Autumn is here already, my favourite season, and the time of year when the list of things to do in the garden gets so much bigger.
Now is definitely the best time of year to plant trees and shrubs. This applies particularly to natives! The soil is still warm, and the likelihood of extended hot weather has passed. This means that anything planted now has the best conditions to get established before winter hits and the soil cools right down. By planting in autumn rather than spring, plants will have had more time to develop a good root system, meaning they will be much better placed to cope with hot weather next spring and summer. Water your plants with a seaweed solution to help prevent transplant shock and watch them grow!
Preparation is Key
You will notice a definite shift towards winter veg and flowers on the seedling benches. In flowers we now see pansies, viola, cineraria, stocks and the like, while the veggie focus moves to cabbage, cauliflower, kale, the onions etc. It’s also time to get stuck into planting seeds. Sweet Pea is the one that springs to mind, I try to have mine in the ground by mid-March, folklore says by St Patricks Day! Good soil preparation is the key for autumn planting, a lot of the winter veg, like cabbages and caulies, are heavy feeders and need lots of compost and animal manure worked into the soil before planting. Don’t forget that all of these plants can be grown successfully in raised garden beds and pots too.
Keep an eye out on your new plantings
Keep a close eye on new plantings of brassicas like cabbage and cauliflower, which are prone to green caterpillar infestations. White cabbage moths lay eggs under the leaves, and the hatching grubs can quickly strip the foliage. Control methods include manual removal, pesticide spraying, or regular application of tomato and vegetable dust. Address snail issues by using pet-friendly snail pellets during planting.
Spring-flowering bulbs, including Daffodils, Hyacinth, Freesia, Ranunculus, Anemone, and Tulips, are currently available for planting. These bulbs promise a vibrant display with minimal effort, whether in the garden or in pots. If purchasing Tulips, refrigerate them for 4-6 weeks before planting to simulate a cold northern hemisphere winter. For optimal effect, plant bulbs in large groups or 'drifts' in the garden or low pots, using a good potting mix and crowding them together. This approach ensures a stunning display, and potted bulbs can be moved around the garden or patio for enjoyment at different locations and times.
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Autumn Changes
Now that the weather is milder, consider tidying up plants that may have been scorched over the summer. Trim any damaged leaves, allowing time for fresh new growth. Hedges would also benefit from a prune and shaping. Applying Rapid Raiser or a similar fertilizer can be beneficial, especially if there's rain to help it penetrate the soil; otherwise, manual watering or using an irrigation system may be necessary.
If autumn rains are scarce, continue watering, particularly fruit trees that are setting their fruit wood for the next season. Inadequate water now could impact the size of next summer's crop. Given the recent weather, I continue to provide my trees with a weekly soaking, especially my lemon tree, which is actively setting new fruit. Regarding citrus trees, if you plan to plant one or two, don't delay. New season stock is expected in stores this month, and they should be planted in warm soil. Planting them in cold soil may lead to years of slow growth or reluctance to thrive.
Autumn rains will bring autumn weeds, so it's crucial to control them early while they are still small. This can be done through hand cultivating, spraying, and mulching to smother them. If winter grass is an issue in your lawn, now is the time to address it. You can use a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent seed germination or, once it appears, treat the lawn with Winter Grass Killer. Hand weeding is an option for small infestations, but whatever method you choose, it must be done before seed heads form. The saying 'one year's seed, seven years weeds' holds especially true for this weed.
Final Notes
So, as you can see there is a lot happening at this time of the year. Get into your local store now, stock up on all the great new fresh plants and dig in. As always we are here to help with all your gardening questions, don’t hesitate to ask us about anything relating to gardens and gardening, enjoy!
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.