About the Garden Summer 2023 Magazine

Your local gardening advice for Australian gardens

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2023 | ISSUE 107

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The Serenity Prayer

TM

Summer 2023 At your local - In season plants - Flowers - Foliage - Natives - Edibles

Issue 107

4 7 8 9

Summer harvest Vegetable growing in summer 10 Microgreens growing 12 Summer fruit 13 On the table - recipes Ginger chicken stir-fry Pickled garlic Mince stuffed capsicums

14 14 15

Indoor gardening Indoor summers Indoor plant problem solver

16 17

About summer - Flowers 18 - Edibles 19 - Humidity & fungal issues 19 - Dirt doctor - Mindful Gardening 20 - Climatic zones 20

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next. Amen. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths. Proverbs 3, 5-6

Let nothing disturb thee.

Let nothing affright thee Who has God. Wants for nothing.

All things pass God alone suffices.

God never changes.

(St Teresa of Jesus) Patience gains all.

Front cover image: Diggers Mini Sweet Capsicum Red & Yellow

New releases p4 Microgreens p12

Patron & Founder: Conway Searle Contributors: Ashley Searle, Jillian Coomb, Diggers, Pohlmans, Austraflora, Proven Winners, PMA & Plantnet.

Magazine Manager: Alana Searle Design & Layout: Alana Searle ATG Group Co-ordinator & Advertising: Jason Searle About the Garden is published seasonally by About the Garden Pty. Ltd. ABN 21 076 919 992 • 4914 D’Aguilar Highway, Kilcoy or P.O. Box 183, Kilcoy Qld. 4515 Ph: (07) 5422 3090 atg@aboutthegarden.com.au The material appearing in About the Garden is subject to copyright. Other than as permitted by the Copyright Act, no part of this magazine may be reproduced without the permission of the publishers. No responsibility is accepted by About the Garden Pty. Ltd. for the accuracy of information contained in the text, illustrations or advertisements. Although believed to be accurately and correctly sourced, thereof disclaims any liability against itself, editor/s or employees arising from any person acting on the material herein. The opinions expressed in the magazine, or by contributors, do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. ©Copyright 2023 About the Garden Pty. Ltd.

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Image: Plants Management Australia ww w.pma.com .au

Plectranthus ‘Mona® Series’ is the perfect shrub for shady nooks around the garden that will provide long floral displays.

Available in deep richly coloured purple-pink, pink, lavender and white flowers, crown proudly on deep-green serrated foliage throughout autumn and repeat flowering other seasons in the year. These bold flowers provide colour contrast to darker spots in the garden where it can sometimes be a challenge to find long-lasting colour. With a naturally neat, compact growth habit Plectranthus ‘Mona® Series’ is well suited for a splash of colour in garden beds, as fillers or featured in pots closer to the house.

SIZE Water requirements are medium once 35cmH 40cmW established. Tough and easy-care plant. Some dry tolerance once established. If growing in containers, care should be taken not to allow the soil to dry out completely. Plant in a well-draining Searles Platinum Potting Mix in pots or in Searles Planting Mix for garden beds.

Tidy after flowering by removing old flower heads. For best results, feed in late autumn and spring with a Searles Recharge Pots &

Gardens Controlled Release Fertiliser. Keep protected from frosts.

Poinsettias are beautiful and festive plants that bring a touch of colour and cheer to any space. They are best known for their vibrant red and green foliage, which is often mistaken for flowers.

Add vibrant colour to your favourite living space. page 04 | About the garden magazine

Pelargoniums Portulacas Chrysocephalum Cuphea Mandevilla Hibiscus Gardenias Frangipani Bromeliads

Ixora Zinnias Salvias Corymbias Eremophila Crepe myrtles Scaevolas Hoyas Bougainvilleas

COMPACT

VARIETY

Agapanthus ‘Baby Pete’ Image: Plants Management Australia www.pma.com.au

SIZE

20cmH 40cmW

Ideal premium potting mix and controlled release fertiliser for pots & hanging baskets.

Proven Winners® Gaura range are hardy perennials and are easy to grow in sunny areas in well drained garden beds. Excellent in containers and for massed planting. With little care needed once established, you can sit back and watch the attractive butterfly shaped SIZE flowers dance anytime the wind blows.

40cmH

30cmW

Gaura ‘Lillipop Pink’

Gaura lindeheimeri x coccinea

The attractive flowers are pink and look like masses of floating butterflies.

Gaura ‘Lillipop Soda Pop’

SIZE

Gaura lindeheimeri

30cmH 20cmW

The attractive flowers are pure white and the foliage a fresh green.

Gaura ‘ Lillipop Blush’

Gaura lindeheimeri x coccinea

The attractive flowers are blush pink and look like masses of floating butterflies.

Gaura ‘Freefolk Rosy’ Gaura lindeheimeri

The attractive flowers are white with a bright cherry pink picotee edge. The foliage is highly variegated, green with white, pink and shining brown flecks.

