As the days begin to lengthen and the temperatures begin to lift, we discover the changes of spring happening all around us. Trees that were bare branches are coming to life. The dullness of winter is being replaced with renewed life, fresh growth and brilliant colours. Life in the garden is very exciting as spring arrives.
Potatoes are an easy food to grow and now is the time to be planting them. Be sure to purchase certified seed as normal uncertified potatoes from the supermarket are prone to disease which, will cause issues throughout the season and can ruin your crop.
Plant in a well drained soil & in full sun to encourage healthy growth (at least six hours per day). Heavy frost will effect the leaves, so if early potatoes are emerging and at risk then simply protect with layers of straw on top of the foliage or put a sheet over the plants.
Plant spinach, silverbeet, spring onions, strawberry, mint, leeks and onions and early crops of brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale and broccoli. Sow fresh seeds of dill, carrot, coriander, chives, parsnip and beetroots.
We recommend covering/bedding parsnip & carrot seed with seed raising mix to 2 or 3 times the thickness of the seed to improve germination.
Prepare your beds ready for peas & snow pea. Peas love a soil which has been limed and enriched with organic matter. Dig your trench about 30-40 cm deep and roughly the same width and top up with our pre-made veggie mix. Add a few handfuls of blood and bone along with a generous application of lime.
Peas are best grown from seed and require loose and airy soil that drains well and really needs 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
New seasons chilli and tomato plants will start arriving in mid-late September for planting in greenhouses or protected positions out of the cold wind.
September Garden Checklist
- Deadhead & Feed: Continue deadheading Primula, Pansy, Cineraria; feed weekly with liquid fertiliser.
- Plant Summer Bulbs: Plant Gladioli, Dahlia, Begonia for summer blooms.
- Spring/Summer Annuals: Plant seedlings like Alyssum, Cosmos, Marigold, Petunia, Sunflower, and Zinnia.
- Choose Camellias: Plant Camellias now while in flower to select your preferred colour.
- Feed Roses: Start feeding roses with Sudden impact for rose fertiliser; water well after feeding.
- Fertilise Gardens: Apply fertiliser for growth; prepare for the season ahead.
- Mulch Beds: Mulch to control weeds and retain moisture.
- Prep Pots: Clean and refresh pots with premium potting mix.
- Codling Moth Traps: Set traps in apple trees as they flower.
- Check for Aphids: Monitor cherry trees for black aphids; treat if needed with Hippo Eco oil which also attracts ladybirds.
- Feed & Repair Lawn: Fertilise your lawn and patch any bare spots for a lush, green lawn.
Lawns
Sow new lawns this month. Good preparation is essential. Take your time by removing weeds and debris and then rake and level the ground thoroughly. Remember to keep ground moist once you have sown the grass seed, which normally requires a light watering (soft spray) at least twice a day unless rain is expected.
Cover new seed by raking it with a light layer of soil to stop the birds from eating the seed.
For existing lawns remove weeds, aerate and reinvigorate tired lawns with a thin layer or aged organic compost & feed with an organic based lawn fertiliser for best long term results.
If your lawn is patchy then check for lawn grub, as these actively feed on the roots of lawns and often go unnoticed. The signs are brown lawn patches and unhealthy green grass. Treat with a biodegradable soapy water thrown over the infected areas or with a lawn grub insecticide (please be sure to follow the directions if using insecticides).
Happy Gardening!