About the garden summer 2018 magazine by About the Garden Magazine

Your local gardening advice for Australian gardens

2018 | ISSUE 87

for any climatic zone

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page 4

Indoor plant problem solver

get summer garden ready

www.aboutthegarden.com.au

Issue 87

in summer 18... A touch of the tropics

Cool cucumber

Vegies & herbs in pots

On the table - recipe

- Tuna & mixed green salad 10

Indoor plants problem solver

At your local - Flowering plants - Green life

14 17

About summer - Summer party ready - Summer survival list - Insect watch - scale - How low to mow - Climatic zones

18 19 19 20 20

tropics look p4

Summer Blooms p14

The Serenity Prayer

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

Con Searle

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.

Managing Director: Conway Searle Contributors: Ashley Searle, Noel Burdette & Mike Wells. 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 Phone: (07) 5422 3090 • Fax: (07) 5497 2287 Email: 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 2018 About the Garden Pty. Ltd.

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For many people, the allure of a tropical garden bursting at the seams with lush foliage plants is something that easily captures the imagination from the avid long-term gardeners to beginners. There is something about tropical gardens that evokes intrigue and mystery and what we commonly view as potted (indoor) plants become the main focus of the garden as they provide structure and colour and a feeling of coolness on those hot summer days. This style of garden can provide a sense of tranquillity and peacefulness throughout the year as the demand for flowers is somewhat reduced and a stronger emphasis is placed on their individual form and sometimes delicate leaf patterning.

Story by:

Noel Burdette

Although many of the foliage plants that we visually connect to this style of garden originate from the steamy jungles in South America or Asia or the rainforests of Northern Australia, most rely on high levels of humidity and rainfall to sustain their lush appearance. Yet there are still many worthy plant choices that can equally provide a similar look and form and whose water consumption is considerably less allowing them to be a little more easily sustainable in today’s water conscience world.

Shell ginger is a reliable species adapted to cooler regions. You don’t always need a large garden to capture this look in your garden. In fact creating a tropical atmosphere can be done on any sized block and can extend to patios, verandas and also balconies. One key element when trying to recreate a tropical garden at home is to plant a little closer together than what would normally be considered. Filling up dark corners and garden edges will instantly provide a feeling of fullness to your garden space.

page 04 | About the garden magazine

It’s always helpful if you happen to have a few medium sized trees in your garden that can provide some light protection from their canopy from the intense summer sun or even light frost during the winter depending on your location. In nature, most of the tropical plants we associate with this style of garden play the strongest role as part of the understorey plantings. The dappled light helps to bring out their best features and a certain “gloss” to their leaves.

Caladium

If you don’t have trees, then a great option could be the use of the Giant white bird of Paradise, (Strelitzia nicolai). This large growing species produces broad banana-like foliage that can act as a good shade provider and background plant. Due to its full size of around six metres, these are best if planted directly into the garden if you have room, as they underperform with the restrictions of pots. Strelitzia Nicolai can also be used to great effect if planted as a privacy screen around pools or to soften hard surfaces such as high walls and fences. As they mature, large deep blue to black buds are formed from within the leaf axils where white and blue flowers attract nectar loving birdlife. The giant white bird of paradise is easily grown all along the east coast of Australia and has great tolerance for drought once fully established. One of the easiest of all plants would be members of the Philodendron family. There are so many members of this genus on the market these days and most are highly adaptable to varied climatic conditions. Their natural ability for drought tolerance accompanied with their lush foliage appearance makes them number one on the list for an addition for a tropical style garden. One of the best forms would be Philodendron selloum x ‘Hope’. This is a more compact version of the older and much larger style Philodendron selloum (bipinnatifidum) yet has smaller, less deeply-lobed leaves than its larger sibling. This is a medium sized grower to around 1.5 metres x 1.5 metres with wavy foliage and is very dependable even in cold climates where it can tolerate near freezing temperatures. Another is the old faithful, Philodendron ‘Xanadu’. In frost fee zones, ‘Xanadu’ can be adapted to grow out in the full sun if required, but in most areas its best to keep them slightly undercover and away from intense afternoon sun. Xanadu is also highly adaptable to cooler growing conditions but is a little less frost tolerant that Philodendron ‘Hope’. The ginger family is wide and entire gardens can be created simply by using this one genus alone. One of the easiest and hardiest of all is Shell ginger (Alpinia zerumbet ‘variegata’). This reliable species of (ornamental) ginger still graces many older style homes in sub-tropical areas, yet is well adapted to grow in cooler regions where its golden splashed foliage can bring a spark of excitement to a lightly shaded space. Both the large and dwarf forms of this old timer can produce gentle clusters of intricately patterned apricot and white flowers at the end of its arching branches. Removal of the entire branch after flowering to ground level is the easiest way of ensuring that a lush well-formed plant is maintained.