SIZE

60cmH 40cmW

Gaura ‘Rosy Jane’ Gaura lindeheimeri

The attractive flowers are white with a bright cherry pink picotee edge & are borne above multi-coloured green and mottled brown foliage.

Plant them in full sun for better flowering.

Use Searles Platinum Potting Mix for pots or Searles Planting Mix for garden displays. Mulch and keep soil moist while establishing. Heat and drought tolerant once established. Water more often if planted in pots. Prune back spent foliage after flowering to promote new growth. page 06 | About the garden magazine

SIZE

60cmH 40cmW

Small to medium lobe shaped leaves with heart shaped base.

Highly variegated with a unique camouflage pattern. Great for hanging baskets.

Try this hardy, cascading foli age plant for a dramatic display. This nonin vasive form of Liriope, ‘Emerald Cascade’ spr eads slowly to form graceful thick mound s of glossy green foliage, ideal for a low-m aintenance dense groundcover when plante d en masse or a potted specimen. In spring and summer cobalt blue berries appear. Not on ly will ‘Emerald Cascade’ tolerate extende d periods of dryness, but it also does we ll with minimal care inside the home.

Image & information courtesy of Plants Management Australia www.

pma.com.au

A very attractive indoor or shade plant with bright green-yellow striped foliage. Displays a rosette habit and is a great addition to the home as a lush foliage display.

Perfect potting mix & controlled release fertiliser partners for

Carex ‘Feather Falls’

is a highly decorative Carex with outstanding garden and pot performance. The long clean and crisp foliage will reward you with a year round maintenance free plant. A highlight of this new variety is its beautiful plumes of feathery flower stems that emerge from the centre of the fresh new variegated foliage during the spring months.

Image & information courtesy of Plants Management Australia www.pma.com.au

lush foliage

About the garden magazine | page 07

Callistemon ‘Little John’ is a low-growing, rounded, small evergreen shrub with attractive bluish-green leaves. Masses of dark red, bottlebrush flowers appear in spring to summer and are attractive to nectar feeding birds.

Ideal in mixed shrub beds and borders and in large containers.

Plants respond well to pruning so can be used as low informal hedges. Prefers a sunny position. Tolerant of most soils and light frost. Provide additional water during very dry periods.

SIZE

FULL SU SUN

up to 1mH & 1mW

Callistemon viminalis

Acmena smithii

SIZE

Anigozanthos rufus ‘ARS01’

60cmH 60cmW

Every landscape needs a touch of lightness and some plants can provide this without even flowering. In fact, you’d never even miss it with Acmena Moonlight Flame.

Anigozanthos Frosty Red is an attractive kangaroo paw with blue-green foliage and a spectacular deep red flower display.

The smooth soft pale green & lemon foliage of this small shrub catches the eye, but even more so when it’s flushed with sunsetty-pink new tips that cover the plant for many weeks in spring.

Flowering spring and autumn with numerous long sprays of deep red flowers, this attractive plant forms a neat mounded tuft. Anigozanthos Frosty Red tolerates frosts, full sun and most soils.

Any small garden space that needs a lift will be perfect, or use it to create a low growing hedge or plant as a border along a pathway. A feature shrub in the garden or for containers. It only needs minimal trimming to keep it neat.

An easily grown, versatile plant, ideal for most pot, garden and landscape positions. page 08 | About the garden magazine

Sun or shade and good drainage, cool temperate to sub tropical climates, and some protection from frosts or strong coastal winds are all that’s required. It’s one of those easy going plants that make you so glad you chose it.

Zucchini ‘Back Beauty’

Add some edible heirlooms to this summer’s gardening.

Zucchini and squash are easy to grow and offer ample produce for not only your table, but usually your neighbours and friends too! Perfect for stuffing, soups and grilling, look for the popular heirloom variety Zucchini ‘Black Beauty’ or try growing ‘Tromboncino’ which starts out as a zucchini, but if left to mature, will reward you with delicious, butternutlike pumpkins!

Eggplant ‘Listada Di Gandia’

Popular in Mediterranean cuisine and summer recipes, grow your own capsicum, chilli and eggplant. Flourishing in the hot days of summer, these plants will bring some colour and flavour to your summer table.

Look for Eggplant ‘Listada de Gandia’ or ‘Rosa Bianca’, two wonderful varieties selected by gardeners in Europe for their colour and flavour.

Capsicum ‘Mini Sweet Red’

Zucchini

‘Trombo nc

ino’

Try growing a mix of large capsicums like Wonder’, which can be picked green ‘California Wonder’ or red, as well as the smaller fruited ‘Mini Red’ which is ideal for salad and snack boxes and has a sweet aftertaste.

If you like a little spice, Chilli ‘Joe’s Long’ is one of the most popular culinary chillies to grow at home because of its high yield and superb flavour. Easy to grow, stake at planting to support the abundance of fruit. Another must for the spice lover is Chilli ‘Jalapeno’ - the most popular chillli for preserving, you’ll be able to spice up your cooking year-round. Perfect for pots, chillies can be grown in most areas right through summer and into autumn.

