Hydrangeas Growing beans Daylilies

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Tomatoes Small wonders Water Strawberries

Sweet corn ISSUE 62 2012 For more gardeningSPRING hints & tips, visit www.aboutthegarden.com.au Issue 62 NEED A WEED KILLER THAT IS SAFE TO USE ON SPRING2012 Buffalo About this issue... Features Creative combos 4 Small , big impact 6 Lawns? Water plants 8 Strawberry fields 10 Ideal for controlling bindii, clover, oxalis Sweet corn 10 and other weeds in Buffalo lawns Spilling the beans 11 Be no stranger, Hydrangea! including Sir Walter and Palmetto*. 18 Beautiful brunfelsia 19 Dazzling daylilies 20 Tasty tomatoes 22 Recipe: Fresh tomato bruschetta 23 Regulars Spring 2012 Garden Diary 12 Spring 2012 handy hints & tips 14 Subscribe to About the Garden 23

What a glorious time it is to be in the spring garden and to see nature coming back to life after a diffi cult winter. Vibrant colour, bountiful produce and fl owers, fl owers, fl owers are the keywords for the season. my lawn Happy gardening, God bless... Con Searle

The Lord is far from the wicked but he hears the * Before using this product, always read the product label for prayer of the righteous. — Proverbs 15:29 full directions, applications, safety and handling directions. Not suitable to be used on ST varieties of Buffalo grass. • Managing Director: Conway Searle • Contributors: Claire Bickle, Noel Burdette, Frida Forsberg, Alana Searle, Ashley Searle & Chelsea Van Rijn • Magazine Manager: Alana Searle • Design & Layout: Frida Forsberg — ATG Graphics Dept. • ATG Group Co-ordinator & Advertising: Jason Searle • Front Cover Photography: Tibouchina ‘Peace Baby’ by Plants Management Australia

About the Garden is published seasonally by About the Garden Pty. Ltd. ABN 21 076 919 992 Available from ATG garden centres 4914 D’Aguilar Highway, Kilcoy or P.O. Box 70, Kilcoy Qld. 4515 Phone: (07) 5422 3090 • Fax: (07) 5497 2287 Email: [email protected] Garden Products 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 www.searles.com.au 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 2012 About the Garden Pty. Ltd. us wholiveinapartments,unitsortownhouses canstillenjoyeverybeautyofthewarmseason. colour canbeallthemoreimportantinour dailylives.Withcolourfulplantsincontainers,thoseof With houseblocksgettingsmallerandbackyards evenmoreso,thesimplepleasureof as torenia,heucheraandcalibrachoa are Depending onyourclimate,plants such Delicate darlings years ofenjoyment. assured ofmanymonths,and sometimes option. Byplantingthese,youcanbe local gardencentrearealsoanexcellent which arewidelyavailablethroughyour budget, someofthelongertermperennials an inexpensiveoptionforthoseonatight fl Potted featuresdon’talwayshavetobe Plant selection Creative 4 eeting. Although hardy inhot, sunny positions. and dichondra ‘SilverFalls’ is This planting ofpelargoniums

fl by Noel Burdette owering annualsare

by Noel Burdette Leafy ornamentalsweetpotato foliage ofornamentalgrasses. complements thefeathery habits canbewell-showcased. hanging basketswheretheirdelicategrowth small enoughtobeenjoyedinpotsoreven feature that isalso admired forits beauty. wonderful waytocreate aproductive Grouping small-growing herbsisa Functional displays natives suchas dwarfkangaroopaw. It combineseffortlessly withother small and tactileelement toanymixedplanting. 50cm tallandprovides adelightfulstructural exquisitely foliaged cultivarwillonlygrowto the native,dwarf Lomandra‘Shara’. This to comeonthemarketinrecent timesis alternative. Oneofthebestsmaller grasses variety ofgrasscouldbeamore desirable plants inthepots.Insmallerpots, adwarf thick clumpswhichcanovershadow other Miscanthus asthesecanquickly establish the largergrassessuchasPennisetum or Large containersarerecommended for Classy grass other small additions topotsandcombine wellwith like daffodils or jonquils makewonderful freesia, orevenspeciesofnarcissus Tuberous plantsalsosuchasdahlia, Tuberous plants fl owering plants. owering

combos offset bluesalviaandtorenia Orange dahliaandcockscomb brighten updullcorners. matched tocreate uniquecombinationsto violet ( violet ( ( ( ( minimal care.Plantssuchas cast Ironplant thrive inlowerlightareas. This willensure Always usetough,dependable speciesthat loving counterparts. us withjustasmuchinterest theirsun come toknowas‘indoorplants’ canprovide balconies orpatios.Combining plantswe’ve plants thatareperfectforshady cornerson overlooked astherearesome beautiful Shaded areashowever, neednotbe bring bestresultsinafullsun position. Most oftheplantsmentioned so farwill Beauty intheshade their nutrition fromany other outside source Remember thatplants inpots cannot derive Be a good provider lobelia, alyssum,primulaorverbena. and extracolour, throwinsome are wonderfultogether. Forgoodmeasure curly leafparsley, garlicchivesorwildrocket strawberry, savoury, brahmi(memoryherb), Productive plantslikethyme,oregano, Maranta Chloraphytum Aspidistra Viola odorata Viola hederacea sp.),assorted native ferns, sp.), bromeliads, spiderplant, sp.),calathea, prayerplant ) canallbemixed and ), orevenEnglish fl owers and fl owering lost nutrientsarecontiuallyreplaced. birthday, housewarming,getwellorChristmastime. and thoughtfulgiftsforpeopleanyoccasion,beit Combination plantingsinpotsmakeforbotheye-catching The perfectgift slow releasefertilisersuchas An applicationeverytwomonthsorsowithadependable, potting mixmuchfasterthantheywillfromagardenbed. and withregularwatering,nutrientscanleachoutofa ( fl ‘Sun Kisses’ andthegolden in theornamentalpotato highlights thebronzetones This boldorangepot owers of‘Peekaboo’ Spilanthes oleracea purple- Aspidistra (top),spiderplant(bottomleft)and striking comboforshadyspots. fl owering monalavender(right)area ).

