SEASONAL NOTES
Winter 2020
Winter again and there are tasks that needs working on so that when Spring arrives there are no weeds in sight, an area will be ready for planting and your established plants have had their branches trimmed if required.
June is the best time for planting your perennials and that can be spread over the next two months In July sowing seedlings will reward you with a lovely winter display of your chosen colours.
Fertilise bulbs with blood & bone & some potash. These first two weeks in June is the best time to lift (if you have any) gladioli bulbs from the cold soil. Try planting gladioli bulbs at three (3) week intervals for an extended display of colour. At the funeral of a former Royal Committee Member Anne Bishop after the ceremony Peter Douglas who has been an excellent associate of the RHSV handed out some beautiful gladioli bulbs to the congregation as they were leaving. I took my two home and when it was time, I planted them in a large tub. This year when the tips broke though the soil I kept an eye on them and they grew very tall and then the explosion of yellow kept appearing for days, they lasted beautifully in the slightly shaded area. I said, “Hello Anne”, this was such a lovely way to remember a lovely lady. Thanks Peter.
Every Garden has these - PESTS
Now it’s June the time has arrived if you have any white scale that needs to be removed from the Rose bushes before the stems and branches are completely covered. The treatment during their dormant season in winter. Prune and burn badly infected stems. Spray the rest of the bushes with white oil. In July expect to see some mealy bugs about. They can infect a large number of plants; a good spray of pyrethrum should do the trick. Wait for a week or so and if it wasn’t successful spray again. A few others to keep an eye out for are black spot, mildew, red spider mites and harlequin bugs.
Pruning Fruit Trees
This task to prune fruit trees so that their branches form a cup shape, destroying any diseased branches. Nectarines and Peach trees will fruit on the previous season’s young shoots so they should be pruned accordingly if you want fruit next growing season. Spray fruit trees and vines to prevent insect and fungal diseases that could cause a problem later. To make sure you have the correct spray please check with your local nursery.
ROSES Now is the best time for your rose pruning tasks from June to Mid-July. Time to consider some bare-rooted and potted roses. Reminder that roses require six (6) hours of sunlight a day and it has plenty of room surrounding it, no large shrubs. The soil requirement needs to be rich with good circulation. Check the Rose Society web site for more information.
WINTER VEGETABLES
Check your vegie area and dig over making sure no weeds are left and it is important that you add compost and manure to the area. After plantings feed fortnightly
TREES
Winter is a good time to visit your local nursery where you will find a wide choice of camellias, weeping cherries and any kind of tree you prefer for a new spot in your garden.
BIRD FEEDER
Supply a Bird Feeder to encourage wild birds into your Winter garden. However, it needs to be in a protected location.
INTERESTED IN GROWING YOUR VEGETABLES
Plant in June Broad Beans, Carrots and Peas
Plant in July Carrots, Cauliflower, Lettuce, Onions, Parsnips, Swedes
Plant in August Beetroot, Cabbage, Leeks, Potatoes, Radishes
Happy Gardening to all
Patricia