Bean ‘Dragon’s Tongue’

<<

Chilli ‘Joe’s Long’

There’s still time to plant beans. Plant a new punnet each month to extend your harvest.

Grow a mix of round green beans like ‘French Feast’, flattened beans like ‘Italian Romano’, as well as dried beans like ‘Dragon’s Tongue’ to fill your larder throughout the year. And the best part about growing beans, is the more you pick, the more you get, so be sure to make daily visits to your garden.

About the garden magazine | page 09

Growing vegetables in the heat of summer can be a challenge, but following a few simple steps simplifies the process. First step is to know your region, is it Mediterranean, tropical, wet or dry tropical, dry inland, temperate, or cool and southern tablelands. Once you know your region then select plants that are suitable for your region at that time of year#.

Once you have the plants sorted, then look at the area you are growing in. Prepare the garden beds with an organic fertiliser such as 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser Dig in or Searles Premium Compost and dig through well. This will give nutrients to the plants plus help retain moisture in the soil. Use drip irrigation rather than spray nozzles. In humid weather, wetting the lower foliage can often lead to fungal issues. Drip lines tend to just moisten the soil or lay a soaker hose upside down so the water hits the soil. A layer of lucerne or sugar cane mulch over the top of the dripper or soaker

hose holds in the moisture and decreases the need for watering as often.

Once the plants are in the ground, consider using an insect exclusion netting over the entire garden. This keeps out most pests and therefore decreases the need for insecticides. Another advantage is it assists in giving a light shade to the garden and helps to decrease leaf burn.

Keep in mind if you are using heritage or heirloom varieties of plants, then they do need the pollinators available for fruit development and netting may not be an option until after flowering when fruit appears.

Ideal summer veggie fertilisers

<<

page 10 | About the garden magazine

If using pots or containers for your summer crops, then position the pots where they enjoy the morning to midday sun. The afternoon sun has the most bite, so if possible, shelter them from this. When watering, early morning or late afternoon is the best time.

Keep the water on the soil rather than the leaves and fruit to decrease the chance of disease issues.

Fertilising is imperative; always have a steady supply of nutrients available to the crop. If growing organically, 5 IN 1 Pellets are perfect but always follow the instructions on the packet for how much to use and how often to reapply. During the heat of summer, kelp or seaweed is a wonderful anti stresser for plants.

Apply Seamax Organic Fertiliser fortnightly.

This can be watered over the foliage and the soil and helps protect the plant from heat stress. This does not follow the same rules as watering and so it is perfect over the foliage.

Check vegetables weekly for pests or diseases and act immediately with a spray that states it is suitable for edible crops such as Searles Ecofend or Searles Bug Beater. These sprays are a hit and kill, so be sure to get under the leaves when spraying and follow the instructions for how often to reapply. Remember that you are only killing the pests that are present and they will have laid eggs, so be ready to get the offspring.

Now enjoy your summer crops and harvest regularly to encourage the plants to produce more.

* Protect in shade house.

Turn to our Garden diary section on page 20 to know what vegetables to grow in your reg ion. #

About the garden magazine | page 11

Mizuna, rocket, cress, pea, bean, cabbage rubies, and seed packets commonly labelled microgreens are perfect to grow. Ensure seeds are not treated by an insecticide or fungicide, as microgreens are eaten very young.

If you to grow them on a windowsill or patio, position them where they will receive bright, indirect sunlight.

Use seedling trays or small plastic pots filled with Searles Seed Raising Mix. This mix contains a starter fertiliser and a light, fine textured soil for excellent aeration to create high germination strike rate and establish good root growth.

To add a little extra nutrient for continued growth, water soil with a dilution of SeaMax Organic Fertiliser.

Once the mix has drained, sprinkle seeds evenly over the top of the soil. Lightly sprinkle extra soil to cover the seeds. Remember not to bury the seeds too deep and mist spray to moisten the topsoil.

Ideally, the mix should remain moist during germination and early period of growth. Some trays can be purchased with a clear lid. page 12 | About the garden magazine

For successful seed germination and healthy stem and leaf growth, keep soil moist consistently by a light misting or gentle watering daily right through to harvesting.

Germination period will be noted on the seed packet, but generally most seedlings appear between 7 to 14 days. Once spouts are at desirable height for harvesting, with a clean, sharp blade or preferably kitchen scissors, cut sprout stems just above the soil line. No new sprouts will germinate once harvested, but when the tray is completely harvested, turn over the soil and start again with a new packet of seeds.

Brisbane

Perth Sydney Adelaide

Canberra

Melbourne

Hobart

For years, Aussie’s have been sitting with the same choices of pears that they can get easily in the supermarket – until now. Here is the first new range of pears available to Aussie home gardeners in decades!

SunGoldTM SIZE

2.5mH 2mW

New to 2023 is the Summer Crunch® Pears collection. Four brand new dwarf pear varieties, growing up to 2.5m in height, making them suitable for pots and home gardens.