Searles Robust

with black mondo grass ‘Nigrescens’ grass mondo black with The variegated of heuchera heuchera of leaves variegated The canensure 1. 4. 3. 2. Top tips 6combo are some tips for outstanding potted displays. to understand the growing habits of each plant. Here When creating mixed potted features, its important When growingplantsinpots, To createinterest,groupplants Group plantsthatgrowatthe Only planttogetherthoseplants hard workduringhotweather. moisture asthesecanbecome avoid varietiesthatneedlotsof bold the perfect foilforplants whose of ornamental grasses canbe succulents orfeathery foliage appeal. The white. This createsdramaand colours withchromatic greysor frilly leavesand mixbold,hot glossy foliagenext to‘furry’ or small and textures.Forexample,plant which havecontrastingcolours time. fl will beintheirbestdisplayof same rateaseachother, sothey also havesimilarwateringneeds. shade orfullshade). They should sunlight (suchasfullsun,light which enjoysimilarlevelsof stronger statement. owers orfoliageatthesame fl owers orfoliagemakes a fl owers nexttolargeones, fl eshy leavesof berries and A productivemixofherbs, fl owering annuals. 6. 5. Place feature potsinareas Always useapottingmixof creation! perfect opportunity for apotted example, thiscouldbe the faces onto aboringfence, for bedroom orbathroom window or balconies.If akitchen, such asverandas, patios that areeasily noticeable other adverseconditions. temperature extremesand natural resistancetodisease, turn, enhancesyourplants’ root development. This in and promotestrongplant the needtowaterasfrequently long-lasting nutrition,reduce Mix Searles PremiumPotting Searles Peat80Plus so usereliablemixeslike water youprovidethemwith on thepottingmix,foodand on. Pottedplantsrelyentirely and possiblyheartbreaklater avoid back-breakingwork small investmentwhichcan the highestquality. This isa . These mixeswillprovide or

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Small plant, This spring, we’ve chosen our favourite small plants for a range of qualities such as striking flowers, foliage or fruit. They are also easy to care for in most parts of Australia. Best of all, these plants are all compact and perfect for small gardens, courtyards or interiors.

Our front cover plant, Tibouchina ‘Peace Baby’ grows 60cmH and 80cmW with large, white fl owers through the warmer months. Prefers a moist, well-drained soil and needs little ‘Little‘ Ruby’ (Alternanthera dentata) is a water once established. Feed it with Searles Robust Plus bbeautiful low bush (60–90cmW x 40cmH). every spring for a beautiful fl owering season. Cold tolerant. IIts dense, burgundy foliage is almost iridescent ppink on the underside. Great in borders, as ‘Aussie Box™’ Westringea recently a groundcover, in pots or hanging baskets. won a gold medal for its amazing TTolerant of full sun or shade, give it a well- landscape potential. A naturally Nandina ‘Murasaki FliFlirtrt™™’’ (Nandina domestica) bears strikingstriking, red ddrained soil and keep moist in dry weather. It small, ball-shaped , it is a great new growth for most of the year. With its dense, mounding habit loves humidity. Protect from frost. native alternative to English box (25–45cmH), it makes a great small groundcover or low hedge. and other box hedges. Also perfect Murasaki Flirt is frost, drought and humidity tolerant, enjoys most for borders and mass planting, it soil types and will grow happily in full sun or part shade. Spikes of grows to 60cmH x 60cmW unpruned white fl owers appear in spring. and can be pruned smaller. A tough performer and tolerant of most soils, plant it in full sun to part shade.

The truly beautiful Phalaenopsis orchid is surprisingly easy to grow. Place it in a well-lit, warm position in the house. Water soil completely once a week in summer — less often in winter. Make sure the soil drains well. Feed with Searles ‘Archangel’ ( Angelonia Flourish Orchid Booster fortnightly through angusƟ folia) has blooms the growing period and before fl owering. ‘Cute Stuff’ Capsicum (Capiscum annum) bears up to 3 times larger than masses of tiny, bell-shaped fruit (about 6-8cm other angelonia and is the in size) on a plant standing only 70cm tall. Like other capsicums, Cute Stuff loves the heat, so perfect bedding plant in plant it in full sun. Remove the seeds and stuff warmer climates, being these snack-sized capsicums with your favourite heat and humidity tolerant. fi lling for something different at your next party. Available in white, pink and purple, give Archangel a full sun position for Rhaphiolepsis ‘Cosmic White™’ (Rhaphiolepsis indica) best performance. These is a very hardy evergreen shrub that will grow in most conditions. It has larger fl owers than the common form, compact perennials will yet it doesn’t produce viable seed which is great news for grow 40cm high and should the environment. Flowering profusely through spring and be planted 30cm apart. throughout most of the year, it will grow about 2m high and spread 1.5m. Plant it in full sun or part shade. Great as a pot specimen or mass planted in the garden. 6 See the About the Garden seasonal garden diary on page 12 for a map of climate zones. 7 Lepironia articulata is a native Woolly frogmouth fl ower Tropical waterlilies Miniature waterlily Water canna (Thalia dealbata) sedge of south-east Queensland.

