Although this time of the year may appear to be a more relaxed time, because of the cooler weather, there are still tasks that need to be undertaken.
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Acid-loving plants should now be fertilised with a fertiliser specifically developed for this purpose. These plants include; azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias and daphne.
The rest of the garden can be fertilised with a controlled release fertiliser.
Roses should have old flowers removed from the plants. Later next month the plants can be given their annual pruning.
Pelargonium plants should be cut back by about two-thirds. This will assist in keeping the plant bushy, reducing the incidence of dieback on longer, straggly stems.
Herbaceous perennial plants that have finished flowering should be cut back to the base of the plants. Shasta daisies, gypsophila “Snowflake”, gaura (Butterfly Bush) and salvias are among this group of plants.
Lawns will benefit from being aerated as this will allow moisture and nutrients to reach the root system of the lawn. Aeration can be achieved by spiking the surface through the use of a garden fork or tools that have been specifically designed for this purpose. A final application of a general-purpose lawn food before the colder weather of winter sets in will be beneficial.
Some lawns may have areas of broadleaf weeds in them. These plants cover areas of the soil, killing off the surrounding lawn. Winter broadleaf weeds might include white clover, capeweed, dock and dandelion.
Capeweed produces yellow, daisy-like flowers and serrated leaves.
The weeds may be dug out, provided that the whole plant, including the long root system, is dug out. Sulphate of ammonia, sprinkled onto the plant, will generally kill the weed. Lawn foods containing sulphate of ammonia may be used, or weed killers that have been specially develop for the control of the weeds, will also help to control the weeds.
Bare patches that have developed in lawns should firstly be aerated. Then a mixture of a lawn fertiliser, a premium seed blend and a premium top-dressing mixture should be placed over the bare patch. Water the mixture in well.
SAFER SPRAYS
Gardeners who use chemical sprays in their gardens can accumulate a variety of chemicals that have been purchased to deal with a wide variety of situations. These can include pesticides, herbicides and fungicides, in addition to the spraying equipment used to dispense the chemicals.
Older products will often contain poisons that have been superseded by newer, safer products that generally have a low toxicity or have an organic base. Containers should be checked for use-by dates and those that have reached their limit should be disposed of. In general, they will have lost their effectiveness in controlling the problem for which they have been developed. Any containers that are leaking should also be disposed of.
However, it is important to consider the method of disposal, as simply placing the chemicals in the rubbish bin may contribute to contamination of the rubbish disposal area. The local council can be contacted to determine safe disposal options.
Spraying equipment can be cleaner and checked to ensure they work effectively. It is important to have one piece of equipment that is used solely for weedkillers. This should be clearly labelled. Using the equipment for the application of other chemicals may result in small amounts of residue being present, causing unwanted damage, or even destruction, to plants.
MAY CHORES
May is a good time of the year in which to move plants that may have been planted in a position that has not been ideal for growth, or plants that need to be moved because of garden redesign or building projects.
Plants that are moved now will benefit from the soil that is still warm enough to encourage the growth of new root structures, before the colder weather of winter becomes established. Shrubs such as azaleas and gardenias are ideal for this treatment, while smaller conifers may also be transplanted now.
Prior to removal of the plant from its original position, a trench should be cut around the plant in order to sever the main root system. Roots should be cut through cleanly. Removal of some the plant’s outer branches will assist the plant to compensate for the severing of its room system. Spraying the plant’s foliage with Stressguard will reduce water loss.
The new area for the plant should be dug out to a volume of twice the width and depth of the plant. Once the plant is in its new position, place a good quality soil mix around the root system, and then water the soil in well. Soil wetting products, such as crystals, should then be watered over the new area of soil.
GO GINGER
Gingers are plants that produce different types of flowers, ranging from single, perfumed flowers, through to plants that produce beehive-shaped cones in colours that include red, orange and yellow. Some have variegated leaves. Most gingers prefer warm climates in a well-drained soil that has been enriched with compost. In milder areas, the plants should be protected from cold winter winds by growing them beside a fence or wall.