SPRING’S THE PICK OF THE BUNCH
IT’S ABOUT BLOOMING TIME FOR A PICK-ME-UP SO HEAD INTO THE GARDEN
IT’S spring; the sun is a little warmer and up nice and early, staying a little longer each day. Along with the recent rain events the plants are loving it.
The response in the garden is easy to see, frangipanis are once again dressed in green, caladiums are unfurling their brightly coloured leaves and caterpillars are munching on all the tasty new shoots.
It’s a busy time in the garden, with all the new growth the plants will need to be fed and the rule is, a little, and often. Fertiliser is expensive and needs to be used in moderation.
The nitrogen and other elements needed by the plants are not stable and will quickly oxidise off in the hot sun or leach away in rain events. Therefore, it’s a waste of time and money to apply too much fertiliser at any one time. It’s also a good idea to cover the fertiliser with mulch once it’s applied; the mulch will hold the fertiliser where it’s needed and shade it from the sun.
Plants should be kept moist in spring so that all their new growth will stay hydrated.
New leaves are particularly sensitive to dehydration and it’s heartbreaking to see a spectacular new leaf on a foliage plant shrivel up before it’s fully open.
So water deeply early in the morning to set the plants up for the heat of the day. Watering in the late afternoon can cause fungal problems and should be avoided.
Hedges and other shrubs can be pruned back hard in spring, and while you’re about it, side dress them with enriched compost. A foliar spray of fish emulsion or seaweed will help prevent rust and discourage whitefly and scale. Remember the old adage “a stitch in time saves nine”.
Dry root and other fungal pathogens have been particularly prevalent following the never ending “wet season”. If fungal problems are evident, with dead patches in the hedge spray the leaves with phosphoric acid.
Ongoing rain events have been forecast for the forthcoming months, so it would be a good idea to also foliar spray other trees which are susceptible to root rot with phosphoric acid. Trees such as avocado, citrus, and durian are particularly prone to (phytophthora), commonly called root rot or pink’s disease.
Phosphoric acid is an excellent low toxic fungicide, and although it’s added to many processed foods and drink items, it’s still wise to wear protective clothing, particularly safety eye glasses, when spraying any chemical.
While you’re in the mood for spring cleaning don’t forget the house plants. Remove old leaves, and if the pots can be easily shifted give them a good shower with the hose, outside in the shade; it will get rid of all the dust and freshen the house plants up and give you the opportunity to check out pest problems.
Don’t forget to add a spoon of complete fertiliser and three or four centimes of fresh compost around each plant. Cover with some decorative coconut husk, water in well and return the plant to its favourite place.
As the weather warms avoid spraying the leaves of foliage plants with oil sprays. Although it’s nice to have shiny leaves on indoor plants, in hot weather the oil will burn and damage the leaves. A wipe down with a little kitchen detergent will keep the plant’s leaves looking spick and span.
Before it gets too hot, pull out all weeds from the garden and mulch the beds with old leaves, sugar cane trash or compost. This will suppress any new weed growth and feed the worms. Mulch protects the soil in rain events, and keeps the roots of the plants cool in hot weather.
Don’t forget the lawn, heavy, continuous rain acidifies the soil and we have certainly had our fair share this year. So buy a bag of dolomite lime and broadcast it, at the rate of one cup per square metre, over the lawn, garden beds and around citrus trees. A good sprinkle in the chicken pen will protect the chooks from lice problems.
There are of course some plants that require acidic soils. Avoid sprinkling lime around lipstick palms, mangosteens or rambutan fruit trees; these trees grow naturally in acidic soils.
A garden spring clean is never complete without planning some summer colour. Plant summer hardy marigold and zinnia seed in seed raising mix, the plants will be up in a few days and ready for a family plant out for the spring school holidays.