Giant white bird of paradise

Philodendron ‘Xanadu’

Philodendron ‘Hope’ About the garden magazine | page 05

Caladiums

Hosta

Although not generally suited for warm or sub-tropical zones, the herbaceous Hosta (Hosta sieboldiana) or Plantain lily is something extra special for the cool climate gardener. This cold loving genus has an enormous following in many temperate parts of the world with many hundreds of hybrid cultivars displaying varied forms of colourful foliage from golden, steel blue, variegated, miniature and giant leaf forms. Dormant through the winter months, Hosta emerge from the ground with the warmth of spring and summer as they unfurl their beautiful foliage to take their place in the garden for yet another growing season. Gardeners in the subtropics shouldn’t lose hope as an even brighter (warm climate) equivalent can be used in the way of Caladiums (Caladium bicolour). Better known as ‘Bleeding hearts’, this gorgeous group of deciduous tropical bulbs also emerge with the warmth of spring and summer and bring intense colour to any tropical inspired garden. Apart from different climatic temperatures, Hosta and Caladiums both require similar growing conditions with dappled light to shady corners in welldrained soil. As the new leaves are pushed through at the beginning of the growing season, both require adequate protection from slugs and snails as it is at this point in their growth cycle that they are at their most vulnerable for attack. As both are fully herbaceous and disappear completely over winter to an underground bulb, it is sometimes a clever option to grow these in their own display pots where gardeners will always know where the bulbs are and not view an empty spot in the garden as an opportunity to (mistakenly) plant another plant over them. The pots in themselves can be utilized as part of the tropical garden theme, so take the time to pick something that can still remain a visual feature while the plants are dormant.

Aspidistra ‘Starry Sky’ page 06 | About the garden magazine

The old fashioned Aspidistra or Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) ticks many boxes when it comes to garden design and the tropics are no exception. Viewed as one of the hardiest of all garden plants, aspidistras can bring lush foliage year round to any sized garden space. The deep green form is most easily recognised and found, but the variegated form brings with it a little extra charm albeit being a little slower to develop. Another lesser known cultivar of aspidistra from Japan is ‘Hoshi Zora’ commonly sold under the name of ‘Starry Sky’. This form has more slender foliage with each leaf speckled with small cream to soft lemon spots. It is smaller growing than the regular form and interestingly looks great when planted alongside each other. Aspidistra enjoy a shady, well-drained position and are highly adapted to growing within or close by to more dominant roots systems from larger plants. They have a minimal water requirement while still maintaining a lush appearance.

To fill in a few spaces at the base of other taller species and to bring some extra seasonal colour into your “tropical” garden, consider using Clivia (Clivia miniata). While these evergreen clumping perennials can make a bold foliage statement at any time of year, it is their eye-catching large heads of brightly coloured blooms in all shades of orange, lemon and near red that seem to draw most of the attention from onlookers each spring. Tropical in origin, Clivia are capable of living in both cool and warm climates where they are perfect choices for filling out unused spaces that are prone to being slightly on the drier side. They are hardier than what most give them credit for and can be very long-term additions to gardens, patios, balconies and verandas. Provide them with bright, indirect light and a welldrained location. Avoid the impulse to continually split up clumps as they form as they flower best when the clump is mature. The addition of a well-balanced granular fertiliser such as Searles Rose & Flower Plant Food for flowering plants in summer and autumn will encourage healthy colourful blooms each spring.

