Nursery & Garden Industry NSW & ACT Limited

In your garden this February     

The flower garden  - Now is the time to start thinking about spring flowering bulbs.  These can be planted through the autumn months, so make your selections from your local garden centre.  It is a little early to plant, but it's the best time to buy because you get the pick of the stock.  Babiana, Dutch Iris, Freesia, Ranunculus and Sparaxis are all good choices for a stunning spring display - not to mention the tried and true daffodils!  Make sure the bed you are plant into has been well prepared by adding some blood and bone or Dynamic lift pellets.   Annuals available in garden centres now include Alyssum, aster, begonia, marigold, phlox and verbena.

Fertilising
February is one of the most important months for citrus, when orange, mandarin, lemon, grapefruit and lime trees should receive a late summer feeding and attention to any problems which may have developed.  If you lemon tree is infested with citrus gall wasp, cut off the affected branches and dispose of them completely. Spray citrus trees with PestOil to treat white wax scale, aphids and leafminer.  It has low toxicity and a short withholding period.   Remember to keep manure and mulch well clear of the truck of citrus trees to avoid rot and don't forget you still need to water fruit trees even after the crop has been harvested.

Pruning
Cut back long growth on climbers, especially wisteria.  These shoots will not produce flowers and can become a nuisance because they will try to latch onto nearby plants.  Summer blooming lavenders can be trimmed back after flowering.  When pruning lavender, never cut into the old woody plant material because it is reluctant to re-shoot.  Confine your trimming to the outer sections of the plant where there is an abundance of leaves.  Geraniums and pelargoniums can also be trimmed back now.

Gift Giving

If you have a gift to buy for someone special, nothing could be simpler than buying one of the new Life is a Garden Gift Cards - a gift which really grows - see www.lifeisagarden.com.au for stockist details.

Pests and diseases

Fungus diseases can be a real problem in hot, humid weather.  Powdery mildew, black spot, leaf spot and rust are all prevalent during this late summer period and preventative measures need to be taken.  These take the form of regular routine sprays using a broad spectrum fungicide.

The edible garden

Beds for winter/spring vegetables should be prepared now.  Apply lime to the beds first if they have not had lime during the preceding season, then leave them for a week or two before applying a good layer of manure plus a complete fertiliser.  Vegetables seeds to consider are beans, beetroot, broccoli, carrots, lettuce, peas, silver beet and turnip.

Being water wise

 Try to retain as much soil water as possible through incorporating wetting agents in the soil and mulching.  Improving the soil by the addition of organic material is also a very worthwhile project.

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