Autumn in the Garden

January is a month of rapid growth and the heat can continue well into February. Water regularly and thoroughly to keep plants growing but remember to observe local water restrictions. A good layer of mulch will help to conserve water and provide humus to your soil.

Seedlings

In the flower garden sow seedlings of Ageratum, Alyssum, Aster, Begonia, Carnation, Californian Poppy, Cleome, Celosia, Coleus, Cosmos. Dahlia, Dianthus, Dwarf Geranium, Impatiens, Lobelia,  Marigold, Nasturtium, Nicotania, Penstemon, Petunia, Phlox, Portulaca, Snapdragon Salvia, Verbena, Vinca and Zinnia

In the vegetable patch, look for Beetroot, Broccoli, Cabbage, Capsicum, Cauliflower, Celery, Cucumber, Eggplant, Lettuce, Silverbeet, Spinach, Sweet Corn, Tomato and Zucchini

Supply of seedlings is weather dependent and may vary from those listed here..  Always check the punnet label for planting conditions, distances, heights etc..  Water in well with a plant hormone solution to encourage new root growth.  Protect from snails and slugs.

Seeds

In the flower garden: Ageratum, Alyssum, Aquilegia, Bells of Ireland, Calendula, Candytuft, Celosia, Cineraria, Cleome, Cornflower, Cosmos, Delphinium, Dianthus, Forget-Me-Not, Godetia, Gypsophila, Hollyhock, Honesty, Larkspur, Linaria, Livingstone Daisy, Lupin, Marigold, Nasturtium, Nemesia, Nigella, Pansy, Polyanthus, Poppy, Primula, Schizanthus, Snapdragon, Statice, Stock, Sunflower, In late February, prepare garden beds for calendula, cineraria, primulas, polyanthus, stocks and other autumn planted seeds.

In the vegetable garden: Beetroot, Brussels Sprouts, Carrot, Celery, French Beans, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Endive, Leeks, Lettuce, Marrow, Melon, Parsnip, Peas, Pumpkin, Radish, Silverbeet, Spinach, Spring Onion, Squash, Turnip

Bulbs/Perennials

In late summer begin preparing beds for autumn planting of spring flowering bulbs such as daffodils, hyacinth, tulips etc. Look for the following to plant now: Achillea, Agapanthus, Belladonna, Crocus, Dahlia, Daylilies, Dierrama, Hippeastrum, Iris, Lilium, Nerine, Penstemon, Salvia, Tuberose, Zantedeschia

Mulching and Watering

Now is the time to mulch your gardens to keep your plant roots cooler, to reduce evaporation and to help prevent weed growth. If you find that water runs off the soil rather than soaking in, then a product like Wettasoil or Saturaid will assist with water penetration through to the roots.

Pruning

Trees shrubs and climbers

Agapanthus, Bouganvillea, Buddleia, Canna, Cherry Pie, Cistus, Crepe Myrtle, Diascia, Dipladenia, Ferns, Fuchsias, Gaura, Gazania/Arctotis, Geraniums, Hibiscus, Hydrangea, Jacaranda, Japanese Anenome, Lantana, Lasiandra, Lavatera, Lavender, Mandevillea, Oleander, Palms, Passionfruit, Plumbago, Penstemons, Roses, Salvias, Shade Trees, Tibouchina

Feeding

Pests and Diseases

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