Within this collection are Dwarf Cool Crisp™ Pear, Dwarf SunGold™ Pear, Dwarf Red Princess™ Pear, and Dwarf Sweet Reward™ Pear. The whole collection is ready for harvest at the tail-end of summer.

Summer Crunch® Pears are perfect for container gardens and homes with limited space, patios, courtyards, and balconies in cold to warm temperate climates.

Cool CrispTM Red PrincessTM

Plant in a full sun position in well drained soil with Searles Fruit, Citrus & Rose Specialty Mix, ideal for both pots and gardens. Use a fertiliser specifically designed for fruit growing, such as Searles Fruit & Citrus Food every season to boost plant health

and flower/fruit production.

The jaboticaba’s habit of producing the fruit directly on the trunk and its attractive compact fine evergreen foliage makes this a striking tree to have in the garden. Its fruit is similar to a grape with a sweet and aromatic flavour. The new foliage growth is a coppery colour along with their beautiful honey scented flowers makes it a very pretty ornamental tree. With a maximum height of 5-10m this fruit tree suits larger gardens, though it can be grown in large pots and pruned to keep compact.

Jaboticabas bear heavy crops, often fruiting up to 3 times per year from mid-spring to late autumn. Be vigilant at fruit time, the fruit is hidden on the trunk and can be easily missed at harvesting time. Fruit are ready to eat 30 days after flowering.

Plant in a full sun position in well drained soil.

Prefers and tropical and subtropical climate, though it can handle some light frosts. Fruiting may take up to 5 years to start after planting. Water moderately, as it is a tropical tree.

Note: There maybe some quarantine restrictions in SA & WA.

About the garden magazine | page 13

simple recipes made from garden kitchen produce

Simple recipe for pickling garlic clove.

Mix together sliced cucumber, radish, shallots and sprigs of watercress and thyme, with a drizzle of your favourite olive oil for a healthy salad in minutes.

page 14 | About the garden magazine

Ingredients

Prepare

1 cup garlic cloves, peeled, cooked 2/3 cup water 1/3 cup white, red or cider vinegar 4 tbsps castor sugar 1 1/4 tsps salt 1/4 tsps mustard seeds pinch of chilli flakes (optional)

Combine 2/3 cup water, vinegar, sugar, salt, mustard seeds and chilli flakes in a small pan, bring to high heat and stir ingredients until all dissolved.

In boiling water, cook garlic cloves for 3 minutes, remove from water and transfer to clean, sterilised jars or canning jars.

While hot, pour solution into jars, seal tightly and refrigerate.

Pickled garlic can be kept fresh stored in the refrigerator for a few months. Not suitable for pantry shelf storage.

Ingredients

1 tbsp canola oil 600g chicken thigh, cubed 1 capsicum, sliced 1/2 cup of sliced mushrooms 1 tbsp minced garlic 1 tbsp minced ginger 2 stems of shallots, sliced Sesame or nigella seeds

Stir-fry sauce

1 tbsp honey 2 tbsps fish sauce 1 tsp soy sauce 1/3 cup chicken stock 1 1/2 tsps of cornstarch

Prepare

Whisk honey, fish sauce, soy sauce, stock and cornstarch in a small saucepan on low heat until combined. Continue to whisk sauce until it starts to heat up and thicken. Once thick and shiny, remove from heat.

Heat oil in a large pan or wok, cook chicken pieces until browned and remove from pan, set aside.

Add to the pan capsicum, mushrooms and cook until softened. Add in garlic, ginger and shallots, stir until fragrant. Add back into the pan cooked chicken, stir until reheated.

Turn off the heat and pour stir-fry sauce into the pan and stir constantly to coat the chicken and vegetables.

Serve

Sprinkle with sesame or nigella seeds to serve.

Ingredients

Add in mince and stir until cooked. Add in tomato soup, stock and rice, bring to boil, then reduce heat to simmer uncovered until rice is cooked. Add in corn kernels, thyme and stir until combined and hot.

4 large capsicums, halved, seeds removed 1 onion, finely chopped 3 garlic cloves, crushed 500g of mince, either pork, veal, mixed or lentils if vego 1 cup tomato soup 1 cup chicken stock 1/2 cup rice 1/4 cup cooked corn kernels 1 tablespoon thyme, chopped parmesan cheese handful fresh parsley

Preheat oven to 200˚C.

Place halved capsicums on a lined baking tray. Stuff capsicums with mince mixture, sprinkle with parmesan cheese and bake in oven for 45 minutes or until capsicums are cooked through.

Cook onion and garlic in an oiled pan until softened.

Serve with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley.

Prepare

for more recipes, visit

www.aboutthegarden.com.au About the garden magazine | page 15

Summertime can see us either embracing the summer heat at the beach or enjoying more time indoors along side our indoor jungle friends. Keep your leafy jungle companions happy with these easy tasks.

A breath of fresh air

I like this spot

Natural light is essential to indoor plants. Though some do quite well in dim surroundings, most need at least bright indirect sunlight for several hours a day to flourish. Generally, flowering indoor plants will bloom better with access to more light. When planning where to put your indoor plants, take advice from your garden centre and learn from your own

page 16 | About the garden magazine

If the summer sun is too much for them, move them to a more protected area indoors.

