Welcome to our garden notes for April. Easter has been and gone and finally it looks like the weather is beginning to change.
We have had a few light showers in the last day or two, and while they are very welcome, it's certainly not enough to turn off the taps and stop watering. Our soils are still quite dry, so gardens and lawns will need extra water until we get a substantial rainfall event. One thing to keep in mind is that after prolonged dry spells, some soils may have become water repellent, meaning that any rain that we do get doesn't actually soak in. I usually give my garden a treatment with a soil wetter at this time of year to make sure that any rain we do get will definitely be absorbed.
The combination of a bit of moisture and cooler weather is the trigger for weeds to germinate, so be on the lookout for them starting to appear. Try to control them while they are still young, either by hand weeding or spraying. Additionally, mulch remains one of the best methods for reducing weeds, so maintaining a good cover will be helpful too.
Tips for Cold-sensitive Plants and New Season Veggies!
Soil temperatures are falling steadily now, which means that this month is really the last chance to plant things like citrus, hibiscus, and frangipani. This group of plants will not tolerate being planted into cold and wet soils, often sulking for years and not putting on growth at all, so do not delay if these are on your wish list. I know I'm always telling people to mulch, but in the case of these warmer region plants, it can be beneficial to rake back the mulch and expose the soil to the sun. Doing this will help maintain warmer soil temperatures for longer and extend the growing season.
Now, while there is still warmth in the soil, it's the best time to get your new season veggies in. Brassicas such as cabbage, cauliflower, kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts will get a good start if planted this month before it gets too cold. Keep an eye out for the white cabbage moth on all of these; the green grubs that hatch from their eggs can consume huge quantities of leaf. Control these by picking them off by hand or using a vegetable dust. It's also garlic time; bulbs are in stock now ready to split and plant. Plant them in a sunny spot with well-drained loose soil; add slow-release fertilizer (Rapid Raiser works well), plant approximately 2 cm deep about 15 cm apart. Keep moist, especially in dry weather, but not wet as bulbs will rot if too wet. Add more fertilizer after 3 months.
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Local Blueberry Plants Available Now!
Blueberry plants have been in short supply in South Australia recently due to import restrictions on interstate stock. The good news is that we currently have some locally grown plants available; Biloxi is the variety, in stores now. As blueberries need acidic soil to grow, the best option here, given our generally alkaline soils, is to grow them in pots using Camellia and Azalea potting mix. A pot of at least 40cm is needed. I have mine facing north in full sun and keep them moist, watering as much as every couple of days depending on the weather. I also feed mine with a fertilizer suitable for camellias and azaleas. Given the right conditions, they are really quite easy to grow and will reward you with plump, juicy berries in summer.
Final Notes
If you have plants that were a bit scorched in the recent heat and you haven't trimmed them back yet, do it now. Also, trim hedges and topiary plants after their summer growth if you haven't had a chance so far. Deadheading and tidying up perennials is another task that can be done this month.
In fact, April is a great month for giving your whole garden a once-over and general cleanup. Don't forget to pop all those prunings into the compost bin and get ready for the leaf fall from deciduous trees and shrubs that will start soon as the weather cools; there's nothing like making your own compost!
Enjoy spending time in your garden before winter arrives, and remember to pop into the garden center if you need something or have any questions about gardening.
Ask one of our knowledgeable garden staff members for advice if you have any questions regarding anything having to do with your garden, indoors or out. We would be pleased to lead you on the correct path. Call us on 1300 165 165 or visit your local store.