Final Winter Cleanup
The final phase of winter is upon us, days are getting longer and spring will be here in the blink of an eye.
August is your last chance to complete winter gardening jobs of pruning, planting etc to ensure your garden is in peak condition as we enter this glorious time of year. Remove and dispose of winter weeds before they go to seed, lightly cultivate the soil surface and water deeply before mulching.
Hard prune hydrangeas, pointsettias and hibiscus this month – propagate new plants from cuttings. Camellias and Azaleas will require a feed with quality fertiliser to promote overall health and encourage new growth.
Trim lightly once flowering has ceased. Apply an organic fertiliser to established roses and keep an eye out for aphids attacking new growth. Spray with pyrethrum to eradicate.
Lawns will benefit from a light application of nitrogenous fertiliser middle to end of the month, water well and remember to remove any weeds that may be present.
Mulch Mulch Mulch….an absolute top priority…ensure mulch on all garden beds has been replenished.
Even though we have enjoyed above average rainfall throughout much of July, August is notorious for drying and damaging westerly winds and the best way to retain moisture in soil is by applying generous layers of mulch over the entire surface of all garden beds. Maintain deep and regular watering throughout this windy month.
What to plant…Alyssum, Petunia, Zinnia, Phlox, Cockscomb,Cosmos,Calendula, Nasturtium, Poppy and Dianthus.
And for the vegie patch…Beetrot, Capsicum, Carrots, Silverbeet, Tomato, Shallots and Lettuce.
Robyn Moore
Greenthumbs of Montville
Mowing, Edging. Brush Cutting, Ride on Mowing, Pruning, Weeding, Mulching, Landscaping, Hedging, Planting, Weed Spray Application, Fertilizing, Garden Makeovers and much more.
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