To prevent uneven growth, quarter-turn pots regularly so all sides of the plants are exposed equally to the light. It is advisable to remove indoor plants from time to time to a sheltered position in your garden or on a verandah or patio for a week or so of outdoor living.

Prune

Prune dead branches and remove leaves regularly to concentrate the plant’s energy back into growing.

Feed me

Don’t over water or over fertilise. Keep a record of when you fertilise your plants and don’t be tempted to overfeed. Remember to feed and water less often in the winter months and more during spring and summer. Searles Flourish Indoor & Greening Soluble Plant Food will provide indoor plants with a complete plant food and trace elements for abundant leaf growth.

Ideal indoor pot care

<<

Indoor plants don’t enjoy extremes of temperature. The living areas in your home suit them best as these rooms tend to be kept at a fairly constant comfort level. Whilst air conditioning makes the summer heat tolerable, the unit actually sucks the moisture out of the air to cool the space. This can result in plant dehydration, making the plant foliage wilt and potting mix dry out. To ensure that your plants do not suffer too badly from moisture depletion, give the plant and foliage a good water when the soil starts to dry out.

experience. Some plants, such as ZZ plants, flourish in low-light conditions, while others must have sun. Don’t place large, spreading plants in walkways or landings where they may suffer damage from passing traffic.

Problem Sudden leaf drop

Brown spots and leaf margin burn, white residue on surface of potting mix, wilting, strong, soft new growth

Solution This is particularly evident in plants such as Ficus (figs) and can be caused by a move to a new location. A change in light levels, temperature (air conditioning is a common cause) or even localised air movement can trigger this response.

Solution – Don’t move your plants too often!

Can be a sign of over-fertilising. Use clean water to flush fertiliser from the mix, then take it easy on the plant food! Follow the application directions for indoor plants on the product label.

Wilting during the day but recovering at night

A sure sign that moisture levels are getting low. You’re probably not watering often enough, maybe too little water per application, or your potting mix is too open to hold enough water for the plants’ needs. Use a moisture probe to indicate when things are drying out (your index finger is wellcalibrated for this!) and think about using Searles Penetraide Re-Wetting Granules or a change to Searles Indoor Potting Mix!

Leaf drop, wilting, leaf margin damage, rot in succulents

Usually indicates that the potting mix is too wet! Can occur in shallow pots, old and decomposing potting mix, or by simply watering too often!

Make sure that if using pot saucers, they aren’t always full of water. Re-pot and research your plant’s water needs.

Plant loses vigour, older leaves start to yellow, stunted growth

Nutrition levels are falling. For instant topping-up of nutrients use Searles Flourish Indoor & Greening Soluble Plant Food. If the potting mix is still in good condition, sprinkle Searles Recharge around the tops of pots.

Leaf drop, yellowing, leggy growth

Is a fair dinkum indication that light levels are too low. Gradually move your plants to a better-lit area or select plants that can tolerate the dingy corners of your home or office!

About the garden magazine | page 17

allzones summer planting & care guide > Hoyas will quickly become a gardeners favourite after they experience their hardiness and scented pendulous blooms during the warmer months from spring to autumn. Their small root requirements make them perfect for pots. If planting them in the ground, provide them with a trellis or climbing vessel to happily trail along. Ideally, plant hoyas in Cymbidium & Bromeliad Specialty Mix. This mix has open free draining properties and contains a 9 month fertiliser for flower boosting, ideal for pots or gardens. Hoyas flourish in very bright light, in dappled shade areas and under patios in warmer zones. Keep soil moist. > Summer flowering potted colour, try poinsettia, drought busting bloomers, dianthus, lobelia, strawflowers, marguerite daisy, buddleja, geraniums and salvias (Heatwave series). Euphorbia ‘Diamond Frost’ flowers all year round. Geraniums are a water wise summer stunner that look great in any garden style. If you haven’t already planted summer annuals, plant these now, petunias, sunflowers, rudbeckia, phlox, californian poppy, amaranthus, aster, bedding begonia, carnation, portulaca, salvia, celosia, dahlia, dianthus, gerbera, gypsophila, zinnia and verbena. > Hydrangeas put on a show in summer. They make long-lasting cut flowers indoors. Feed hydrangeas fortnightly with Searles Flourish Flowers & Foliage Soluble Plant Food during their peak flowering period. > Maintaining moisture at root level for roses is necessary during summer. A deep watering at least weekly should be undertaken.