by Claire Bickle The wondrous world of

Water lilies (Nymphaea spp.) Water plant care Adding fi sh to your pond Waterlilies would be by far the most popular Re-potting can be or water feature will of water plants. They fl ower in a multitude done — preferably in help prevent the breeding of colours and there are now many named spring — by taking Whether you have acreage or just a balcony garden, water features of mosquitoes and is cultivars to choose from. Waterlilies need your water plant out, water plants water a minimum of 30cm deep and a full re-potting using a Water canna and aquatic plants can be an essential part of your outdoor living area. a legal requirement in sun position to perform and fl ower at their clay-based mix/soil fl ower (detail) some councils. best. They also prefer still water, so avoid and topping it off Water gardens, fountains, even simple, Getting started placing your waterlily in running water or too with some river sand. glazed bowls or pots of water can add a Choose your feature and location. Is it close to a fountainhead. If space is an issue To feed, place some slow-release fertiliser creative and calming aspect to your garden, going to be an elaborate pond with a there are miniature waterlilies available. If or manure pellets down the side of the pot alfresco or veranda area. The sound of fountain or something simpler such as a Oxygenators will help keep the water clean and prevent green algae growth. They will you entertain at night, maybe a nocturnal before applying the sand layer. No more than running water can be wonderfully soothing sealed, glazed pot fi lled with water? fl owering form could add a bit of a wow around 1-2 teaspoons needs to be added. grow fully submerged in the water. Some on a hot summer’s day. The refl ection factor to your outdoor entertaining area. To fertilise plants without repotting them, Tropical waterlilies hold their off a water feature can add more light, Choose your plants excellent oxygenators are: water thyme fl owers above the water line. Most water plants need a sunny position (Hydrilla spp.), eelgrass (Vallisneria spp.), The nocturnal waterlilies can even be used create a hole down one side of the pot and interest and depth to an outdoor area. Most as a cut fl ower at nighttime. Note that the bury the fertiliser in the clay mix. (Waterlilies importantly, a water feature can create to perform at their best. Of course, there and hornwort (Ceratopetalum demersum). are many that will happily tolerate a tropical varieties of waterlily will hold their can be fertilised up to 3 times during the habitat for various creatures such as frogs, Floating submerged aquatics grow with more shaded position. fl owers above the water and varieties that growing season for optimal growth.) Most lizards, insects, birdlife and of course, fi sh. their roots in the water but their foliage come under the name ‘hardy’ will have their water plants that need to grow in a pot will Water plant varieties fl oating on the surface. They provide cover fl owers sitting directly on the water. be sold in pots that can be submerged in the There are hundreds if not thousands for fi sh and keep the water temperature water, as is. Some nurseries however, will of species of water plants and their down, and this can reduce algae problems. The sacred lotus (Nelumbo spp.) sell aquatic plants bare-rooted. Ponds, water pots and hybrids to choose. A combination of These plants can also prevent excessive These are a favourite amongst water feature owners, mostly because of their fabulous, birdbaths all make ‘oxygenators’, ‘fl oating aquatics’ and evaporation of water. One of these plants will usually suffi ce, especially in smaller showy fl owers that sit up above the waterline great water stations ‘marginal plants’ should be considered. (The number of each depends on the features. Some good fl oating aquatic plants throughout the warmer months of the year. for native birds. type and size of your water feature.) are: water poppy (Hydrocleys nymphoides), They need full sun, 4-6 hours a day and a water lily (Nymphaea spp.), lotus (Nelumbo water depth between 30-50cm. They should Weed alert! Lotus fl ower opening spp.), native water fringe (Nymphoides be fed at least four times a year in spring Depending on your and summer. In cold climates they will die variegata & indica), and nardoo (Marsilea location, some plants drummondii). down completely during the winter. Most parts of the lotus are edible: root tubers, in this article might Marginal plants grow on the edge or ‘banks’ fl owers and seeds. There are mini lotus be a weed risk; even over the water. They make an attractive hybrid varieties available to suit smaller the native species. design statement and provide habitat water features. for birds, insects and frogs. They absorb Please ask at your excessive nutrients from your pond, which Edible aquatics nursery for advice can help prevent green algae problems. Do you want to grow your own produce in on plants for your Some favourite marginal water plants are: your pond? Then give these a go: Lebanese area. True fl oating native sedge (Lepironia articulata), blue cress (Aethionema cordifolium), kang pickerel (Pontederia cordata), water canna kong (Ipomea aquatica), water chestnuts aquatics such as (Thalia dealbata), woolly frogsmouth (Eleocharis dulcis), duck potato (Saggitaria duckweed and azolla (Philydrum lanuginosum), zebra rush sagittifolia), Vietnamese mint (Pericaria are potential weeds Water poppy ‘Zebrinus’ (Scirpus tabernaemontai), odorata), taro (Colocasia esculenta), rice and should never be plant (Limnophila aromatica) and water (Hydrocleys nymphoides) Louisiana iris (Iris lousiana), Canna spp. placed in dams. A water pond can be a peaceful and tranquil sight. Many Japanese and lizard’s tail (Saururus cernus). cress (Nasturtium offi cinale). 8 style gardens just wouldn’t be complete without a water feature. 9 Strawberry fields...

