August is a fabulous month as the signs of spring begin to come to life. The landscape glows with the gold of wattles in bloom. Spring flowering bulbs push through the cool winter soil, and trees that enjoyed a winter rest are now showing signs of bursting into new life and color.
As the soil temperature warms up, it is time to sow fresh seeds of Carrot, Parsnip and Beetroots. Cover with seed raising mix to 2 or 3 times the thickness of the seed to improve germination. You can now plant seedlings of Spinach, Silverbeet, Spring Onions, Leeks and Onions and early crops of Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower and Broccoli.
Peas can also be sown from seed keeping in mind they love a soil which has been limed and enriched with organic matter. Dig your trench about 30-40 cm deep adding a few handfuls of blood and bone along with a generous application of lime.
Peas require loose and airy soil that drains well and really need a full sun position 6-8 hours of direct sunlight everyday) so be sure to choose an appropriate location or create a raised garden bed for extra drainage.
Our quality certified seed potatoes are now available, with some varieties that are well known and some more unusual gourmet types. Now is the time to plant this wonderfully versatile root vegetable.
Potatoes are a rewarding crop to grow in Tasmania, offering versatility in the kitchen. Here are eight excellent varieties that thrive in the region:
Pink Eye
Pink Eye potatoes, have waxy white flesh with distinctive pink eyes. They are ideal for boiling, roasting, and salads, and typically harvest in 90-110 days. Plant them in well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter, as they thrive in cooler temperatures.
Brownell
Brownell potatoes feature red skin and white flesh, known for their high yield and disease resistance. They are excellent for baking, mashing, and frying, ready to harvest around 100-120 days after planting. Ensure they receive full sunlight and consistent watering, and mulch heavily to retain soil moisture.
Red Norland
Red Norland potatoes have vibrant red skin and white flesh, maturing early and providing a good yield. Best used for boiling, salads, and roasting, they are typically ready in 70-90 days. Plant them in rich, loose soil and provide adequate water, especially during dry periods, to ensure tender, new potatoes.
Pontiac
Pontiac potatoes, with their red skin and white flesh, are great for boiling, baking, and mashing. Harvested around 90-100 days after planting, they prefer slightly acidic soil and benefit from regular hilling to protect the tubers and promote better yields.
Up-to-date
Up-to-date potatoes, featuring light brown skin and white flesh, are versatile and high-yielding. Suitable for roasting, mashing, and frying, they are ready in about 110-130 days. They thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with regular weeding and consistent watering.
Kennebec
Kennebec potatoes, known for their smooth white skin and flesh, are renowned for their excellent storage qualities. Ideal for frying, baking, and mashing, they typically mature in 90-120 days. Plant them in sunny locations with good air circulation, and mulch to keep soil temperatures stable.
Pink Fir Apple
Pink Fir Apple potatoes are knobbly with pink skin and waxy yellow flesh, offering a unique nutty flavor. Best used in salads and as new potatoes, they are ready in 110-130 days. They need well-drained soil and regular watering, and should be handled carefully during harvesting due to their irregular shape.
Sapphire
Sapphire potatoes are known for their striking purple skin and flesh, rich in antioxidants. Great for roasting, baking, and chips, they mature in around 100-120 days. They require full sun and slightly acidic soil, with consistent watering to avoid waterlogging.
- Treat stonefruit for leaf curl- Timing is curcial and refer to our blog
- Prepare heavy soils - Use gypsum or Powerfeed to increase drainage in clay soil
- Prepare for summer bulbs which are arriving soon, fresh stocks of Peony rose, Lillium and Lily of the valley
- Codling Moths - Set codling moth traps and replace old ones with refill as apples and pears start to flow
- Lawn Care - Lawn grub numbers will be starting to ramp up feeding on your lawn creating brown patches and unhealthy green grass, treat with Yates Complete Insect Control , this insecticide works on contact to kill surface pests in addition to working systemically to absorb into grass and roots to kill pests in the soil. The unique formula provides continuing season long protection against pests
- Plants which have overwintered in the ground can now be lifted and split, tidied up and replanted into freshly dug soil.
- Add compost and manure to garden beds to prepare for spring growth.
- A dressing of lime can also be added now, especially in vegetable gardens. This gives the lime time to react before adding other fertiliser in the spring.
- If you haven’t completed your rose pruning, it is not too late but try to have it done as soon as possible this month.