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Tiger grass (Thysanolaena maxima) has often been confused as a bamboo, yet is a perennial clump forming grass up to three metres high and two metres wide. It makes a most desirable backdrop to the rest of the garden where it can quickly disguise ugly fences, walls or outbuildings and can really help showcase many other foliage plants. Tiger grass is quick to grow through the spring and summer seasons with a little extra irrigation, but when established, is very drought tolerant. It’s happiest in most parts of (frost fee) Australia, yet struggles in cold mountainous zones and Tasmania.

Protects homes, gardens, patios, shop fronts and paved areas from both dogs and cats or rats and mice.

Cucumber is one of the easiest crops to grow and their health beneďŹ ts and body temperature cooling properties make them an ideal addition to any summer salad.

When to plant

Cucumbers are a warm season crop and should be sown or transplanted in spring once the soil has warmed up, and through summer. For dry tropics and tropical coast regions they can also be planted in early winter. Cucumber can be planted from seed or seedlings, with many varieties to choose from. Cultivate groups of three plants each month successively over the warm season.

Where to plant

Cucumbers like to be grown in loose soil that has been generously manured the season before. They can be grow in either sun or semi-shade, preferably supported by a trellis or fence to keep the ripening fruits off the ground.

How to plant

Whether your soil is light sand or heavy clay, dig it over to a depth of 15cm, adding Searles Premium Compost Mix to improve its structure and increase its water-holding capacity. Cucumbers prefer a neutral soil so adjust your pH if it is more or less than 6.5. Cucumbers are shallow-rooted so ensure that the soil is free of clumps to enable the delicate root system of the plants to penetrate it easily. Seed should be sown in groups of three, spaced according to the directions on the packet, into a saucer-like depression in the soil. Seedlings should be planted in a similar fashion, taking care not to damage the delicate roots when transplanting. Water immediately and maintain the soil at a consistently high moisture level until fruits begin to form. page 08 | About the garden magazine

How to maintain

Water should be plentiful up until the time that the fruits begin to mature, after which it should be moderated to keep the roots just moist. To protect the shallow roots from drying out, spread a layer of sugar cane or cypress mulch under each plant, topping it up as the plant grows outward. Then sprinkle some Searles Penetraide granules over the mulch and water in generously. This conserves soil moisture and prevents the fruits and foliage from coming into contact with the soil. If space is limited, train the vines up a trellis or fence. Cucumbers are pollinated by bees, so it is essential not to use insecticides around them. If bees are scarce in your garden, hand pollination is simple and effective. The male flower can be identified by its powdery, pollen-covered stamens in the centre. Gently remove this flower and lightly wipe the inside of the female flower (identified by a slight swelling at its base) with it. Once there are five or six pollinated flowers on the stem, trim the trailing end back to force better development of the remaining fruits.

Pests and diseases

Mildew is the main problem with cucumbers, and can be discouraged with a fortnightly application of a soluble seaweed fertiliser, applied in the morning. SeaMax Fish & Kelp is ideal for healthy growing habits. If you live in a very humid area, select one of the mildew resistant varieties now available. If mildew becomes a problem it can be controlled by spraying with Searles Mancozeb Plus.

Companions

Plant with beans, broccoli, carrots, lettuce, peas, radish, sweet corn.

Don’t let small spaces stop you from reaping the rewards of homegrown vegetables in pots. Growing vegetables in pots is an easier alternative to toiling over a whole garden bed and pots can be moved to maximise the right position and sunlight requirements. Plus they are closer to your house so they are reminding you to ‘water & harvest me’.

Choosing your pot

As vegies are vigorous growers and require a large amount of soil for their thirsty and hungry roots, large pots are essential. Pots 40cm to 50cm in diameter are ideal. In fact, a 40cm pot will hold about one 30 litre bag of potting mix and a 50cm pot will hold about 2 bags of potting mix, making it easy to calculate how many bags you will need for your pots.

Which vegetables for pots The most popular varieties

for pots

> tomatoes > spinach > lettuce > cabbage > beans > peas > celery > beetroot

> capsicum > chillies > carrots > celery > bok choi > pak choi > all herbs > onions

These varieties are more suited to large garden spaces.

