GARDEN TASKS FOR LATE SUMMER

The summer flowers have been a delight for us here in Young.  The extra moisture in the ground set the plants  up for a bumper crop of flowers such as Buddleias, Lilies, Lions Tails, Society Garlic, Gaura, Rudibeckia, Agapanthus, Shasta Daisy, Catnip, Roses  and Hydrangeas.  I have enjoyed picking lots from the garden for indoor vases.  This month we are now having to start the dead heading of many of these summer flowering shrubs.  

Watering has been my focus lately – making sure all plants are receiving a good amount of water.  It is usually plants that are found on the edges of beds or the ends of rows that dry out the quickest as they may cop more sun and or wind. Make sure you’re generous with the water on those plants.

Mowing has been a bit of a mission lately, the warm temperatures and then watering along with bouts of rain have been ideal growing conditions for our Kikuyu lawns. The edges are always my least favourite part of lawn upkeep but when the lawn edge is neat and tidy, gosh what a difference it makes.

I would recommend avoiding pruning or hedging any small leaved plants such as Buxus on the hottest of days.  The inner foliage can burn as you open it up to the sun, when the upper growth is removed.  Save shaping the hedges for cooler days or even better wait until Autumn.

Beware of an increase in pest and disease activity in your garden with these warmer and more humid conditions. Look out for fungal conditions like powdery mildew, scale and red spider mite.

Make plans for your Spring flowering bulbs.  I have a bit of a running list happening which seems to get larger every year.  This year however I am going to order early, like right now as I missed out on many of the varieties I wanted.

I’m starting to prep a few new areas for autumn planting.  It is always good to spend some time now planning, sourcing plants and preparing soil before rushing out to plant out an area. 

In the veggie garden you can be planting out Pumpkin, Corn, Beetroot, Carrots, Leek, Lettuce, Basil, Beans, Borage, Brussel Sprouts, Celery, Cabbage, Radish, Parsley and Shallots.

Fertilise all citrus well with a citrus food – ensure plants are well watered before fertilising.   
Fertilise Dahlias with a liquid food high in potassium