Gardening in North Otago 23rd October 2012

Rain & wind, It seems to be the norm now for strong winds and unchangeable weather around Labour weekend when the pink Kanzan blossom will as usual turn into pink snow in many gardens. The heavy spring rain is so needed to soak well down in the dry North Otago ground, with warmth from now on summer growing is looking pretty good. If you are wanting to transplant Rhododendrons, Camellias and Azaleas, do it immediately after flowering before they put on their new season growth, and if your spring flowering shrubs are in need of a trim prune them back once they have finished flowering. Geraniums and pelargoniums are available now and should be planted in sunny positions. Fuchsias are also on offer, they benefit from afternoon shade. If you are concerned about a hot dry Summer having a disastrous effect on your garden? Plenty of Mulch breaking down in your soil will help retain water as well as improve the structure of your soil While suppressing weed growth. Mulch like straw, grass clippings and weed free compost is also excellent for breaking down clay or poor draining soil. Newly planted roses are making lots of new growth so this is the month to feed them with slow release Fertiliser which will add nutrients to roots when ever water is applied. Potted plants also need slow release fertiliser and re-pot any plants that have been in the same container for more than three or four years. As long as they are not too root-bound they can go back into the same pot, but should have most of the old potting mix removed and some fresh mix packed around the roots. cymbidium orchids, Divide and re-pot now if crowded. Water lilies are available this month and need to be planted in a basket lined with sphagnum moss or old carpet underlay, add garden soil, slow release fertiliser tabs or manure then the lily and lastly a thick layer of shingle placed on top to help weigh the basket down in the water and stop the fertiliser / manure from leaching out which will create green slime growth in the pond as the water warms up. Also as I mentioned not long ago fish start breeding now as water warms, they will blow eggs into oxygen weed. If big fish are shifted to another pond in early summer eggs will be able to escape being eaten and hatch into tiny grey fish. These tiny fish will eventually become gold fish. The big fish can be returned to the pond when new fish have grown past a meal size. I have put a 1/4 of a small bail of un-sprayed pea straw into one end of of my big pond to stop the water from stagnating. I noticed on the really warm days before the last cold snap the water was showing a tinge of green, the straw will help with that. Fruit and veg: Watch your fruit trees and Grapes for fungal diseases, spray with a fungicide if needed. Last chance to get your Coddling Moth traps in place. The cold snaps have been good for keeping the white butterfly's and Aphids away but aphids will no doubt soon start to become a problem so keep an eye out for infestation and if necessary wash off with a forceful hose or spray with an organic pesticide if they persist. Gardening by the Moon October 2012 27th Good Day for Planting Above ground Crops, Extra Good For Vine Crops, Where Climate Is Suitable. 28th-29th A Barren Period. 30th-31st Good Days For Planting Beets, Carrots, Onions, Turnips And Other Hardy Root Crops, Where Climate Is Suitable. Good Days For Transplanting. Our garden here at Weston is very pretty right now and open each day for viewing. Cheers, Linda