Plantl strawberriesb i now ffor a llong andd ddeliciouslii harvest throughout the warm season. There’s nothing better than the sweet strawberry plants are best planted in June fl avour of home-grown strawberries! and July. (Tropical gardeners might prefer to Loved by children and adults alike, it’s little put them in earlier, say from March to May to This will conserve moisture, but it will also wonder this easy-to-grow groundcover give them the longest growing season. Give keep fruit in good condition by preventing is among the most popular food crops in strawberries a sunny position and improve it from touching the ground. Strawberries Australian home gardens. With its pretty the soil by digging in plenty of Searles 5IN1 produce runners which makes them easy white or pale pink flowers and familiar red Plus before planting. Good drainage is to propagate. It is recommended that berries which curiously bear their seeds essential, so build up garden beds if your soil strawberry plants be removed, thinned and on the outside, strawberries will crop is heavy clay. Strawberries are also ideal for the runners replanted every few years to throughout spring and summer with many growing in pots, planters or even in hanging ensure good crops and avoid overcrowding. varieties continuing through autumn. baskets on a sunny balcony or courtyard. Birds love strawberries as much as we do, so protect them with netting or place wire Everywhere outside the tropics, new Maintain a good layer of mulch over the soil. cages over your plants to protect your crop. Spilling the beans Beans are an easy-to-grow, productive and nutritious warm-season crop. Eaten cooked or raw, they are an excellent source of dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals and micronutrients. them from drying out. To make best use of Beans prefer a slightly acidic sure the last frost has passed the space taken up by a block of sweet soil between pH 6.5–5.5. They before planting. Space plants corn, ‘living mulch’ vegetables such as need full sun and a well-drained, as recommended on the seed cucumbers and pumpkins can be planted friable soil. At least two weeks packet or punnet — avoid between the corn and allowed to spread before planting, loosen the soil planting them too closely as around them. to 15–20cm deep, breaking up overcrowding can encourage Watch for aphids, borers and caterpillars of any large clods. Add Searles fungal diseases. the corn earworms in the tops of the cobs Real Organic Compost to a Do not repeatedly plant beans in and spray with Searles Bug Beater if the depth of about 10cm. Beans the same garden bed — practice infestation is bad. Birds, bats and rodents Sweet corn are not heavy feeders; in fact, crop rotation as this will maintain can also attack the corn as it begins to they will fi x their own fertiliser soil fertility and avoid soil-borne ripen. If necessary, protect the cobs with (nitrogen) in the soil. If the soil is diseases. Beans should be Sweet corn can be planted from late spring soil providing the site is in a hot position. individual bags. too fertile they will likely produce planted after ‘fl owering’ crops until early autumn throughout Australia and Dig the soil deep — at least 30cm — Beans, cucumbers, potato, pumpkin, radish, too many leaves at the expense like broccoli and caulifl ower and all year round in the tropics. Sweet corn can incorporating generous amounts of Searles summer squash and zucchini are good of beans. If beans are growing should be followed by ‘leafy’ be purchased as seed of which there are 5IN1 Plus to promote lush growth. Sweet companion plants for sweet corn. too slowly, a fortnightly dose vegetables like lettuce, cabbage many varieties, or seedlings which come in of Searles Fish & Kelp Plus corn pollinate themselves more effectively if As the corn ripens, the silk tassels which and silverbeet. a limited range. It is important to bear in grown in blocks rather than in rows of should tune up the soil around hang from the top of each cob turn dark Keep beans moist, but not wet mind that only one variety of corn should be plants. Sow the seed directly into the soil the plants. cultivated in the garden at any one time as brown. To test whether the corn is ripe while they are growing and and water well. Always plant seed to the Beans are available either cross-pollination can adversely affect the enough to eat, peel back a small section of water the roots of the plant, not depth and spacing recommended on the as ‘climbers’ or ‘bush beans’. quality of your crop. Blocks of a dozen or the papery casing and break open a kernel the foliage or fl owers. A dripper packet. If planting out seedlings, make sure Climbing beans grow vertically more plants, grown at three-monthly with your fingernail. If the liquid that comes system and a layer of mulch the root ball is anchored well into the soil. and can produce large volumes intervals should provide a continual supply out is clear the corn is not ripe; if it is milky can be ideal. Alternatively, dig a Keep moist and well-mulched. of beans in relatively little of food for the average family. it can be harvested immediately. trench between rows and water Sweet corn demand a lot of water. However, garden space. They can be it deeply once a week. Blocks of sweet corn demand space, so it is important to keep the cobs dry as they ideal for sunny courtyards and Beans are heavy croppers and plant them where they will not be crowded mature, so water only the roots and avoid smaller gardens. harvest can begin when they are out by other species. They need deep, rich watering the foliage and developing cobs. Beans can be easily grown from very small. The more beans you soil, and a sunny position in a wind- As the tall stems develop they often either seed or seedlings and pick, the more they will produce protected area. Sweet corn is one of the produce roots above the ground. Build a handle transplanting well. In and well-maintained plants can fewfew vegetables that can tolerate boggy layer of mulch up around these to prevent cool or mountain areas, make keep cropping for months. 10 11 Sydney Adelaide & Perth 2012 Mediterranean Climates SPRING Temperate areas Regional Garden Diary Flowers Flowers Sow alyssum, antirrhinum, aster, Darwin Sow amaranthus, aster, begonia, carnation, cornflower, balsam, begonia, carnation, cosmos, dahlia, daisies, dianthus, chrysanthemum, cockscomb, foxglove, gazania, impatiens, coleus, cosmos, dahlia, dianthus, marigold, petunia, salvia and Cairns zinnia. Broome everlasting daisy, gazania, Townsville gerbera, impatiens, marigold, Whitsundays Herbs nasturtium, petunia, phlox, Iceland Sow basil, chives, coriander, dill, N.T. Mt. Isa Mackay poppy, portulaca, rudbeckia, mint, oregano, parsley, sage and Longreach Angelonia fl ower reliably through the Alice Springs Emerald Rockhampton salvia, snapdragon, sunflower, thyme. Gladstone hottest summer weather and are very Carnarvon torenia, verbena and zinnia. Blackall W.A. Hervey Bay tolerant of humidity. This dependable Fruit and vegetables QLD Gympie annual fl owers in white, mauve, lavender Herbs Roma Sunshine Coast Petunias are the Sow broccoli, carrot, celery, Toowoomba Brisbane and purple. Like a foxglove, they’re Basil, chives, coriander, dill, mint, Warwick Gold Coast perfect choice cucumber, lettuce, silver beet, Geraldton Coober Pedy covered in masses of fl ower spikes from oregano, parsley, sage and snow pea, spinach, strawberry, Moree for potted colour Kalgoorlie S.A. Grafton late spring until the onset of frost. thyme. sweet corn, zucchini and tomato. N.S.W. Armidale and garden beds Port Augusta Perth Tamworth Port Macquarie Fruit & vegetables throughout the warmer times of Newcastle Sow beans, beetroot, broccoli, Bunbury Orange Sydney South-east Qld year. Available in just about any Esperance Adelaide cabbage, capsicum, carrot, chilli, colour of the rainbow, give this Albany Canberra Chinese cabbage, cucumber, Victor Harbour cheery annual a fortnightly feed Wodonga & Northern NSW eggplant, endive, lettuce, melons, Dry inland Vic. with Searles Flourish Soluble North Queensland Melbourne okra, onion, parsnip, potato, Arid or Outback areas Mt Gambier Subtropical areas pumpkin, radish, rhubarb, rosella, Plant Food for best results. silver beet, spring onion, squash, Wet & Dry Tropics sweet corn, sweet potato, tomato Flowers Tas. Flowers If planting flowers, use advanced Hobart and zucchini. Melbourne Sow ageratum, aster, balsam, pots to ensure a good flowering Flowers carnation, chrysanthemum, Cold & Southern Tableland before it gets too hot (by Sow ageratum, amaranthus, More advice... cockscomb, coleus, cosmos, Plant fruit trees and vines. November/December). Try petunia, begonia, chrysanthemum, REGIONAL ZONES dahlia, dianthus, everlasting daisy, Divide clumping plants such as vinca, cosmos, marigold, salvia, cockscomb, coleus, cosmos, Flowers gazania, geranium, gerbera, agapanthus, canna, liriope, iris portulaca, nasturtium and zinnia. dahlia, dianthus, everlasting daisy, Tropical Sow alyssum, antirrhinum, aster, impatiens, kangaroo paw, and clivea. Protect seedlings from gazania, geranium, gerbera, begonia, carnation, celosia, marigold, nasturtium, petunia, snails and slugs. Remove spent Herbs impatiens, kangaroo paw, Subtropical chrysanthemum, cineraria, portulaca, rudbeckia, salvia, flowers to induce new blooms. Protect plants from heat in late marigold, nasturtium, petunia, Temperate snapdragon, sunflower, torenia, cockscomb, coleus, cornflower, spring. Inland areas have a good portulaca, rudbeckia, salvia, verbena and zinnia. cosmos, dahlia, dianthus, climate for growing all types of snapdragon, sunflower, torenia, Cold foxglove, gazania, hollyhock, herbs. verbena and zinnia. Herbs Cordyline ‘Tango’ impatiens, lobelia, marigold, Mediterranean Basil, chives, coriander, dill, mint, petunia, salvia and zinnia. Fruit and vegetables Plant beans, capsicum, onion, Herbs Arid oregano, parsley, sage and Plant basil, chilli, chives, dill, ginger, thyme. Herbs radish and sweet corn. Harvest by Sow basil, chives, coriander, dill, mint, oregano and parsley. summer. Fruit & vegetables mint, oregano, parsley, sage and Fruit & vegetables Sow beans, beetroot, broccoli, thyme. Plant beetroot, capsicum, carrot, cabbage, capsicum, carrot, ‘Pablo’ and ‘Pixie’ love their Fruit and vegetables offi ce environment. chilli, Chinese cabbage, choko, chicory, Chinese cabbage, Sow beetroot, broccoli, corn, cucumber, french beans, cucumber, eggplant, lettuce, cabbage, capsicum, carrot, eggplant, leek, lettuce, onion, melons, mustard, onion, parsnip, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, radish, rockmelon, silver beet, potato, pumpkin, radish, rosella, eggplant, endive, leek, lettuce, spinach, squash, sweet potato, silver beet, squash, sweet corn, onion, pak choi, pea, radicchio, pumpkin, tomato, watermelon and sweet potato, tomato and silver beet, snow pea, spinach, zucchini. watermelon. spring onion, strawberry, sweet corn, zucchini and tomato. More advice... Buddleja ‘Buzz’ could be the easiest More advice... Complete any digging or and most problem-free way to Spray mangoes with Searles More advice... landscaping work before the attract butterfl ies to your garden. Mancozeb fungicide after Apply mulch over all garden Tropical foliage plants can bring weather becomes too hot. Divide About half the size of other buddlejas flowering to protect them from beds in preparation for warmer Offi ce Mates™ is a range of indoor plants year-round colour and a touch of cannas. Plant ornamental trees. (1.2m x 1.2m), ‘Buzz’ can live up to 10 anthracnose — a common cause weather. If using a woody mulch, which make plants in the home or offi ce Prune established plants for bushier years. Plant in full sun or part shade of fruit drop. Spray passionfruit the ‘tropical resort’ to any urban first dig in some Searles 5IN1 Plus environment easy and fun. You can even growth — especially those which in containers or any well-drained with Searles Bug Beater, a natural backyard. Easy to propagate from or Blood & Bone to the soil. Repot become a Facebook friend with other havea just finished flowering. Fertilise garden bed. Long fl owering, its pyrethrum spray to control sucking cuttings in the warmer times of indoor plants that have become Offi ce Mates enthusiasts. Their designergner andand mulch well. brightly-coloured blooms come in and chewing pests. year, Protect from frost in cool root-bound. self-watering pots will add style to 12 ‘Sky Blue, ‘Magenta’ or ‘Ivory’. areas. any interior. 13 Darwin

