Compost or aged poultry manure should be dug into the garden bed. Strawberry plants can be purchased in pots or punnets. These plants will be guaranteed to be free of virus diseases. Runners (long, thin shoots that are produced from parent plants) may also be used.

The new plants should be spaced about 30cm apart. An application of mulch will help in preventing weeds from growing near the plants. It will also keep the fruit clean.

As the plants grow they will eventually produce flowers. At this stage of the plant’s growth an application of a liquid fertiliser, such as Nitrosol, should be made every few weeks.

Strawberry plants will continue to be at their most productive for about three years. After this time, new plants should replace the old plants, being planted out in autumn.

A citrus tree is one of the most useful fruit trees that can be included in the average garden. Lemons are generally the most popular choice, although the new Australian finger limes may also be considered.

Different varieties of lemons, oranges, grapefruit and cumquats are available, according to individual needs and growing conditions. For example, ruby grapefruit are particularly useful when making marmalade.

Double-grafted citrus trees, where two different varieties are growing on the one tree, are now available. These include combinations such as: “Washington Navel” orange and “Meyer” lemon; “Washington Navel” orange and “Tahiti” lime; and “Meyer” lemon and “Tahiti” lime.

Double-grafted citrus trees are ideal for many gardens as they require much less space.

Selecting one of the increasing numbers of dwarf citrus varieties is also a good way in which to save space, while still being able to enjoy the freshly-picked fruits. Dwarf citrus trees are the same as the more traditional bigger growing trees except that the plant material has been grafted on to under stock that will only grow to a metre or two in height.

The lemon variety “Lots-a- lemons” is an example of this and will grow very successfully in a pot on a balcony or in a courtyard, provided the plant receives several hours of sunlight each day.

Cumquat varieties also make good tub specimens.

A good quality potting mix should be used when planting citrus trees into pots.

Citrus trees are usually purchased in tubs or pots, making transplantation relatively easy. A position with good drainage is essential. Soil that has a heavy clay base and drains slowly may require plants to be grown in large pots or to have a raised bed constructed. Well-rotted manures and compost should be dug into the soil prior to planting time. Grass and weeds should be removed from the general area.

The hole that is dug for the new tree should be large enough for the new rootball to fit into it comfortably. It is important that the hole is not so large that the trunk of the plant will be below the soil of surface of the surrounding soil. The original soil surface in the pot should still be visible after planting. This may require some adjustment of the depth by adding soil to the bottom of the hole. If a plant is placed below the surface of the soil it will soon be subject to collar rot of the main trunk.

Once the tree has been placed in the soil, the soil should be well watered with a seaweed solution. A layer of organic mulch can then be placed over the new soil, ensuring that it is kept away from the trunk of the tree.

If leaf miner is present on Citrus trees, they should be sprayed with pest oil to prevent further damage. They will produce silver trails just under the surface of the leaf.

As gardeners attempt to grow vegetables that are as nutritious as older, more traditional varieties, but which are also suitable for smaller garden areas, new varieties are becoming available that fulfill this purpose.

Beetroot “Mini Baby Beets”, Cabbage “Mini Cannonball” and Cauliflower “Mini White” are all varieties that can be grown in smaller area, such as containers or pots, and yet still produce tasty crops.

Broccolini, which is a modern hybrid vegetable, formed by a cross between broccoli and Chinese kale, produces crops with stalks that are thinner than traditional broccoli. The florets are also sweeter and have a slightly peppery taste.

Pak Choi varieties are also suitable for pot culture and produce white as well as green stemmed plants. The leaves and stems of these oriental vegetables are suitable for inclusion in soups, stir-fries, salads and for pickling. Tender, outside leaves can be harvested, or the whole plant can be used.

A full sun position should be selected for best results. The soil should have been enriched with compost or a general garden fertiliser, added prior to planting.

Other vegetables that are suitable for planting out at this time include: broad beans, broccoli, celery, leek, onions, peas, snow peas, silver beet and spinach.

A colourful variety of Beetroot, Beetroot rainbow, is a crop that is best grown quickly, responding well to applications of fertiliser. Sweet roots, in a variety of colours are produced. They should be harvested when they are about the size of a tennis ball.

geoffh.gardening@gmail.com

Maitland and District Garden Club