Gardening in North Otago October 21st 2020

Well we did get a little rain but a little is nowhere near enough so let's hope we get a big spring downpour before this goes to print! Everyday something new and beautiful greets me in our garden, this week fragrant lilac, sweet-peas, English abutilon and Kōwhai to please the birds. Some plants like peony rose, dahlias and even the rapid growing alstroemerias are slow to develop because of the drop in temperature we have been experiencing. If you need to shift young rhododendrons, azalea's or camellia's do it immediately after flowering, before they put on their new season growth, if large they will need a third of the top removed after transplanting. Once spring flowering shrubs have finished flowering they can be trimmed if needed. Geraniums and pelargoniums are available now and should be planted in sunny positions. Fuchsias are also on offer, they benefit from afternoon shade to thrive. If you are concerned about the predicted hot dry Summer having a disastrous effect on your garden? Plenty of Mulch is the answer to retain moisture and improve soil structure while suppressing weed growth. Straw, grass clippings, soft hedge clippings or weed free compost are excellent cover to keep exposed soil from baking while plants are becoming established. Soil should be soaked before applying mulch and if gardening on clay soil a dressing of gypsum will break down clay or poor draining soil and over years will eventually convert poor soil into good growing soil. Roses will be putting on rapid growth now needing food and water kept up keeping them in good health to avoid the need to spray. Container plants also need slow release fertiliser and re-potting if in a container 2 years or more. If very root bound half a rootball can be removed with a sharp spade, given a good soak in a bucket then replanted into a new mix with water Chrystal's, as I have mentioned before placing a pot inside another will help keep roots from overheating going into summer. 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 a double layer of chux dish cloths will do it, then add garden soil, slow release fertiliser or manure, more soil 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 leaching out which will create green slime growth in the pond.. Fruit and veg: I have been digging in aged manure, mounding potatoes, planting beans and salad greens, peas, corn and beetroot. It will be up to the watering from now on!! Watch your fruit trees and Grapes for fungal diseases, if affected spray with an organic fungicide while growth is new. If you have had trouble in the past with codling moth, get traps in place now before fruit forms. Dealing with codling moth: I have had positive feedback with the following, 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. "Rockvale Garden" is open daily, Bring a picnic seating is plenty, toilet available / donation entry. Cheers, Linda