> sweet corn > pumpkin > watermelon > cucumber

Note: Broccoli, cabbage, cauliﬂower, cucumber, eggplant, squash, & zucchini can be grown in large pots but you are generally limited to one plant per pot.

Planting

Cucumbers should be picked when they are young and at a size appropriate to their variety. For instance, Lebanese cucumbers are edible when they are 10cm long, but the telegraph varieties need to grow to approximately 30cm before picking. The more you pick, the more fruits are produced.

Use a premium potting mix specially designed for vegetable and herbs in pots. Searles Herb & Vegetable mix provides the right nutrient ratio for lush growth and quality yields. For organic vegies and herbs, use Searles Organic Potting Mix. Plant seeds or seedlings straight into the mix. Provide plenty of space for them to grow when planting from seed or seedlings. Tomatoes will do best with one strong plant per pot. Beans and peas will do equally as well with 2 to 3 plants per pot. Remember to water well!

Fertilising

For good vegie growth, you will need to apply more fertiliser through the growing period. Apply Searles Kickalong Organic Plant Food (Vegetable & Herb) to the soil after seedlings have established and hardened off. You can also apply liquid plant foods while you are watering the pots. Use organic plant foods such as SeaMax Fish & Kelp, a mixture of both ﬁsh and seaweed fertilisers. About the garden magazine | page 09

page 10 | About the garden magazine

Gently combine ďŹ sh, cucumber, tomatoes, spinach, red onion, olives and avocado in a decorative bowl. Gently place on top egg quarters and lemon wedges. Toss with hands gently to combine. Squeeze a little lemon juice over the salad. Drizzle with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and season with salt and pepper.

For more tasty recipes from the garden, visit www.aboutthegarden.com.au

Next time you boil a egg for breakie, boil a few extra and refrigerate to toss into lunch salads for a healthy, protein loaded, ďŹ lling lunch.

About the garden magazine | page 11

Story by:

Mike Wells

Did you know that it’s now been proven that indoor plants can improve the quality of the air we breathe in our homes and ofﬁces and create microclimates for cooling? And that simply having them around us can have positive effects on our mood, productivity and social behaviour? However, for we humans to stay healthy, we need to make sure our indoor plants stay healthy too! As there’s no such thing as the “ideal” indoor plant, we need to be ever vigilant for signs that our precious ferns, ﬁgs, palms, philodendrons, devil’s ivy, dieffenbachias, aspidistras, anthuriums, zygocacti and zanzibar plants are not succumbing to changes in light levels, temperature, humidity or moisture levels inside our human spaces. Firstly, it’s vitally important that your indoor buddies are growing in the highest quality potting mix available. It needs to have good moisture holding ability but not stay too wet, have adequate controlled-release nutrition without over-supplying, and stay well-aerated for healthy root growth. Searles Platinum Potting Mix is the ideal medium to provide all the right growing conditions for your plants’ roots. Secondly, make sure your plant is in the right type of pot for good growth. For good drainage and adequate aeration, choose a container that is taller than it is wide, and ensure that if repotting, move to the next size pot only. And thirdly, check the plant label to ensure the plant’s light requirements will match the position into which it’s placed. If there’s no guide, ask the knowledgeable horticulturist from the nursery.

Take a squiz at www.plantlifebalance.com.au for more great information.

page 12 | About the garden magazine

Sudden leaf drop

This is particularly evident in plants such as Ficus (figs) and can be caused by a move to a new location. A change in light levels, temperature (air conditioning is a common cause) or even localised air movement can trigger this response. Solution – Don’t move your plants too often!

Leaf drop, yellowing, leggy growth

Wilting during the day but recovering at night

Is a fair dinkum indication that light levels are too low. Gradually move your plants to a better-lit area or select plants that can tolerate the dingy corners of your home or office!

A sure sign that moisture levels are getting low. You’re probably not watering often enough, maybe too little water per application, or your potting mix is too open to hold enough water for the plants’ needs. Use a moisture probe to indicate when things are drying out (your index finger is well-calibrated for this!) and think about using Searles Penetraide ReWetting Granules or a change to Searles Platinum Potting Mix!

