Leaf colour a citrus clue

Magnesium deficiency causes the development of a distinct yellowing towards the apex of older leaves. A triangular area will remain green at the leaf base. The yellowing begins near the edge of the leaves and moves to the pointed end. Older leaves are affected first.

A heavy crop of fruit may also cause the deficiency to become more severe in late summer, with a subsequent shedding of leaves in the autumn. This will leave the tree quite weakened. Magnesium deficiency is more likely to occur in acidic soils, although trees planted in more alkaline soils may also be affected.

A solution made by dissolving 2 teaspoons of Epsom salts in a litre of water can be applied to the soil. However, a quicker result can be obtained by applying it as a foliar spray.

Zinc deficiency, sometimes described as “little leaf”, “mottle leaf” or “rosetting” is one of the most damaging and widespread nutritional disorders of citrus trees.

In its earlier stage, zinc deficiency will result in lower yields as well as a reduction in tree vigour.

Smaller, poor quality fruit may be evident. Small, narrow leaves (little leaf), whitish-yellow areas between the veins (mottle leaf) and leaves crowded along short stems (rosetting) will appear on affected trees. Smaller twigs may die back. The sunnier (northern) side of a tree may display more pronounced symptoms.

A spray that will effectively control both forms of deficiency can be made by dissolving the following in 10 litres of water; ½ cup of fish emulsion, 1 cup seaweed concentrate, 3 teaspoons zinc sulphate and 3 teaspoons Epsom salts.

However, the solution must be diluted as it would severely burn or maybe even kill young plants if it were to be applied at the original strength.

One part of the liquid added to ten parts of water would be an appropriate dilution rate. It would be preferable to use a weaker, rather than a stronger solution.

The liquid can be sprayed over and under the leaves.

It is also most suitable to use on most other fruit trees, as well as leafy vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and silver beet.

“Shothole” of the prunus variety of fruit trees (including peaches, plums and nectarines) causes small holes in the leaves, which may be mistaken for damage caused by snails.

However, this fungal disease can lead to more significant problems later on, including die-back in the branches and gum appearing on the branches and main trunk. A copper-based spray, such as copper oxychloride, will be necessary to achieve control.

However, this should not be applied until the new flower buds commence showing some pink colouration, before the entire flower opens. Ornamental (flowering) prunus may also be affected by this disease and require the same treatment.

Leaves of peach and nectarine trees can also become disfigured and thickened from another fungal disease.

Peach leaf curl eventually causes the leaves to drop from the tree. For treatment to be effective, the tree must be sprayed, again using copper oxychloride, but in this instance it should happen before the leaves develop. As the new leaves begin to swell and become plump is the ideal time.

The damp weather that we have experienced over recent months, combined with less hours of daylight and sunshine, will have led to the formation of moss on paths and areas of concrete.

This will be particularly evident in areas of shade. Apart from having an unsightly appearance, the moss forms a dangerous, slippery surface that can be difficult to remove.

A number of different methods can be tried, depending on the preference of the home owner. These include the use of a high-pressure water spray system and the application of different chemicals, using s stiff broom or scrubbing brush.

Bluestone (Copper sulphate) can be applied to affected areas and then left to dry. The area can then be swept clean.

A mixture of salt, dissolved in a minimum quantity of hot water and then added to vinegar, dishwashing liquid and lemon juice will also be effective. It is important to dissolve the salt prior to adding the other ingredients or the spray mechanism that should be used for the application will become clogged.

Care should be taken with the use of this mixture as, in addition to killing the moss, it will also kill off any other green plant material that it contacts. This method should only be used when no rain has been forecast.

Ensuring good drainage and adequate air circulation will help prevent the formation of moss.

A delight of the winter garden is observing the different birds that frequent it in search of food sources.

Honeyeaters will be attracted to a variety of plants, including native grevilleas and banksias, as well as camellias and other flowers rich in nectar. As many plants are devoid of leaves, the birds are also able to find grubs and insects that frequent the plants. Spider webs will provide a good source for nest building. Blue wrens, silver eyes, golden whistlers and Eastern spinebills are all in evidence now. Ensure a supply of water is available.