Bug patrol
They’re lurking in the undergrowth! Yes, all those pesky summer bugs have gone into hibernation as over-wintering eggs or cosy cocoons. Blasting them now with mineral spraying oil will suffocate eggs and hard-shell insects such as scale, resulting in far fewer bugs next season. one or two applications will do the trick, but be sure the spray reaches all parts of the plant, including the undersides of leaves and all crevices.
Two or three copper sprays at fortnightly intervals are also vital to kill off disease spores. Spray the ground around previously infected plants as well – especially roses.
Lichen it or not?
Personally, I like lichen with its pretty patterns and bearded growth. It’s completely self-sustaining, so is not harmful unless a thick layer is completely smothering the host plant. However, if you prefer the lichen-less option, spray deciduous plants, or paint the branches of evergreens, with lime sulphur.
Going potty
Keen gardeners will be going potty if they’re not getting their fix due to inclement weather. But there’s plenty that can be done under cover. Plant up containers of flowering annuals and revamp pots by replacing the top few centimetres of soil with fresh potting mix. Top off with a mulch of pebbles or shells for a new look. Repot indoor plants to revitalise them for impending spring growth.
Sow trays of vege seedlings, including beets, cabbage, lettuce, onions, silver beet and spinach for planting out once the weather improves.
Leave it alone!
Some things are best left alone, such as leaves that have fallen onto garden beds. They might look untidy, but they’ll provide a wonderful (free) natural mulch to insulate soil from cold weather. By spring, they will have begun to break down and by summer they’ll be providing nutrients for your plants. Leaves on lawns do need to be picked up, or run over with the mower and thrown in the compost bin together with the lawn clippings. Leaves on paths and decks should also be swept up (or vacuumed up with a fabulous Stihl ShredderVac) to prevent dangerous, slippery surfaces.
Did you know?
oildly strenuous gardening activities, such as digging and raking, are on par with a low- to medium-impact aerobics class. Regular gardening therefore improves strength, flexibility and endurance, while helping prevent many common health problems. Getting out in the sunshine also provides a good dose of vitamin D, which is vital for efficient calcium absorption, thereby aiding strong bone development.
Gardening, like any exercise, also promotes the production of “feel-good” endorphins. And simply getting out in the fresh air over winter is always therapeutic. So, no matter how cold it is, grit your teeth and duck out between those showers – you’ll feel better for it!
New roses for 2011
New-season roses have hit the garden centres around the country and now is the perfect time for planting. Here’s a few of the latest mouth-watering varieties:
- Baby Jack (Shrublet) is a very easy- care rose growing to 50cm x 60cm.
- Strawberry Hill (English Rose) grows to a medium height and has an intoxicating fragrance.
- Golden Gift (Hybrid Tea) is a compact grower with a wonderful musky fragrance.
- Pamela Bartrum (Hybrid Tea) is named in honour of the late national and international rose judge and rose enthusiast Pamela Bartrum from South Canterbury.
This week:
- Spray decks and paths with algae and moss killer.
- Sow a winter crop of mesclun mix in a container.
- Turn the compost heap to aerate it.
- Plant rhubarb, garlic, asparagus and strawberries.
- When bad weather strikes, get out your favourite horticulture books and enjoy a spot of armchair gardening!
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