Leaf drop, wilting, leaf margin damage, rot in succulents

Usually indicates that the potting mix is too wet! Can occur in shallow pots, old and decomposing potting mix, or by simply watering too often! Make sure that if using pot saucers, they aren’t always full of water. Re-pot and research your plant’s water needs.

Plant gradually loses vigour, older leaves start to yellow, stunted growth

Nutrition levels are falling. For instant topping-up of nutrients use Searles Flourish Soluble Plant Food. If the potting mix is still in good condition, sprinkle Searles Recharge around the tops of pots.

Brown spots and leaf margin burn, white residue on surface of potting mix, wilting, strong, soft new growth

Can be a sign of over-fertilising. Use clean water to flush fertiliser from the mix, then take it easy on the plant food! Follow the application directions for indoor plants on the product label.

About the garden magazine | page 13

find these beauties at your local gardening outlet Happitunias ‘Bubblegum

s’ perform extremely wel

l in mass

planting, gardens, basket

Profuse ﬂowering, compa

s and courtyard containe

ct and spreading, they ar

rs.

easy choice for brilliant

colour in sunny spots.

BubblegumTM Fuchsia

SIZE

30cmH 100cmW

FULL SUN

PART SHADE

‘Paradise’ ‘Whitecharm’ page 14 | About the garden magazine

e an

SIZE

30cmH 30cmW

FULL SUN

PART SHADE

SIZE

30cmH 35-45cmW

It is hard to find a great plant with lots of bright blue flowers. Here we have an improved version of Evolvulus, dwarf and spreading in its habit, flowers its head off. Position: This plant makes a statement in frost free gardens.

Care: Keep soil moist with good

drainage. Any well prepared garden in sun to semi-shade will be suitable. Liquid feed every two weeks with Searles Flourish Soluble Plant Food to keep the plant flowering.

FULL SUN

PART SHADE

The phlox ‘Gisele’ series is unbeatable throughout summer with cheerful blooms in bright shades of purple, pinks and white. They are suited to full sun and part shade conditions. The broad, good-branched growth habit makes all of the colours ideal for beds, containers and landscapes. Bloom Season: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Make the most of your time in the Kakadu National Park by joining us for a unique and memorable ﬂight-seeing experience with ‘LIVE’ commentary. From winding rivers to sunburnt escarpments and stunning waterfalls, Kakadu’s timeless landscape will take your breath away. Seeing it from above will add to your appreciation of this wondrous heritage listed land.

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find these beauties at your local gardening outlet

PART SHADE

SIZE

70cmH x 70cmW

CUT FLOWERS

SPRING

EARLY SUMMER

LATE SUMMER

AUTUMN

SIZE

Chrysocephalum apiculatum ‘Desert Flame’ produces a mass of long lived golden flowers above silver-grey foliage. If planted above retaining walls or in garden planters it will spill down the sides for a stunning cascading effect. Flowers all year long in S.E. Qld. In Central Australia flowering in spring and summer is the norm. Plant in full sun in well drained soil. Ideal for ground cover, in pots, among trees and shrubs or as a border in open garden beds. Prune when the plant looks a little tired. page 16 | About the garden magazine

25cmH x 50cmW

DRY TOLERANT

A revolution for gardeners and home decorators, bringing garden beauty into the home. Flowering continuously for up to 150 days with a magical colour transformation from pastel pink or blue, through to deep burgundy, this is a compact plant that really performs – indoors and in the garden. A living bunch of flowers, perfect on the kitchen bench and will outlast any cut flowers by months and months. Equally happy outside, Hydrangea ‘Magical Revolution’ has improved resistance to sun, frost, rain and all the elements. Plant in an acid-loving planting mix - Searles Azalea, Camellia & Gardenia Specialty Mix.

Dazzling colour for indoor spaces and shady spots in the garden.

Plant caladium for its showy foliage SchefďŹ&#x201A;era are wonderful indoor specimens.

