Green vegetables are features of the winter garden. Peas and kale are two green vegetables that make useful additions to the home garden. Snow peas and sugar peas should be sown directly into the garden bed or large container where they will eventually grow. Seeds should be planted 8-10cm apart.
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In areas of heavier frosts, seeds may be planted initially into pots.
These plants are like garden peas except that they have a softer pod. This makes them ideal for eating the whole of the pod and seeds. Supports for the growing plants should be placed out when the seeds are planted as young tendrils will soon appear. Tree prunings, small twigs, wire netting or strings tied between posts are different ways in which support can be provided. Cool weather is essential for the successful growing of peas.
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It is important to pick the pods regularly, once cropping has commenced, as this will encourage the plants to produce more pods, extending the season.
Kale is a green leafy plant that can be used as a nutritious vegetable by itself, or it can also be used as a substitute for cabbage varieties. It has a strong flavour, although a tomato or cheese sauce used with Kale may mask its flavour. Kale should be washed well, then chopped finely and steamed.
Plants of kale are easy to grow and will be ready for harvesting in 7-9 weeks from planting. Seeds can be sown in seed trays and planted out in 4-6 weeks. They are best planted out (40cm to 50cm apart) before the soil becomes too cold.
DAPHNE
One of the delights of the winter garden, yet one that is not always easy to enjoy because of the difficulty in obtaining satisfactory growth, involves the Daphne.
Flowers appear on a plant of Daphne odora at this time and, apart from their appealing appearance, they provide a unique and delightful fragrance. In fact, just a few flowers on a Daphne plant are sufficient to supply a heady scent to the garden.
Daphne plants can be frustrating and sometimes difficult to grow, particularly in climatic areas that become very warm during the months of summer. However, if a suitable position is found, the plant will reward the gardener with its flowers and scent.
Daphne plants generally prefer moist, cool positions. One that receives only filtered light, under the overhanging branches of a larger tree should be ideal. A soil that is rich in humus and well-drained is essential as these plants will not tolerate extended periods of wetness. Mulching of the soil around the plant will ensure a minimum of root disturbance, which is also a preference of daphne plants.
Growth of Daphne plants can vary from erect, rounded shrubs through to spreading plants. Although different varieties are available, the more common form is more suitable for our climate.
These plants have leathery lance-shaped leaves, in a dull green colour. The heads of flowers have small, individual flowers, almost wax-like in appearance. Colours can include shades of white, cream or pink, depending on individual varieties and the age of the blooms.
RHUBARB
Rhubarb can be grown in a wide range of soil types, providing they are well drained, but it prefers deep loams well supplied with organic matter. Rhubarb is usually propagated by planting pieces or divisions of 'crowns' formed during preceding seasons.
Under ideal conditions, a strong, healthy division will produce a sturdy plant in one season's growth and some stems may be harvested in this first season. Crown divisions are usually planted about 90cm apart and covered with 5 to 7.5 cm of soil and firmly pressed into place.
Large amounts of organic matter (animal manures) should be used. Choose a sunny or lightly shaded spot and dig plenty of organic matter into the planting area. Some pellets of Dynamic Lifter can also be mixed into the soil before planting
As soon as the leaves appear, begin applying organic mulch around the plant (without directly touching the stems) and water regularly with a liquid plant food.
Sydney Crimson is a reliable rhubarb variety that performs well in a wide range of climates. When harvesting rhubarb, pick the largest stalks from the outside of the clump. Pull the stalk cleanly downwards and sideways. Always leave at least four stems in the centre of the clump.
One thing to note about rhubarb: rhubarb leaves are poisonous and should never be eaten. However, the leaves can be used to make a spray for insect control. Boil rhubarb leaves with water, using approximately three leaves per 500ml of water - and add a small amount of soap (ordinary flaked bath soap) to the mix. Spray in early morning or late afternoon.
CAMELLIAS
Sasanqua camellias have been flowering for several months, covering the plants with their bright, delicate-looking flowers. However, as they complete their flowering cycle, they produce long, new growth. This can be trimmed back to maintain a desirable size or shape, as well as encouraging more compact growth.
An application of fertiliser that has been specially developed for camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons will assist in the production of healthy, strong growth.
THINGS TO DO
- Take advantage of the recent rains by mulching garden beds, particularly vegetable beds.
- When mulching the beds, it is preferable to use low environmental impact mulches, such as pea straw, spent hay or sugarcane mulch as they will enrich the soil as they break down.
- Plant members of the brassica family, such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and Brussel sprouts, near some sage plants as they will assist in repelling caterpillars and moths.
Maitland and District Garden Club