More often if planted in pots. Mulching of beds will also assist in keeping the dampness of soil at the proper level. Maintain a regular spraying programme for black spot on ornamentals with Searles Rose Pro spray. This spray will treat black spot as well as aphids and thrips, both of which plague roses in warmer weather.

page 18 | About the garden magazine

Warmer Climates

• Canna • Persimmon tree • Hibiscus • Lemon myrtle • Heliconia • Hydrangea • Poinciana • Lilly pilly • Ginger • Buddleja • Frangipani • Prostanthera • Metrosideros • Photinias • Geraldton Wax • Illawarra Frame Tree • NSW Christmas • Lavender Bush • Golden Shower • Salvia • Corymbias • Leopard Tree • Crepe myrtles • Marmalade Bush • Pompom tree

Cooler Climates

• Azalea • Escallonia • Rhododendron • Daphne • Metrosideros • Bougainvilleas • Waratah • Crepe myrtles • Gardenia • Smoke bush • Lavender • Mock orange (Philadelphus • Pittosporum coronarius ) • Photinia • NSW Christmas • Hydrangeas bush • Weigela

A plant in good health can withstand pests and diseases far more efficiently than a struggling plant.

When a plant is stressed, they may succumb to pests and disease far quicker and the issues may be more severe and harder to treat. Fungal issues usually have certain prevalent precursors before the fungal problems are evident. Fungal disease generally needs moist, shady areas and worsens in high humidity or extended rain periods.

Best practices in these times are not to water the plant leaves but to control the water flow so that it hits the soil. Old leaves that have succumbed to any issues and have fallen off should be collected, bagged, and binned so that they do not reinfect other leaves. Do not compost infected material, as this is spreading the problem, which can lead to a recurrence of the fungal issue. Treat the plant’s leaf and soil with a seaweed solution, Seamax Seaweed. This will boost plant health to build resistance to diseases. Some fungal spores can live dormant for up to three months, so it is not a one-off application. Reapply fortnightly.

When it comes to fungicide sprays, it is imperative that you identify the issue and use a fungicide that treats that specific fungus. Different fungicides treat different issues, so read the back of the packet and make sure it mentions the plants you are treating, as well as the actual fungal issues.

Repeat spraying is often best practice to treat any remaining fungus that was missed the first time.

Also treat the spores on the soil around the plant (the next generation of the fungi).

Sometimes, fungal issues happen, but following best practices and keeping the plant in the greatest health will minimise damage. In times of high humidity, be aware of the prevalence of fungal problems and alter watering practices.

A plant in the best possible health will weather what the seasons bring.

> Fruit fly are in full swing during the warmer months.

Signs of this pest are discoloured spots and rotting developing around the skin area, generally on vegetables, particularly tomatoes and capsicum, plus citrus. Eggs hatch into maggots that destroy the soft interior of the fruit. Use Searles Fruit Fly Trap in spring and summer to monitor activity. This will attract, trap and kill male fruit flies only, so use these together with fruit fly exclusion bags/netting for best results. > Sweet corn can be planted from late spring until early autumn throughout Australia and all year round in the tropics. Plant one variety of corn. Plant in blocks of a dozen or more plants, grown at threemonthly intervals for a continual supply. > Iceberg, cos lettuce, spinach, Asian greens and herbs can still be grown in summer. Use a shadehouse or cloth if growing them in the height of summer in warmer climates. A few hot days can turn your leafy greens bitter.

Keep them well watered and provide a shade for them until the hot days have passed. > Water tomatoes consistently. Dramatic changes in watering and temperatures will encourage fungal problems, blossom-end rot and poor fruiting. If growing in hotter climates, protect from summer heat and bugs with a shade cloth. > Citrus and fruit trees still need consistent watering and a dose of organic fertiliser, 5 IN 1 Fruit & Flower Fertiliser at the start of the season to aid growth and combat the hot weather. > Grow heat loving herbs and pick regularly for better taste. Plant basil, chives, lemon thyme, lemon myrtle, lemon balm, lemon verbena, lemongrass, chilli, coriander, kaffir lime, mint and ginger in warm and sunny parts of the garden. > In season now. Harvest macadamias, mangoes and cooler climate pears, peaches, apricots and nectarines.

Plant watermelon, cucumber, squash, zucchini early December. Chilli, eggplant, capsicum, radish, sweet corn, pumpkins and leeks can be grown during summer.

About the garden magazine | page 19

Rockhampton Gladstone

Emerald

Hervey Bay Toowoomba Warwick

by climatic zone

Brisbane

Grafton Port Macquarie

> Look out for blackspot on roses during warm, humid weather of summer. Remove affected leaves promptly and spray the remaining bush with Searles Rose Pro Blackspot & Insect Killer. This product is a handy spray to have in your arsenal.

It also kills powdery mildew, rust, aphids, thrips, caterpillars, budworm and mites. > Maximise water penetration into your garden soil by sprinkling Searles Penetraide Re-Wetting Granules on the soil before mulching. Liquid feed with SeaMax Organic Fertiliser Liquid to keep plants healthy to combat heat stress.

Would you believe most gardeners are already practicing this ancient technique of meditation in the garden? The principals of practicing ‘Mindfulness’ is a whole article in itself, but essentially it is being in the present, sensing and feeling the moment without interpretation or judgement on what is thought or seen. Mindfulness is a wonderful way of reducing stress, worry and anxiety levels and detaching yourself from unhelpful thoughts and what better way to do it than while gardening.

