TO DO THIS WEEK IN THE GARDEN

Q AGeorge Smith from Innisfail asks: “Why hasn’t my mandarin tree set any fruit? It’s three years old.”

George, from the photo the tree looks healthy, however there seems to be a problem around the trunk. There are water shoots appearing from the root stock and that is most likely robbing your tree of energy. The root stock appears to be “troyer”, the sour orange, it’s thorny and has sour fruit, you do not want it to take over your Emperor mandarins. I suggest you remove the bricks, and with a sharp pair of long bladed secateurs, remove the suckers. Fertilise, then mulch the tree, but not close to the trunk of the tree. Keep the suckers at bay and your tree should flower in Spring. 1

Cut back mop-top hydrangea, fertilise and mulch to produce new flower tips. Do not cut back lace-cap hydrangeas, as they flower on old growth, but do fertilise and mulch.

2

Check out strappy leafed plants such as spathoglottis (ground orchids) for spiralling white fly. If found, spray with a strong jet of water and later, neem oil. 3

Top up baskets of zygocactus with a light, peaty, mix enriched with organic fertiliser and ensure baskets are away from night lights which will prevent flower formation.

4

Replace fruit fly baits around the orchard and check the trees for mistletoe.