N.T. Tropical W.A. QLD Subtropical Brisbane Temperate S.A. Cool Perth N.S.W. ‘Candytuft’ (Iberis sempervirens) is an Sydney Mediterranean evergreen, herbacious perennial with beautiful, white fl owers borne in profusion Adelaide Vic. Arid in late spring. Great as a groundcover over Melbourne small areas or in pots or garden beds, plant it in full sun or part shade in a moist, Tas. Hobart rich, well-drained soil. Feed with Searles Nothing looks more fabulous this time Robust every spring. of year than Leptospermum ‘Merinda’. Heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens), This small shrub grows to about 1m 2012 also called ‘cherry pie’ is a small, high with an arching habit. Its fl owers SPRING evergreen shrub (1mH x 1.5mW). In are around 15mm in diameter. Prefers spring and summer, it bears purple moist soil, full sun or part shade and a fl owers with a strong, vanilla fragrance. temperate climate. Prune after fl owering Give it full sun, keep it moist and well- to promote dense growth and better Hints & Tips mulched for best results. fl owering next year. Bird netting over your vegie Now is the time to grow vegetables in warmer parts of patch can stop naughty puppies Australia. Lettuce, carrots and from digging up seedlings and celery taste best when they keep possums and birds from Hummingbirds are grown fast eating your produce. Hummingbird are native to the Americas and — that means correction are not found in Australia. plenty of food ‘Razzleberri’ (Loropetalum and water. Give chinense) is a compact shrub In our autumn issue, we mistakenly them full sun. implied that pentas and Costa Rican (about 2m tall) with lush, copper- skullcap could attract hummingbirds burgundy foliage and unusual, to your garden. There are actually fragrant, fringe-like fl owers no hummingbirds in Australia, be in spring. Give it a moist, well- they native or introduced. We do of drained soil in full sun or part Gaura ‘Lillipop Pink’ course, have a huge range of native shade and protection from frost. parrots, honeyeaters and sunbirds who will relish your flower garden smorgasbord. Pimela ‘White Jewel’ is one of the most prolifi c and long-fl owering native plants for home gardens. Seaside- friendly and drought tolerant once established, plant it in full sun in a pot or garden bed. The nectar-rich fl owers Lavender is looking great, now. attract butterfl ies. Also try the pink- Perfect in Mediterranean-style, fl owering ‘Pink Solitaire’. Tuscan or cottage gardens, lavender is both pretty and The whole garden can now elegant and needs little care benefit from a feed with Searles Pandorea pandorana ‘Lemon once established. Give it full New Zealand Christmas Bush For an easy-to-grow perennial which Bells’ is a fast-growing, well-behaved Sunsatia ‘Cherry On Ice’ fl owers profusely 5IN1 Plus Organic Plant Food in vivid, luminescent colours. The compact, sun, good drainage and allow (Metrosideros sp.) is an extremely tough fl owers in abundance through spring, native climber. In spring it becomes shrub (about 5m tall), suited for hedging summer and autumn, plant gauras. Pellets. Sprinkle it over smothered in gorgeous yellow fl owers upright and spreading bush is perfect for plenty of space for air to fl ow with red, fl uffy fl owers which appear Plant in full sun in garden borders your entire garden which can persist into summer. Plant it patio or courtyard pots or well-drained around the plants, especially from spring, summer and autumn but or in pots on patios, terraces and including lawns, potted in full sun or part shade in a reasonably garden beds where they will put on a long- lasting fl oral display. Hardy and easy to grow, in hot or humid climates. peak at around Christmas time. Tolerant barbecue areas. Also great in hanging plants and garden beds. well-drained soil. Great for covering of heat, cold and salt-laden winds and baskets, but make sure they don’t dry fences, pergolas and latticework. Keep give them full sun or part shade. Growingg ToleratesTo frost, wind and not fussy about soil, plant it in full sun out in hot or dry weather. Easy-care Do this after or during moist while establishing and protect 25cm high and 15cm wide,feed 14 coastal conditions. for best effect. once established, wet weather. from severe frost. fortnightly with Searles Flourish. 15 Callistemon ‘Hot Pink’