One easy way to practice mindfulness in the garden is while you are in your garden, focus, feel, smell, hear only on what is in the present. You may be digging in the dirt? Think about how that dirt feels in your hands, the smell of the Earth, see the beautiful plants around you, the bee buzzing near by, the light breeze on your skin. Be curious, without judgement. Take time to enjoy your garden in the present and reap the benefits ‘Mindfulness’ meditation brings.

> For a smallish shrub of fairly delicate habit, hibiscus sure can produce the most enormous, flamboyant flowers. They are tough too. Even a neglected hibiscus bush can continue to flower through the harshest conditions. > Poincianas, hibiscus, crepe myrtles, lemon scented myrtle, bougainvilleas, frangipani, ornamental gingers, clivias, bird of paradise and buddlejas all flower in summer. Fertilise with Searles Plant Food range to boost flowering. Sow ageratum, aster, balsam, celosia, cockscomb, coleus, gomphrena, impatiens, marigold, salvia, sunflower, torenia, vinca and zinnia. > Plant early summer warm season cucurbits such as pumpkin, watermelon, cucumber, summer squash for a early autumn crop. Other vegetables can be planted such as artichoke, beans, capsicum, celery, chinese cabbage, eggplant, kohlrabi, leek, lettuce, okra, onion, potato (tubers), radish, rhubarb (crowns), rosella, silver beet, spring onion, squash, sweet corn, sweet potato and tomato. For leafy greens, protect from extreme heat with a shadecloth until the period has passed. > For herb gardens, plant basil, chives, coriander, fennel, gotu kola, heliotrope, lemongrass, parsley and tarragon. Plant mint in pots to contain their invasive roots.

For more information for what to grow in your climatic zone visit www.aboutthegarden.com.au page 20

| About the garden magazine

Darwin

Cairns Townsville Mt. Isa Longreach Carnarvon

Rockhampton

Emerald

Blackall

Brisbane

> Plant caladiums, celosia, cockscomb, coleus, gomphrena, impatiens, marigold, petunia, salvia, sunflower, torenia and vinca. > Harvest summer fruit like avocadoes, bananas, coffee, jackfruit, mangoes, papaya/ pawpaw, passionfruit and custard apples. Lookout for fungal diseases on fruit and leaves and spray infestations with Searles Copper Oxychloride. > Storms are coming - remove leaves from gutters, prune back damaged or tired branches off trees, remove water holding vessels in which mozzies can breed and generally clean up and tie down any loose objects that can be used as projectiles in windy weather. > Aerate the lawns so all the water from the wet season soaks deep into the soil. Watch out for the onslaught of the weeds and spray early. Sprinkle Searles Penetraide onto the lawn to improve water penetration into the soil and to the roots. > Many types of ginger are flowering and at their peak. Plant shell ginger, roscoea, blue ginger, torch ginger plus the commonly edible Zingiber officinale, cardamom and galangal. > Time to plant capsicums, cucumbers, eggplant, lettuces, melons, mustard, radish, spring onions, squash, sweet corn, tomatoes and zucchinis. Liquid feed fortnightly with 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser Liquid to keep growth strong and promote flowering.

Harvest veggies while still young and tender.

In the tropics the heat and humidity can ripen vegetables quickly. > Heliconias, strelitzias, rangoon creeper, pink euodia, frangipani and many forms of ginger dazzle during summer and make lush tropical garden features. Give them plenty 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser Pellets to boost foliage and flower growth.

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> Watch out for fruit fly activity on tomatoes, citrus and capsicum. Monitor with Searles Fruit Fly traps. > Lillypillies are flowering now. Plant them for screens, hedges and borders. Look to buy psyllid resistant varieties, such as Syzygium ‘Resilience’ and ‘Cascade’. > Tomato vines will be growing rampantly, maintain frequent and regular watering to ward off blossom end rot and keep the ‘red shiners’ coming. Remove unwanted branches or old ones to redirect the plants energy. > Plant beans, beetroot, cabbage, capsicum, carrot, cauliflower, cucumber, english spinach, kohlrabi, leek, lettuce, onion, parsnip, pumpkin, radish, silver beet, spring squash, swede, sweet corn, tomato, turnip, watermelon and zucchini. > Plant basil, chives, coriander, lemongrass, marjoram, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, tarragon and thyme. Use Searles Herb & Vegetable Specialty Mix for 9 month feeding and excellent water retention. > Hydrangeas bloom easily during summer. Find stunning modern varieties in gardening outlets to plant. Plant in Searles Azalea & Camellia Specialty Mix. > Plant annuals and perennials in Searles Platinum Potting Mix for summer displays.

Plant ageratum, alyssum, cineraria, cleome, cyclamen, forget-me-not, Iceland poppy, lobelia, lupin, marigold, pansy, petunia, phlox, primula, stock, verbena, wallflower and zinnia. > Available in nurseries for summer garden colour are frangipani, corymbias, metrosideros, gardenias, crepe myrtles, hydrangeas and mandevillas. Geraniums grace water wise gardens in summer.

