Welcome to our notes for June, it's incredible to think that we've reached the winter season and are already halfway through the year!
The skies have opened, and we've recently experienced some significant rainfall. However, please remember to monitor pots and other items located under the eaves or in sheltered areas, as they may still require watering.
Planting and Purchasing Tips for the Transitioning Weather
Night time temperatures have certainly fallen, and as a result, the soil temperature has also decreased. This means that planting some plants, particularly citrus, should now be put on hold until spring when the ground has warmed up again. You can certainly still purchase plants now. In fact, doing so will ensure that you don't miss out on popular varieties that may become harder to find later on. However, keep them in their pots in a warm spot until planting time. There are plenty of other crops that can be planted now, though, such as seed potatoes, rhubarb, and asparagus, to name a few. Speaking of potatoes, they arrived a bit late this year and are in short supply. So, if you want to grow your own 'spuds,' don't wait too long, or you may miss out.
Fruiting berries are also available in June. Raspberries, blackberries, loganberries, boysenberries, and more are ready to be planted this month. These can also be grown in pots but require a bit more care, especially when it comes to staking and trellising. Feel free to talk to one of our garden staff members about any questions or concerns you may have regarding the cultivation of these plants. We are more than happy to assist you.
Bare Root or Potted Options for June Planting
June is the month when thoughts turn to roses. Traditionally, these have been purchased as 'bare root,' which means the rose is in a plastic bag with its roots in sawdust. However, there is a growing trend of buying roses already potted. When you buy bare root roses, the success or failure of your plant depends on whether the roots have remained moist or dried out, and sometimes they take a while to establish. Potted roses, on the other hand, generally have a well-developed root system in place and will thrive when spring arrives. The price difference between the two options has also decreased significantly.
Fruit and ornamental trees are in a similar situation as roses. They are still available as bare root, but increasingly they are sold potted and ready to be planted. Don't hesitate to plant your fruit trees in pots if you have limited garden space. I have a small yard and successfully grow and harvest lemons, cumquats, apricots, figs, numerous blueberries, and even a truffle tree in pots. Just make sure to use a sufficiently large pot, good quality premium potting mix, and place them in a spot that receives at least half a day's worth of sunshine.
If you have peach and nectarine trees, you will need to spray them with a copper-based fungicide when they have lost their leaves to protect against Leaf Curl. They will also require another spray in early spring at the 'pink bud' stage. However, spraying them now will certainly be beneficial, particularly after the wet spring/early summer we experienced last year.
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Adding Colour to Your Cold Garden Landscape
Even though it's winter, cold, and hopefully wet, there is still plenty of colour in the garden. The Zygo, or Christmas cactus as they are commonly called, is in full bloom during this time of year. It's a perfect plant for pots or hanging baskets to brighten up the patio. Hellebore, also known as winter rose, is also flowering now in a range of colors and is ideal for shaded, moist spots in the garden. Nandinas will start turning red as the temperature drops, providing wonderful bursts of color throughout your garden. They are available in various forms and sizes, with one of the nicest options being Moonbay, which grows to around 80cm high. These versatile plants can thrive in most positions in a garden. Additionally, keep an eye out for camellias in your local store; they are available in different flower forms and colours and grow beautifully in pots and areas of the garden that receive morning sun.
New Season Lavenders
New season lavenders have arrived in garden centres, offering a range of small shrubs that grow to about 1m in height. These lavenders are suitable for both pots and the ground, and they come in various shades of pink, lavender/purple, and white. They thrive in sunny locations and are quite drought-tolerant once established. After flowering, prune them to maintain a neat appearance, but be cautious not to cut back into dry wood, as they will not regrow.
As deciduous plants shed their leaves, take advantage of this wonderful resource by turning it into beautiful compost that can be returned to your garden. Weeds and prunings, when finely chopped, can also be added to the compost. You can create your own compost heap, or for an easier option, consider getting a compost bin, with tumbling ones being particularly efficient. Feel free to ask any of our staff members for information on composting or any other gardening topic. We're here to help!
Final Notes
Don’t let the weather put you off, rug up and spend some time out in the garden between the showers, it’s good for the soul!
Ask one of our knowledgeable garden staff members for advice if you have any questions regarding anything having to do with your garden, indoors or out. We would be pleased to lead you on the correct path. Call us on 1300 165 165 or visit your local store.