Arctic lace is a decorative indoor plant with creamy- Brachyscome daisies are a true native daisy and are great in pots or garden beds. white foliage. Give it a warm, Give the plants a light trim after each flush of The spectacular fl owers of bottlebrush well-lit position. In warmer flowers to promote more blooms and bushy The New South Wales Christmas (callistemon spp.) are irresistible to nectar- climates it can be an ideal growth. Look out for thrips from mid-spring, Bush (Ceratopetalum gummiferum) feeding birds and insects. This tough,woody outdoor pot plant. Keep it which appear as malformed flowers with is a lovely, small native tree or native shrub is perfect for most landscape moist but not wet. mottled florets and can be controlled with shrub (about 3-5m tall) which bears situations and can be grown where the Searles Rose Pro. delicate white flowers in spring, followed by bright, red bracts by soil is too heavy clay for other fl owering Christmas time. Great grown in natives. Prune after fl owering for repeat Bromeliads are the perfect pots or as a cut flower. Plant in sun fl ushes of fl owers throughout the year. low-maintenance pot plant, whether 2012 or part shade in moist, well-drained SPRING indoors or outdoors. Most species have soil and prune hard after flowering low water needs and they can be fed for compact growth. Try the new, ...continued with a diluted solution of Searles Fish & Anigozanthos ‘Bush Pioneer’ compact variety ‘Albery’s Red’. Hints & Tips from page 14 Kelp Plus on the rare occasion. Searles Liquid Seaweed is like an In climates too warm to grow wisteria, grow organic vitamin tonic for plants. purple wreath (Petrea volubilis) instead. This woody, evergreen climber bears long- Use it to increase natural lasting, wisteria-like fl owers from defenses against extremes late winter to late summer. Best of temperature, pests grown over a pergola, fence and diseases. Apply it at or trellis, it prefers full least a month before the sun or part shade and a rich, well-drained onset of severe cold for soil. Prune hard maximum resilience. after fl owering.

Pandorea ‘Funky Bells’ Aussie native, Pandorea Scaevola is a hardy native groundcover New varieties of which can spread up to 3m in garden jasminoides will climb kangaroo beds or cascade over embankments. paw (Anigozanthos) can beautifully (and not rampantly!) grow up to 2m tall and are Originally purple, fl owers now come in white, mauve and electric blue. More over a trellis or frame. Flowers especially hardy. Plant in erect, bush-like forms are also available. full sun, give them good appear from spring until Give them full sun. Tolerates light frost. autumn. Give it full sun. drainage and feed with Searles Native Food. Osteospermum ‘Yellow Blush’ ® NEW! Gazanias are hardy, low maintenance and now Just drop it into your come in an amazing range toilet and flush. of colours and fl ower For the control of rootss forms. These quick-growing Daisies are the perfect thing groundcovers fl ower in sewer pipes in and for a splash of colour in pots For something a little different, plant throughout the year and or garden beds. Plant in full ptilotus (ti-loh-tus), a free-flowering annual are perfect for gardens, around your home. sun and give them a fortnightly from Central Australia. Suited to dry, arid pots, landscape and coastal feed with Searles Flourish conditions, give it full sun and free-draining 16 for outstanding results. soil. Tolerates light frost. planting. AVAILABLE FROM ALL GOOD HARDWARE STORES, GARDEN CENTRES & NURSERIES Hydrangea fl owers are pink in this strongly alkaline soil. White hydrangeas don’t change colour.

Protect herbs, vegetables, trees and from possums, kangaroos, wallabies, rabbits, hares, bandicoots, deer, foxes and other wildlife. Protect vegetables, fruit trees, ornamentals, seedlings and buildings from cockatoos, crows, ducks, pigeons, rosellas, starlings, swallows, other birds & bats. Protects homes, gardens, patios, shop fronts and paved areas from both dogs and cats or rats and mice. Protect one plant or a whole area — perimeter &/or band sprays.

Hydrangea ‘Sumiko’ Repels — without harming animals or humans.

by Alana Searle Not considered a poison — no withholding period. Be no stranger, Easy to use — spray on. Effective when dry. Raising Specialty Mix, water it or buds, but don’t prune and keep it enclosed in a sealed too severely or it can limit the Safe, Proven and Effective. Hydrangea plastic bag until roots develop. following season’s fl owering. Available in 100g, 1Kg & 4Kg Sizes. Hydrangeas are resilient in Don’t injure any new, green shoots and leave the stems that is unique. Reject products said to be "just as OriginatingOi i ti from f Japan J or the th Americas, A i kknow if ththey are getting tti too t much h sun almost any climate including have yet to fl ower as they will good", nothing is at all "like it". For further information send GG20-260/02 the hydrangea is a beautiful and hardy — with browning leaves.) The southern windy, coastal conditions and provide next years’ blooms. 2x60c stamps to: shrub and a tried-and-true favourite in side of the house is often the best place regions with quite severe Australian gardens. Its lush appearance to plant hydrangeas. There are new frosts. The deciduous varieties Hydrangeas make excellent cut D-TER, Dept. A, PO Box 3, Oyster Bay, NSW 2225. and long-lasting, showy blooms can bring varieties that can tolerate full sun but they benefi t from a pruning after fl owers and can last more than Enquiries: Phone: (02) 9589 0703. Fax: (02) 9589 0147 a touch of the tropics to even the coldest will need more water in these conditions. they fi nish fl owering. Prune off two weeks in a vase of water. of climates and its ability to fl ower in Hydrangeas growing in the ground should all the green, current season’s They also make beautiful dried damp, shady areas makes it one of our be given a bucket of water once a week growth down to two plump eyes fl owers. most sought-after garden plants. through the spring and summer. Potted Hydrangea ‘Machiko’ New wave hydrangeas offer an exciting hydrangeas should be watered every day from the end of spring and through new range of fl ower forms but are also I love the varied and delicious smells fertiliser like Searles 5IN1 Plus summer. Place a saucer of water under hardier, more compact or fl ower more of the garden; sweetly scented pellets at least twice a year in August the pot or even place the pot inside a profusely than their parents. fl owers, strong, spicy foliage — even and December will keep it looking bucket which is temporarily allowed to stinky fertiliser has its place! beautiful for many years. To keep The soil you have in your garden is of become partially fi lled with water to help New-release plants will wow us it fl owering well, liquid fertilise with particular signifi cance because with most keep the plant moist. Hydrangeas will with ‘structural’ or ‘colourful’ impact, Searles Flourish fortnightly from varieties of hydrangea, the soil pH will quickly let you know when they need but we usually need to look to the late August until it fi nishes fl owering dictate fl ower colour. In acidic soils around water as their leaves will wilt. However, ‘old favourites’ for qualities like in around December. pH 4.5–5.0, the fl owers will be bright blue. they recover quickly when given water. In soils above pH 7, the fl owers will turn fragrance. The great thing about this plant is mauve, pink or quite a strong, magenta- Hydrangeas will benefi t from a dose of Brunfelsia (Brunfelsia latifolia) is one it doesn’t seem to mind if it’s a little red. Adding Searles Garden Lime to Searles Fish & Kelp Plus liquid plant such ‘vintage’ plant. You may know dry or a little wet; it likes the summer the soil can make the fl owers pinker food every two weeks throughout the it by its common name: Yesterday, heat and can handle the winter and adding Searles Hydrangea Blue growing season. Alternatively, apply Today and Tomorrow. This evergreen chills. It’s not keen on heavy frosts, will turn the fl owers blue. (Hydrangeas Searles Azalea, Camellia & Gardenia shrub grows slowly to around 2-4m though. These plants are perfect for actually prefer a slightly acidic soil, so Food in early spring. Hydrangeas have tall and 2m wide. The foliage is growing in the garden or in a pot. If Hydrangea ‘Nobuko’ be mindful not to overuse lime on your shallow, fi brous roots, so maintain a layer dense and a smoky green colour. planting in a pot, use Searles Peat soil.) White fl owering hydrangeas will of Searles Mulch Plus around them. The new leaves can go purplish in 80 Plus potting mix and mulch with stay white, whatever the soil pH. If you Hydrangeas become available in garden cool weather. Searles Mulch Plus. want to change the fl ower colour, it’s centres in late spring when they start The true beauty of brunfelsia is in In recent years, a dwarf brunfelsia important to treat the soil before the fl ower to fl ower. This is when you can choose its fl owers. Sweetly perfumed, they has been released that only grows buds form. For best results, a bluing from a range of varieties and all the latest appear from September to late to around a metre. It is perfect for tonic should be applied once a month cultivars. They also strike very easily from Rijn by Chelsea Van November. When they fi rst open they borders or small gardens. Be aware in August, September and October and soft tip or hardwood cuttings, so if you see are a violet colour, fading to lavender that this plant can be slower to Beautiful blue and then white, with the three again in March and April. A cup of lime a nice one growing in your neighbour’s fl ower. sprinkled around the root zone in spring garden, why not ask for a cutting? Place colours present on the bush at the The only downside to brunfelsia is will turn hydrangeas pink or red. Apply the cutting in a pot of Searles Seed same time. How extraordinary that that they are highly toxic to animals them to your hydrangeas every year and a plant can be covered in three and humans if eaten, so if you have watch their fl owers turn stronger and brunfelsia different coloured fl owers at once! an animal, especially a dog that likes stronger shades of blue or pink with every A trulytruly beautifulbeautiful andand Brunfelsia enjoys full sun or partial to eat plants, take precautions or fl owering season. harmonious garden should shade. It enjoys a trim but does not grow something else. need to be trimmed to look thick Indulge all of your senses by planting dra Most hydrangeas will grow best in HydrangeaHyH ‘Mariko’ stimulate all of our senses... and lush. A good complete organic a brunfelsia this weekend! dappled or part shade. (They will let you 18 19 Echo ‘Wilson’s Yellow’