TM

page 22 | About the garden magazine

> Tomatoes and beans can be grown through the summer months. Keep growth fast and healthy with fortnightly feeds of SeaMax Organic Fertiliser Liquid. > Summer flowering stunners to plant are crepe myrtle, pompom tree (Dais cotinifolia) with its scented, mauve-pink pompom flower heads and native trees, such as water gum (Tristaniopsis laurina) and the red flowering gum (Corymbia ficifolia), great shade for small gardens. > Pears fruit at the end of summer. Apples are also fruiting. Harvest cherries and the last of the fruiting nectarines, plums, peaches and apricots. > Persimmon trees make a lovely floral display in summer before the autumn harvest. > Summer fruiting raspberry bushes are ablaze of fruits this time of year. Strawberries can be grown now. Use a bird friendly net on ripening summer fruit such as blueberries, cherries and currents. > Give summer gardens colour by planting agapanthus, ageratum, alyssum, aster, boronia, calceolaria, cleome, cosmos, California poppy, cyclamen, dahlia, gazanias, geraniums, Iceland poppy, linaria, marigold, nasturtium, pansy, phlox, salvia, stock, sunflower, verbena, vinca, viola, wallflower and zinnias. Plant in Searles Planting Mix for premium garden results. > Use Searles Herb & Vegetable Specialty Mix for a summer harvest of beans, beetroot, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbages, capsicums, celery, cucumbers, cress, eggplant, leeks, lettuces, melons, mustard, pak choy, pumpkins, radish, rhubarb, rocket, silver beets, spring onions, squash, sweet corn, sweet potato, tomatoes and zucchinis. Plant basil, chives, coriander, fennel, gotu kola, heliotrope, lovage, mint, parsley and tarragon for summer herb pickings.

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> Use Searles Herb & Vegetable Specialty Mix for a summer harvest of tomato, zucchini, sweet corn and capsicum. Keep well watered. A second crop can be planted a month later for extended harvest. Keep watering tomatoes constantly during the summer months.

Irregular watering will encourage blossom end rot caused by calcium deficiency. Provide semi shade for green leafy vegetables and water daily to keep their sweet taste. > Herbs such as sage, thyme, lemongrass, parsley, Vietnamese coriander and rosemary all survive well during the hot summer and feature well in mixed garden styles. > Salvias are ideally suited to hot dry conditions, flowering happily during summer and autumn and providing fodder for the bees. > Crepe myrtles come out in full display during summer. The tree is generously loaded with crepelike long lasting flowers. Ask at your local garden centre about the array of available colours and also dwarf variety forms. > Salvias, crepe myrtles, mandevillas, petunias, hydrangeas, bougainvilleas, bracteantha, geraniums, dahlias, portulacas, verbena and zinnias love the summer. Liquid feed fortnightly with SeaMax Organic Fertiliser Liquid to encourage flowering. Red-hot pokers provide summer gardens with structural foliage and striking red, orange or yellow flowers spikes.

Adelaide

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Figs love the ideal conditions of hot, dry summers the Mediterranean climate brings.

Moree

Kalgoorlie

Port Macquarie

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Toowoomba Warwick

Geraldton Grafton

Armidale Tamworth Orange

Rockhampton Gladstone

Emerald Carnarvon

Hervey Bay Toowoomba Warwick

Geraldton

Hobart

> Summer growing vegetables such as tomatoes, capsicums, eggplant, cucumbers and zucchini are perfect to grow now. Watch out for powdery mildew on the leaves of cucurbits and spray with Mancozeb Plus to control the damage. Water vegetables consistently to ensure strong growth and less disease attack. > Fruit trees require more water to bear fruit than flowering plants in summer. Feed them at the start of summer with Searles Fruit & Citrus Plant Food. > Move vulnerable pot plants into the shade until the hottest part of summer passes. Liquid feed fortnightly to keep them healthy to combat heat stress. > Mandevilla, salvia, buddleja, hibiscus, osteospermum, coprosma ‘ignite’, bracteantha, zinnias flowers are still on show during summer.

Sprinkle Recharge Ultimate Fertiliser around the soil to feed plants for many months and ensure water is getting to the roots. > Plant petunias, scaevolas, calibrachoas, portulacas or bambino bougainvilleas for hanging basket and pot flowering splendour. Plant in a premium potting mix with advanced water technology. Searles Platinum Potting Mix contains 18 month fertiliser and is excellent with water conservation. > Bromeliads, ZZ plants, peperomias, elkhorns, devils Ivy, rabbits foot fern and anthuriums are low fuss plants. Keep water up to indoor plants during the heat of summer. > Many grevilleas, eucalyptus, corymbias and other natives are still flowering. Give Australian natives a controlled release fertilise with Searles Robust Native Plants Controlled Release Fertiliser and a good deep watering during the summer months to keep their health and vibrancy. Ensure the soil is well drained.

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High nutrient & fertiliser content Ideal mix texture for superior growth Designed to maximise results with less effort

Ask for Searles quality garden products at your nearest gardening outlet. www.searlesgardening.com.au