Hosta

About the garden magazine | page 17

summer planting and care guide Add fresh potted colour

rating ideas

for table deco Raid the garden

> Purchase a few indoor pot plants or give your existing ones a spruce up for fresh colour and greenery. > Hang lights on low hanging branches and patio structures. Place candles strategically around the lawn to create a calming ambience. > Your front entrance gives a first and lasting impression. Make front of house areas inviting for your guests. Remove any over grown vine or tree branches away from pathways. Relocate dirty boots and shoes from the front door before guests arrive. Add some potted colour or a pair of matching pots with stunning feature plants to frame the front door. Replace the old door mat. > Table-top colour - Add potted colour to your favourite outdoor living space for instant magnetism. Visit your local gardening outlet for ideas on ideal plants to use for entertaining spaces and table top presentations. Use plants like anthuriums, begonias, poinsettias, bidens, cupheas, bromeliads, succulents. Before friends drop by, decorate the table with cuttings from your garden. Be creative, even branches be can made into a tabletop feature.

Shasta Daisy will make gardens smile during summer.

> Lavender is a great choice for filling hard to grow spots in the sun. They provide year long flowering and a lovely scent to delight. > Plant summer flowering plants for colour agapanthus, frangipani, geraniums, hydrangeas, hibiscus, petunias, mandevillas, crepe myrtles, salvias, zinnias, bacopa, New Guinea impatiens, dahlia and osteospermum. > Fertilise gardenias, hydrangeas, magnolias and all acid loving summer flowering plants with Searles Azalea & Camellia Soluble Plant Food every two weeks to promote flowering. > Sow summer loving beauties like ageratum, alyssum, amaranthus, asters, Californian poppies, cosmos, dianthus, gerberas, Iceland poppies, impatiens, marigolds, nasturtiums, pansies phlox, primulas, stocks, salvias, verbena and zinnias.

> Mulch - Do a general garden tidy up. Remove unwanted items from around the house, prune and mow. One very easy way to hide old garden bedsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; soil and give the garden a fresh look is to mulch. page 18 | About the garden magazine

Mandevillas

> Plant heat loving herbs such as, basil, sage, thyme, chives, chilli, mint, coriander and lemongrass. Plant in Searles Herb & Vegetable Mix for deep green leaf growth. Harvest young for tasty produce. Give them a liquid dose of SeaMax Fish & Kelp to maximise leaf growth since you are harvesting regularly. Water regularly for a tastier produce. > Start harvesting mangoes. Mango trees are heavy feeders, so fertilise with a high potassium and rich in minerals fertiliser to encourage large fruit. Feed with Searles Fruit & Citrus Plant Food in early summer. > Plant a pineapple head. Go to http://www. aboutthegarden.com.au/index.php/how-to-grow-apineapple for directions. They make intriguing indoor decor displays when placed in a decorative vase filled with water. Plant out when the roots grow. Pineapples take two summers to fruit from planting. > Plant rows of sweet corn where they will not be crowded out. For fast summer growth dig 5 IN 1 Fertiliser deep into the soil. Water the roots regularly and harvest when the tassels at the top of the corn turn brown. Watch out for corn earworm at the top of the corn, aphids and caterpillars. > Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t overwater watermelons when the fruit are forming and cut watering right back as the fruit approaches maturity to ensure a sweet flavoursome crop.

Summer time is a busy period of the year. Most of us have parties to organise, places to explore or finally finding the time to relax. So make it easier on yourself and your plants by using these water saving products from Searles to safeguard against summer. 1. To defend off the summer hot and dry conditions, use the best potting mix for your plants. Premium quality potting mix and healthy garden soils mixed with plenty of well composted manures help maintain healthy growing habits. 2. Mix in some Searles Water Crystals whenever you are re-potting your plants or creating a new garden. 3. If your soil is not rewetting (the water is not soaking through into the subsoil), your soil maybe hydrophobic, repels water. Sprinkle Searles Penetraide Re-Wetting Granules over pot plants and gardens and water in. Penetraide helps water penetrate into the soil aiding the roots to take up water more efficiently. 4. An application of SeaMax Fish & Kelp Fertiliser to provide all the right nutrients to reduce the risk of harsh weather conditions. 5. Mulch, mulch and mulch. Remember pot plants need mulching too. Especially pot plants as the plant is restricted in a smaller area of soil.