Echo ‘Lemon Yellow’

by Frida Forsberg Dazzling

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with regular applications of Searles Liquid Mites (which cause the leaves to fade, turn disease known to affect day lilies; signs are daylilies Echo ‘Red Rum’ Potash. Searles Fish & Kelp Plus and tan and then brown) can be brushed off the whole plant turning yellow and rotting. It Searles 5IN1 Plus are excellent organic or blasted away by a jet of water. Aphids has to be dug up, the foliage cut back, the fertilisers for daylilies and can be applied (which cause pimples on the buds, irregular affected crown area removed and the roots Few plants are more beautiful or rewarding to groww bulbs, but herbaceous perennials which throughout the warm season. colour in new growth and other problems) and crown soaked in a fungicide for an can be controlled with Searles Bug hour, then replanted in a different location. than daylilies (Hem er ocallis). Their graceful form, long form clumps that can be divided every three Pest & disease control years in autumn. Beater. If you get other insect problems, This condition is more common in damp, fl owering habit and their tolerance of neglect are just a Serious problems with pests and diseases contact your garden centre or a daylily humid weather. few more of their good points. How to plant are rare, particularly on well-grown plants. specialist nursery. Crown Rot is the only Daylilies do best in well-prepared soil which has been dug over and enriched with When daylilies are massed in the landscape narrow. Some are ruffled around the edge GARDEN, Ag & Pest they are a truly splendid sight, yet they also and generally have shorter stems than the Searles 5IN1 Plus and plenty of compost. look good as individual spec i mens in the older varieties. Colours are clearer and Choose a position in full sun or semi-shade PRODUCTS PTY. LTD. (they flower best with at least 6 hours of SUPERWAY garden or in a pot. This means they suit more distinct and the range is vast. These gardens of all sizes and shapes, from the plants usually last a lifetime and can be sun a day). Dig a hole slightly larger than (a quality assured company, proudly Australian owned and operated) patio to the acreage lot; as well as all types regularly divided (about once every three the root mass and mound some soil in the centre of the hole. Fill so that the crown of gardeners, from the truly dedicated to the years) to make more plants. Superway White Ant of the plant is level with the surface, tamp Grub, Ant & Pest Superway Dicamba-M is lazy weekender. Termite Bait: A D.I.Y. Despite their cool climate origins, firmly, water and mulch. Potted daylilies Controller: Controls a selective herbicide for ants, spiders, the control of bindii, thistle, ‘Back to the nest’ termite Today’s varieties flower for long periods; daylilies can be grown almost anywhere from a nursery should be watered every 2 cockroaches, lawn cudweed, clover and treatment primarily for use mostly from October through January in Queensland though they do prefer 6 days for a fortnight to prevent the potting beetle, lawn grub, dandelion in most lawns in Termite baiting stations. (depending on variety) and some again in weeks of winter chill down to about 10–12 mix from drying out. Bare-rooted plants and armyworm in the except buffalo grass. April and May. Even when not in flower, degrees Celsius. They seem to do well in should be planted immediately or placed in the foliage makes an attractive feature. the dry tropics and Mackay, and on the home garden. HERBICIDE Active ingredients: 80G/L a shady spot with their roots covered with PEST CONTROL Available in 500g, 1kg & 2kg packs. Dicamba 340G/L MCPA TERMITE CONTROL Modern hybrids are selected for being tablelands behind Cairns. They can handle damp soil or sand until you are ready to Available 250ml, 500ml & 1litre chamber pack. Highly concentrated. Available in 1litre pack. well branched with a high bud count, frost as well as extremes of dry heat and plant them. For mass planting, space plants larger flowers and petals which are not too cold. They are not true lilies at all, nor about 30cm apart, for garden planting about Superway Bifenthrin 1m apart; any closer and they will need Delta-M: is a non Weedkiller: provides Termite & Pest Controller: thinning out after 3 years. staining residual effective control of Termite/Insecticide for insecticide, for the most broadleaf weeds use as a termite barrier Watering control of spiders, and grasses. 1 litre of spray around poles etc. Daylilies do not require copious amounts cockroaches, fleas, concentrate’ Makes up to as well as control of ants, of water and will survive long, dry periods ants, silverfish, flies 100 Litres of weedkiller. spiders, etc. without it; nonetheless they do branch and and mosquitoes. HERBICIDE Available in 250ml to 20 litres and Available in 1Litre Chamber Pack TERMITE CONTROL bloom much better if well-watered. A good HOUSEHOLD PESTS Available in 250ml, 500ml and 1 litre packs. 1 litre 'ready-to-use' spraypack. as well as larger pack sizes. soaking once a week is fine and helps prevent spider mite infestation. NEW Superway Inside-Outside Cockroach, Spider, Flea Fertilising RELEASE & Ant Residual Insecticide: Concentrate for indoors Superway Apply a slow release fertiliser such as and outdoors. Controls cockroaches, fl eas, fl ies, P.O. Box 183, Beerwah Qld 4519 Searles Recharge in July or August. silverfi sh, spiders and ants. For porous & non- Ph: (07) 5439 0355 • Fax: (07) 5439 0366 Through spring and summer the plants will porous surfaces. Odorless & stain-free. benefi t from applications of a quick acting INSECTICIDE Available in 250ml, 500ml, 1litre & 2.5litre bottles. www.superway.com.au.au fertiliser such as Searles Flourish together 20 Echo ‘Marcia Faye’ Echo ‘Grape Ripple’ Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. Trade enquiries welcome. 21 Delicious spring recipe... Fresh tomato bruschetta Nothing is better than this simple, fresh dish enjoyed with friends on a Sunday afternoon. (Makes enough for 4 servings) Ingredients: 1 cup fresh cherry tomatoes 4 x sprigs fresh chives 2 bocconcini 4 x slices (approx 1.5cm thick) crusty bread (why not make your own?) olive oil balsamic vinegar Top watering tip: Method: A sudden bout of wet weather 1. Pip the cherry tomatoes (cut in half and scoop out the seeds with a teaspoon). Cut fl esh into small cubes. after a dry period can cause 2. Dice chives into small fl akes. ripening tomatoes to split. This 3. Slice bocconcini into slices. can also be caused by irregular 4. OPTIONAL: Toast bread under grill for 2–5 minutes at 180˚C watering. Keep moisture levels (Don’t leave it to dry out; it still needs to be soft in middle). 5. Gently mix chives and tomato together. consistent by watering tomatoes 6. Place sliced bocconcini on toast, then top with tomato and chives. regularly and keeping them well Finish with a sprinkle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar to taste. mulched. For extra fl avour, add fresh basil to the mix!

