and diseases take hold. Control them early to ensure less spray will be used and the plant can continue to flourish.
Citrus care after fruiting After fruiting has finished and before flowering occurs, reduce fruit tree by a fifth by pruning back over-reaching or unwanted branches, gall wasp affected branches, dead, diseased, crossed over or low branches touching the soil. This will create better airflow underneath the canopy and concentrate growth into younger more productive branches. Once the fruit tree is harvested for its fruit, it is busy producing the next season buds, flowers and growth. Feed them in early spring and again at the start of summer for strong growth. Watch out for scale and treat with Searles Ecofend Fruit & Garden spray. New trees can be planted now too.
Tomatoes like an open, sunny site with deep soil, excellent drainage and protection from wind. The smaller varieties can grow well in large pots or tubs. Taller varieties will need staking, preferably at planting stage to avoid damaging existing roots. For cooler climates, delay planting until late spring. Mix 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser into existing soil at least 2 weeks before planting. Feed tomatoes with SeaMax Organic Fertiliser fortnightly to feed their developing fruit. A sudden bout of wet weather after a dry period can cause ripening tomatoes to split. This can also be caused by irregular watering. Keep moisture levels consistent by watering tomatoes regularly at the roots and keeping them well SCAN CODE mulched to suppress weeds and to reduce fungal infestations. Watch out for pests and disease and treat promptly before the whole plant is affected. For more on tomato pest and disease treatment, visit the Searles website by scanning the QR code. About the garden magazine | page 23
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TOP DRESSING LAWN TIPS
Spring is the ideal time to top dress lawns to take advantage of the warm weather rapid growth. Whether you are filling in holes, evening out lawns or adding nutrients to the soil for better growth, applying a 1-2cm even layer of Searles Top Dressing will revitalise lawn appearance and set your lawn up for strong spring growth. Searles Top Dressing is a fine screened blend, which adds slow release fertiliser and water absorption technology to encourage the production of new grass shoots and strengthen roots resulting in a thicker greener lawn. A thicker and regularly mown lawn will smother out weeds, reducing the use of chemical spraying. Before applying, mow lawn the day prior. Add a 1-2cm layer of mix over the grass and rake evenly. Don’t fully cover green leaves, ensure grass tips remain exposed. Water well after raking to bed down the soil.
> Plant a few rows of sweet corn so you can harvest a juicy crop before the wild weather comes. Protect crop from strong winds and look out for corn earworm. > Plant aster, amaranthus, celosia, cleome, gomphrena, phlox, portulaca, salvia, sunflower, torenia & zinnia for pot and garden colour. Make them flourish and produce more blooms with Searles Flourish Flowers & Foliage Soluble Plant Food. > Sow warm season cucurbits such as pumpkin, cucumber and zucchini. Before planting, mix 5 IN 1® Organic Fertiliser through existing soil to enrich the soil with well composted manures and nutrients. > Plant watermelon now for a harvest in time for Christmas. To avoid a watery-tasting crop, minimise watering as fruit approaches maturity. > Keep checking your mulberry tree early for ripening fruit and pick regularly when they do come. Plant blueberries bushes in pots. > Dietes, cliveas, daylilies, agapanthus and hippeastrums are in flower now. Boost flower production by watering with Searles Liquid Potash every two weeks. > Lawns come alive in spring, especially after a bit of rain. Feed with Robust Lawn Booster for slow release continued feeding throughout the season. Bindii will be out in force. Repeat spray with Searles Buffalo Master for buffalo and couch lawns. Repeat spray if necessary to hit the new weeds that have come out after your initial spray. > Great time to plant spring salad vegetables, such as lettuce, rocket and silver beet for a quick harvest within weeks. Beetroot, cucumber, okra, pumpkin, melon varieties, zucchini, beans, capsicum, spring onion, sweet potato, sweet corn and tomatoes can be planted now in Searles Herb & Vegetable Specialty Mix, designed for hungry feeders.
For more information for what to grow in your climatic zone visit www.aboutthegarden.com.au page 24
| About the garden magazine
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> Plant cannas in full sun for brilliant colour. Plant cordylines, coleus and crotons for tropical colour. Position in semi-shaded areas. > Great time to divide and replant or plant new edible ginger, turmeric and galangal. > Perfect time to plant pineapple heads now. Cut the tops off a pineapple, let it dry for a few days then plant straight into Searles Cymbidium & Bromeliad Mix. Pineapples require two summers before they will produce juicy fruit. > Sow rosella seedlings early spring. Rosellas need at least 5 months frost-free to bear.
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> If you have a little extra room in your backyard, trying planting wet season crops such as pumpkin anytime in spring, zucchini, early spring and melons. Look out for powdery mildew and rust and act early. > Heliconias are flowering now. Mulching is very important to keep their soil moist during rapid growth.
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> Poinciana, flame tree, acacias, Alloxylon flameum – tree waratah, silver trumpet tree Tabebuia Argentea all come into full bloom in spring. > Keep the water up to plants, leafy greens and vegetables especially. Spring can be a very dry season. > Fertilise fruit trees with Searles Fruit & Citrus Plant Food and water deeply. > Watch out for fruit fly on developing vegetables, tomatoes, citrus, mango and passionfruit. Hang Searles Fruit Fly traps to monitor and control activity.