> Get your pumpkin seeds in early for a summer/early autumn crop. Give them plenty of space to grow, sunlight and well-composted manures for those healthy pumpkins. > Plant lettuce and leafy greens in a nutrient rich soil for tasty and strong leaf growth. Most importantly, keep watering regular, otherwise you will have bitter tasting leaves. Lettuce has shallow roots, so keep well mulched and weed free.

Summertime is playground for scales. Scales take many shapes, sizes and colours. Scale are sap-sucking insects which commonly affect home grown citrus, natives, roses, flowers and ornamental shrubs. In severe infestations, the foliage is covered by a sooty black mould. This is because the scale insect secretes a sugary substance that causes the sooty mould to blossom over the foliage. The sooty mould looks terrible but is not an active threat other than to reduce photosynthesis that will weaken the tree over time. It is the scale that needs to be controlled by using a white oil spray, such as Searles Pest Gun.

For an organic spray, which is safe to use on citrus, roses, flowers and foliage plants, use Searles Ecofend Fruit & Garden Insect & Scale spray. Incidentally, check for ant activity as ants are usually the culprits for bringing the scale onto the plant in the first place. The ants shift scale from plant to plant and they feed from the sugary secretions of the scale insect.

Rockhampton Gladstone

Emerald

Hervey Bay Toowoomba Warwick

Brisbane

Grafton Port Macquarie

> Time to plant beans, capsicums, celery, cucumbers, cress, eggplant, lettuces, melons, mustard, pumpkins, radish, rhubarb, silver beets, spring onions, squash, sweet corn, sweet potato, tomatoes and zucchinis. > Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on: Ginger & Flower Festival. 18th - 20th January 2019, The Ginger Factory, Yandina. Free Entry. > Flowering now: The summer red flowering poincianas are in full bloom. Lemon scented myrtle displays strong scented foliage and fluffy lime-cream flowers in summer and autumn. The Tree waratah (Alloxylon flammeum) is a stunning QLD rainforest tree, parading red waratah type flowers. > If your pot plants are a little vulnerable to leaf burn from the summer sun, move them to a more protected spot until the worst of the summer heat is over.

Keep your mower height on the higher side.

Research shows constant mowing at a low setting over a long period of time will weaken the grass stem and root structure. Shorter grass stems will correspondingly result in shorter roots that are living closer to the soil surface and more vulnerable to the temperature conditions. Keeping your grass stems longer will also chock the weeds out and shade the roots to protect from the harsh summer rays providing a protective umbrella. It will also keep the soil cooler, locking in some of the moisture from the topsoil after watering.

> Now is the time you should be seeing developing mangoes on your tree. Keep an eye out for a fungal disease - Anthracnose, which can come on very quickly and during long periods of wet weather. The fungus appears as irregular shaped black spots and can spread very quickly and attack flower panicles, fruit and young developing leaves, preventing fruit development. Treat disease with alternative sprays of Mancozeb and Copper Oxchloride.

Keep the lawn height higher and you will have less weeds, deeper grass roots and a stronger more robust lawn.

Anthracnose on mango leaves

For more information for what to grow in your climatic zone visit www.aboutthegarden.com.au page 20 | About the garden magazine

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> Time to plant capsicums, cucumbers, eggplant, lettuces, melons, mustard, pumpkins, radish, spring onions, squash, sweet corn, potatoes, tomatoes and zucchinis.

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> Blackspot is a fungal disease which spreads in high humidity and warmer weather. Roses, citrus, paw paw and other ornamentals are affected. Healthy soils and plants will reduce the incident of the black spot. Water the soil, not the foliage to reduce the spread. Pick off affected leaves and dispose of in the bin and if all else fails, control outbreak by spraying with Searles Rose Pro Blackspot and Insect Killer.

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> Rust, mildew and mould is prevalent at this time of year. Control early with Searles Mancozeb Plus.

