Seeds Proceed to seed, weed and feed
Give seedlings a head start by placing the seeds the correct way, so the radicle – that part of the seed that was attached to the parent and from where the roots emerge – is facing down. All seeds will eventually send the roots downwards but if they are planted the wrong way up, then extra energy is needed for the roots (and the stems) to change direction.
The radicle in most cases is the pointed end of the seed. That said, in smaller seeds it is not always easily spotted, and it is not always practical to place tiny seeds individually.
In beans the radicle is on its side, except for broad beans where it is on the end – and easily spotted as an elongated lip.
Guard against damping off disease. This fungal infection is fatal to young seedlings and thrives in cool temperatures, dull conditions and wet or damp soils. To help protect seedlings, use sterile seed-raising mix and containers; keep seedlings in an airy, sunny spot and increase air circulation among them by thinning crowded seedlings. Do not over water – let soil surface dry out between watering. Remove any seedling covers or plastic bags once the seedlings germinate.
Ornamentals
Plant perennials, and divide and replant existing ones, should they be looking tired, or have outgrown their space.
Keep on top of weeds, especially those that hide beneath legitimate garden plants – they are a lot more difficult to remove once they have wrapped themselves, above and below the soil, around other plants.
Edibles
Set pheromone codling moth traps on apple trees. When the numbers of caught moths build up it is time to spray.
Plant celery and silverbeet. Once early potatoes’ sprouts start pushing through the soil, cover lightly with pea straw or hoe up some soil around them. Plant main crop potatoes.
Feed citrus trees, either with citrus fertiliser every six weeks from now until March, or mulch the trees, being careful not to touch the trunk, with layers of pea straw, grass clippings, horse manure and a sprinkling of blood and bone or bone meal.
Lawns
Repair bare or dead patches in lawn by removing dead grass and gently loosening the soil before spreading a fine layer of top soil then lawn seed. Keep well watered till new grass is established.
Feed lawns, according to your preferences – organic, fertiliser tea, or proprietal lawn fertiliser.
– Mary Lovell-Smith