Mulching A thick layer of mulch can discourage mould This will reduce the risk of on low-growing fruit by preventing it coming in Pruning fungal infections and will contact with the soil. Mulching around the roots Because tomato foliage also limit water loss through will keep the roots cool and moist, reducing the gives ripening fruit shelter from the sun, it’s advisable evaporation. Home delivery! plants’ water needs as well as inhibiting weeds. Mulching can also help prevent diseases caused not to prune them. However, Tastytomatoes removing stems from the Pests & diseases Subscribe and have the About the by soil dryout and inconsistent moisture levels. Tomatoes are one of the easiest food crops to grow in home inside of the plant can help Now is the time to safeguard Garden Magazine delivered to your door! improve air circulation and against fruit fly which can be gardens and they’re delicious in summer salads and other Ripening for flavour a serious problem in warmer Tomatoes will be sweetest if they ripen in cooler reduce fungal problems. tasty dishes. With so many varieties available, how can you regions. Attach Searles Fruit Name: ...... weather. During hot weather, it is best to harvest Fly Traps above tomato resist planting a few of your own this spring? tomatoes when they start to blush and allow Watering tip Age: 25–35 36–45 46–55 55+ plants to effectively control them to ripen on a window sill away from direct Water tomato plants on the these nasty pests. Address: ...... Planting Fertilising sunlight. roots — not the foliage. Tomatoes need a sunny site and good Tomatoes are not heavy feeders. In City: ...... State: ...... P/code: ...... drainage. They will grow in just about fact, high nitrogen fertilisers can cause any soil which has been well dug and excessive leaf growth at the expense of Phone: ...... Fax: ...... Initially, this part of the fruit 1. Boost the soil with enriched with Searles Kickalong fruit yield and fl avour. For tasty, long- Email: ...... Vegetable & Herb Plant Food a couple lasting fruit and resistance to pests and becomes off-white to brown in calcium by adding of weeks before planting. For potted disease, apply Searles Fish & Kelp Plus colour and takes on a ‘sunken in’ lime, dolomite, gypsum Enclosed is a cheque for: appearance. As the fruit matures, or composted animal tomatoes, plant in Searles Herb & (for the organic alternative) or Searles 1 year ($18.00) 2 years ($30.00) these symptoms become more manures before planting. Vegetable Specialty Mix. Flourish Tomato & Vegetable fortnightly. pronounced and the rot darkens OR charge this to my: 2. Water regularly. Most in colour. Planting advice Staking tomato crops continue Visa Mastercard Ensure seedlings are well anchored by Staking tomato plants will inhibit pests Blossom end rot is caused by to flower and bear fruit planting them slightly deeper than the and diseases by keeping heavy trusses Card no: insufficient calcium and the for prolonged periods of surrounding soil — tomato plants can of fruit off the ground. Larger bushes may most common cause is irregular time, so ensure the roots Card holder’s name:...... Expiry date: ...... become top-heavy and blow over. need several stakes — train the branches or insufficient water during the are consistently moist. onto the stakes as they grow. critical growing period of the Signature: ...... 3. Avoid high nitrogen young fruit. Even when sufficient Pollination tip fertilisers. Nitrogen Phone: (07) 5422 3090 Blossom-end rot calcium is present in the soil, Please send this form to: Tomatoes grown in greenhouses or fertilisers will allocate water shortages can create About the Garden Fax: (07) 5497 2287 sheltered positions where there is little A common tomato problem is blossom-end calcium to the leaves difficulty absorbing and delivering P.O. Box 70 Kilcoy Q. 4515 Email: [email protected] wind may benefi t from being given a rot. This appears at the ‘blossom end’ of instead of the fruit. gentle shake to help spread their pollen. the fruit — the opposite end to the stem. calcium to the fruit. www.aboutthegarden.com.au 22 Spring 12 23 MAKE YOUR GARDEN

Searles Flourish Soluble Plant Foods are made with premium ingredients to maximise your plants performance rapidly. Simply – more flowers, fruit, vegies and foliage.

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