Winter in the Garden

Start planning now to surprise Dad with a great gardening gift. Some bright camellias, showy azaleas, some houseplants for his office or handy tools such as secateurs will all be much appreciated. If you can't decide, why not get him a Fagg's Gardener Gift Voucher.

Seedlings

In the flower garden sow seedlings of Alyssum, Bellis, Calendula, Carnation, Cineraria, Delphinium, Dianthus, Foxglove, Kale, Larkspur, Linaria, Lobelia, Lupin, Nasturtium, Nemesia, Pansy, Polyanthus, Poppy, Primrose, Primula, Ranunculus, Schizanthis, Snapdragon Statice, Stock Viola, Wallflower

In the vegetable patch, look for Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celery, Leek, Lettuce, Onions, Silverbeet, Spinach, Supply of seedlings is weather dependent and may vary from those listed here.. Always check the punnet label for planting conditions, distances, heights etc.. Dig through Humus Plus compost to enrich your soil prior to planting your seedlings. After planting, water in well with a plant starter solution to encourage new root growth. In frost prone areas, delay planting until the risk of frost has passed, or plant in pots which can be moved into shelter or protected overnight if a frost is likely.

Seeds

In the flower garden: Candytuft, Hollyhock, Honesty, Larkspur, Linaria, Lobelia, Nasturtium

In the vegetable garden: Beetroot, Boad Bean, Cabbage, Carrot, Parsnip, Peas, Spinach, Turnip

Winter is mainly a resting time for the seed bed. Sow seeds in containers and put them in a warm protected place. Plan your spring sowings and look for new relesae seed varieties in late winter/early spring

Bulbs/Perennials

Flowers: Achillea, Arum lily, Calla Lily, Canna, Cyclamen, Daylilies, Delphinium, Gladiolus, Helleborus, Hippeastrum, Lillium, Lily of the Valley, Paeony Rose

Vegetables: Artichokes, Asparagus, Garlic, Potato (Tubers), Rhubarb, Shallots, Strawberry (Runners)

Houseplants

Choose some colourful plants to brighten the house over winter. Cyclamen, Primula and African Violets are ideal. Put the Cyclamen outside at night as they love the cold air. Rotate your houseplants into natural light and keep them away from cold draughts and heated rooms. Less watering is required over winter as plants grow slower during the cold weather.

Pruning

• Prune Hydrangea stems back to a double bud and apply a blueing or pinking agent if you want to change or intensify the colour
• Prune fruit trees and grapevines
• Prune Roses
• Thin Camellias where there are multiple buds at the one point. This will give bigger blooms
• Prune Fuchsias in late winter if they are in a sheltered position
• Prune back winter flowering shrubs as the flowers finish. This will promote bushy new growth over Spring and Summer
• Remove spent flowers on annuals on a regular basis to promote further flowering

Trees shrubs and climbers

The secret to success with planting fruit trees is good soil preparation. Please ask a Fagg's Gardener Nurseryperson about the best preparation for your soil. Trees, shrubs and vines to plant now include Apple, Apricot, Berries, Cherry, Chestnut, Currant, Fig, Gooseberry, Grape, Hazelnut, Kiwifruit, Mulberry, Nectarine, Peach, Pear, Plum, Quince and Walnut. Additionally you can plant Azalea, Acacia, Camellia, Daphne, Daisies, Diosma, Dogwood, Erica, Grevillea, Hebe, Jasmine, Lilac, Magnolia, Rhododendand Viburnum. And you can select from our great range of ornamental blossom trees for planting during winter.

Pests and Diseases

• Monitor the garden regularly for aphid and caterpillar activity. Control as necessary with Pyrethrum
• Control Cabbage White Butterfly with Cabbage Dust
• Treat roses with Lime Sulphur over Winter while the plants are dormant. This will help control fungal diseases and mites
• Spray deciduous fruit trees to control leaf curl, freckle, brown rot etc

Other Jobs

• Protect frost sensitive plants
• Feed bulbs with bulb food once they have finished flowering
• Check plants under the eaves and close to buildings to ensure adequate watering
• Feed Azaleas and Camellias as soon as they finish flowering. Dead head and trim at the same time.
• Start a compost heap with Autumn leaves and garden scraps. Once rotted, dig it into the vegie patch for Spring planting, or add to garden beds
• Sharpen secateurs and clean/sharpen other tools
• Move deciduous trees in July if necessary
• Clean out gutters and drains
• Divide and replant herbaceous perennials