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> Divide tubers of arrowroot and taro. Divide the rhizomes of ginger and turmeric and replant for more plants. > Harvest vegies while still young and tender. In the tropics the heat and humidity can ripen vegetables like zucchini and cucumber quickly. > As the rains keep coming, empty out stagnant water from baskets, birdbaths, etc, to keep the mosquito population at bay. > Pawpaw seeds can be planted now. > Fertilise lawns with a slow release lawn food for sustainable strong growth. Use Robust Lawn Booster, feeds for 4 months. > Ginger and turmeric are growing splendidly. Liquid feed with an organic fish & kelp fertiliser to keep their vigour. > Watch out for fruit fly on tomatoes and figs. Hang fruit fly traps to monitor fruit fly activity and to kill the males which stops the breeding cycle.

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> Time to plant beans, beetroot, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbages, capsicums, celery, cucumbers, cress, eggplant, leeks, lettuces, melons, mustard, pumpkins, radish, rhubarb, silver beets, spring onions, squash, sweet corn, sweet potato, tomatoes and zucchinis. > Ensure tomatoes are watered regularly to avoid blossom end rot. > As summer progresses, watch out for fruit fly activity on tomatoes, citrus and capsicum. Monitor with Searles Fruit Fly traps. > Borage is an easy no fuss annual herb with dainty blue star shaped flowers appearing in summer. Grow borage for herbal tea, salads and its myriad of medicinal qualities. > Summer is generally a time where plant growth is rapid. Liquid feed with SeaMax Fish & Kelp to fertilise and provide strong and sustainable nutrients for plant growth and defence. > The kniphofia or red hot poker has been winning hearts in cooler climes and southern states for a long time and is a great choice for late summer colour. These clump-forming perennials are often found in the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;ornamental grassesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; section of nurseries, although they are actually a member of the lily family and originate from South Africa. Red hot poker is best placed towards the back of garden beds where its one metre tall spires will emerge like shining candles in shades of red, burnt orange, lemon and sometimes lime green. These stately blooms will also attract nectar feeding birds to your garden.

page 22 | About the garden magazine

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> Start planting up summer herbs for gifts for friends, or to have a generous supply for summer BBQ parties and entertaining. Plant herbs such as rosemary, sage, lemon grass, thyme, oregano, Vietnamese coriander and parsley for a good compliment of summer culinary harvest. > Keep watering tomatoes constantly during the summer months. Irregular watering will encourage blossom end rot caused by calcium deficiency. > Get on top of nutgrass with repeat spraying of Searles Paspalum, Nutgrass and Clover killer. Suitable for couch, rye and fescue lawns. > Salvias are ideally suited to hot dry conditions, flowering happily during summer and autumn and providing fodder for the bees. > Crepe myrtles come out in full display during summer. The tree is generously loaded with crepe-like long lasting flowers. Ask at your local garden centre about the array of available colours and also dwarf varieties forms. > Figs love the ideal conditions of hot dry summers the Mediterranean climate brings. Figs are simple to grow if planted in a full sun position with soil improved with rich composted manures. Harvest time is from late February into Autumn. Prune to your desired height to encourage better fruiting next season.

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> Mandevilla flowers are still on show from summer until Autumn, their dancing big blooms are always something to stop and admire.

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> Bougainvilleas are available in many shapes, sizes and dazzling long lasting colours and love the summer sun and dry conditions. They are perfect for plant and forget gardeners. Some can be planted in pots. Feed with a tailored fertiliser such as Searles Hibiscus and Bougainvillea Plant Food for a better display. > Summer growing vegetables such as tomatoes, capsicums, eggplant, cucumbers and zucchini are perfect to grow now. Watch out for powdery mildew on the leaves and spray with Mancozeb Plus to control the damage. > Keep the water up to fruit trees. They require more water to bear fruit than flowering plants in summer. > Hibiscus make an impressive display signalling summer is here. Promote more flowering with Searles Hibiscus and Bougainvillea Plant Food. > Plant petunias for hanging basket and pot flowering splendour. Plant in a premium potting mix with advanced water technology. Searles Platinum Potting Mix contains 18 month fertiliser and excellent on water conservation. > Leave pruning until the worst of the summer heat has passed. Leaving a protected layer of leaves on plants will help protect the rest of the plant and its roots from further sun damage.

These petunias grow well in hanging baskets. Picture: Happitunia Bubblegum â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Blushâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

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