August – Gardening Diary
KITCHEN GARDEN
In warmer districts sow directly into the soil, Carrots, Parsnips, Beetroot, Peas and Radish. In cool climates sow Parsnips, Turnips, Swedes, Peas and Broad Beans.
Plant seedlings of Cabbage, Cauliflower, Lettuce, Broccoli, Silverbeet and Spinach.
Plant Asparagus crowns directly into the garden. For best results plant in well draining soil rich in organic matter (compost).
Plant new Rhubarb plants and lift and divide any established Rhubarb clumps.
Plant strawberries. Add a clean layer of pea straw mulch around the plants to deter pests and to keep the berries up off the dirt.
Plant new citrus, blueberries, bramble berries and deciduous fruit trees.
Plant new seasons herb plants directly into your garden or in pots.
Place Seed Potatoes in a tray in a sunny position for at least a month before planting. Plant out in the garden, in a large plastic pot or in a planter in a warm and sheltered position when the sprouts on the seed potatoes are 2 to 4 cm long.
Sow seeds of Tomatoes, Cabbage, Celery, Spring Onion, Onions, Silverbeet, Spinach, Melons, Cucumbers, Capsicum and Lettuce in trays of Seed Raising Mix ready for transplanting later.
Prepare the garden for spring planting by digging in generous helpings of compost, and add Lime to improve soil structure.
Protect winter crops of Cauliflower, Broccoli, Cabbage and Broad Beans with Copper Oxychloride. Spray every 14 days to prevent fungus diseases and bacterial blight spots.
Protect seedlings from slugs and snails.
If your fruit trees had any issues with brown rot or fungus last summer now is the time to spray with Copper Oxychloride which controls a wide range of fungal and bacteria diseases. Spray at leaf fall, bud burst and at the green tip stage for best results.
To control sooty mould, mites, aphids and white fly on fruit and citrus trees spray with a Bug Oil spray. The oil will effectively smoother the pests and their eggs to protect your plants. A low toxic option.
Fertilise all fruit trees to ensure you get a bumper crop. Spread evenly over root zone and water in well, taking care to keep fertiliser away from the trunk to prevent damaging the stem.
FLOWER GARDEN
Plant seedlings like Viola, Polyanthus, Cineraria, Alyssum, Poppy, Cornflower, Gypsophila, Hollyhock and Carnations.
Plant Gladioli, Dahlia, and Begonia tubers for summer flowering.
Plant up containers with new seasons flowering annuals like Marigolds, Snapdragons, Lobelia and Dianthus.
Plant Rhododendrons, Camellias, Hellebores, Azaleas and Daphne while conditions are still cool.
Sow your favourite seeds like Alyssum, Californian Poppy, Chrysanthemum, Gypsophila, Marigold, Phlox, Sunflower, Zinnia and other summer flowering favourites. These can get planted directly into your garden as soon as the weather warms up.
Plant new roses in rich, well-drained soil with plenty of compost. Fertilise with a premium fertiliser when planting. Complete rose pruning in time for spring growth. Spray now to protect new growth from pests and diseases.
Feed trees and shrubs with a long term controlled release fertiliser, sprinkle around the drip line and then water in well.
Weed and dig in compost and general garden fertiliser to prepare garden beds for spring planting.
Protect seedlings from slugs and snails.
Trim up and shape your early blooming Camellias that have finished flowering.
OUTDOOR CONTAINERS
Repot, tidy and feed hanging baskets and patio pots.