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> Spring heralds perfect conditions to establish many natives including grevilleas and flowering gums. Plant in a low phosphorus mix, Searles Native Plants Specialty Mix for best results.
> Wait until spring to plant Globe artichokes.
> Indian hawthorn, Pride of Madeira, wax flower, may bush, viburnums and many callistemons are creating a floral display during spring. Hibiscus love blooming in warmer weather too.
> You still have time to plant your lilium bulbs in the ground or pots. Plant in clusters for great displays. Most liliums love full sun to part shade. Oriental lilies prefer a cooler, more sheltered position, and may require protection from hot sun and hot winds.
> Harvest asparagus daily.
> Azaleas are in full bloom making a statement in many home gardens during spring. Azalea petal blight is a common fungal problem effecting azalea flowers. Remove petals promptly and destroy. If severe, treat plant with Mancozeb Plus and avoid watering over plant foliage and flowers. To encourage more blooms, liquid fertilise with Searles Flourish Azalea & Camellia Soluble Plant Food fortnightly. > Hang Searles Fruit Fly traps to monitor and control activity of fruit fly on developing vegetables, tomatoes, citrus, mango and passionfruit. > Sap sucking aphids enjoy fast growing spring growth and will quickly distort foliage and spread other diseases. Control with Searles Bug Beater on contact or for systemic control, spray with Searles Conguard. > Plant carrot, choko, cucumber, eggplant, French beans, lettuce, radish, spring onion, squash, beetroot, broccoli, cabbage and silver beet. Plant capsicum, chilli, zucchini, pumpkins, eggplant, tomatoes and sweet corn once the soil has received its spring warmth. > The growing vines of jasmine, hardenbergia, passionfruit, golden trumpet vine (Allamanda cathartica) and wisteria are a blaze of floral displays. Don’t be afraid to prune during the season if the vines become unruly.
TM
page 26 | About the garden magazine
> Plant prunus, viburnum, may, plum, apricot, almonds, wintersweet, daphne, crabapple, waratahs, rhododendrons, and apple trees. They look stunning in a cool-climate spring. > Stay on snail watch as they will take advantage of newly planted spring seedlings. Once the weather warms, aphids will be about. > Warmer weather vegetable plants such as tomato, basil, corn, zucchini, capsicum, pumpkin and watermelon can be planted late spring when the weather warms up. Dig into the existing soil 5 IN 1 Fertiliser to enrich the soil with heaps of well composted manures for excellent growth.
Time to be very berry. Plant berry bushes. Blueberries are starting to appear on bushes. Plant in Azalea, Camellia & Gardenia Specialty Mix for optimal growing.
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> Western Australia carnival of flowers is here waiting for you. Take a hike and visit Western Australia’s roadsides and national parks to see our country’s spectacular wildflowers. > Invest in some more hardy Australian natives. Many are on show now such as grevilleas, flowering gums, hakeas and correas. Plant now to establish their roots before the hotter weather arrives. Plant them in a native low phosphorus mix such as Searles Native Plant Specialty Mix. > Watch out for aphids, leaf miners and leaf chewers on vegetables. Control if severe with Searles Ecofend Fruit & Garden spray. Blackspot on roses is another springtime problem. Spray roses with a 3 in 1 protection spray - Searles Trifend to control fungus, insects and mites. > After the last of the frosts, plant warm season vegetables, such as capsicum, tomato, sweet corn and pumpkins. Carrots can be planted early in the season. For strong growth to support veggie production, enrich the soil with 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser. After planting seedlings mulch to insulate soil from warming temperatures. > Plant tomatoes now in a bed of well composted soil. Water tomatoes consistently throughout fruiting to avoid poor harvest, bugs and blossom end rot. Keep an eye out for fruit fly by hanging traps.
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> Plant roses and citrus with Searles Fruit, Citrus & Rose Specialty Mix. Fertilise with 5 IN 1 Pellets Organic Fertiliser for a spring boost.
Rockhampton Gladstone
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> Many garden insect pests come into their active period in spring. Be vigilant for aphids, leaf miners, and leaf chewing bugs. Watch out for aphids munching on new branches of roses and citrus. Spray with Searles Bug Beater. Mealy bugs love indoor plants and ornamentals, distorting new growth. Treat with Searles Pest Gun. > Mulch citrus trees and garden beds to help moisture retention in the soil and protect the plant roots from temperature fluctuations. > Time to plant vines such as watermelon, cucumber and rockmelon. Keep spreading mulch as the vines grow to protect fruit. > As the warm weather arrives so does the fruit fly. Monitor and protect vegetable patches, tomatoes, citrus and passionfruit vines from their sting by hanging fruit fly traps. > Establish some Australian natives, in particular, our best flowering species the grevillea and flowering gums. Depending on your garden type and use, there is one to suit your needs. Visit your local gardening outlets for the latest in breeding cultivars and the best natives to suit your area. > Add colour to patio pots and fill up dull areas in the garden by planting petunia, vinca, cosmos, marigold, salvia, portulaca, nasturtium and zinnia. Plant early spring for a longer flowering time.
Passionfruit and citrus trees can be planted during spring.
Time to replace tired potted soil with fresh premium mix
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