Gardening in North Otago October 28th 2014

I had last week away which is not the norm for me at this very busy time of the year in the garden but had in place a reliable person to water so all was good when I got home. Wind seems to be the norm around Labour weekend, this Labour weekend was a good one weather wise with a lot getting done by Gardeners I am sure. We still need heavy spring rain here in North Otago but the rain clouds seem to float above us then disappear! If you are wanting to transplant Rhododendrons, Camellias and Azaleas, do it immediately after flowering before they put on too much new season growth, invest in a bag of peat to get roots going after transplanting. 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 a sunny position. 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 on your soil will help retain moisture as well as improve the structure of your soil and suppress weed growth. Mulch like straw, grass clippings and weed free compost and a dressing of gypsum 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. If they are too root-bound remove one third from the root ball then replant into the same container with fresh potting mix.

Cymbidium orchids can be divided and re-potted 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 water 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. Fish chase each other around at breeding time, If big fish are shifted to another pond after you have seen this activity eggs will be able to escape being eaten and hatch into tiny grey fish eventually becoming gold fish. The big fish can be returned to the pond when new fish have grown past a meal size. 

Fruit and veg: 

Watch your fruit trees and Grapes for fungal diseases, spray with a fungicide if needed. 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. 

Last chance to get coddling moth traps in place, I have mentioned in past notes the method below and have been told is successful. 

Use a plastic milk container, and place in it 1 banana peel, 1 cup vinegar and 1 cup sugar. Fill the container almost full of water, replace the cap and shake it well to mix and dissolve the contents. Remove the cap and firmly secure one container into each apple tree. The moths are attracted to the scent of the concoction, becoming trapped and drowned when they investigate. Refill with water as needed throughout the summer.

Now I need a concoction for Scruff the dog, he bolted twice last week and had us searching! got him back each time, now can't give him even a glimpse of a jogger or walker past our gate!! 

Cheers, Linda