Weed tips
- With Spring almost in the air, most plants including weeds are starting to come to life again after winter. Now is the time to gain control and keep on top of major weeds including blackberries, spreading bamboo, ivy and other vigorous pest plants. For optimal control, use Roundup PowerMax Concentrate diluted as directed on the container. This stronger version (540g/L glyphosate compared to ‘normal’ 360g/L glyphosate) will be effective against even the toughest weeds.
Garden maintenance in August
- Give seasonal annuals a boost with Miracle-Gro MaxFeed All Purpose Water Soluble Fertiliser and repeat at fortnightly intervals to prolong the flowering period. Now is the ideal time to feed the lawn with a quality Lawn Builder Slow Release Lawn Food. Choose the one best suited to your purposes: Lawn Builder with Wetting Agent on compacted soils to improve moisture penetration or Lawn Builder with Weedkill to get rid of broadleaf weeds (Do NOT use Lawn Builder with Weedkill on any buffalo, Santa Ana couch, lippia or dichondra lawn)
- Apply a second fungicidal spray to roses, fruit and blossom trees at ‘bud swell’ to reduce risk of fungal infections taking hold this season. Bud swell is when growth and flower buds start swelling and show the first signs of colour prior to bursting into growth/flowers
- Apply Osmocote Controlled Release fertilisers to the entire garden (choose the correct types for the plants you have). This will release nutrients over a four month period and keep your garden healthy and vigorous throughout Spring
- Check all plants regularly for pests and diseases
- Ensure birds and other wildlife have water and keep ponds topped up
- Harvest the last of the winter vegetables, remove old crops and start soil preparation for planting summer crops
- Sow seeds of early fruiting tomato varieties in seed trays, for planting in 6-8 weeks when the garden soil has warmed
