Attention Rose lovers! - May 15, 2015
Dear Gardening Friends,
Winter weather has come so fast you will probably be thinking about pruning your roses soon. I know as I get older my arthritic hands find it difficult to prune. All the staff got excited this week about a new range of secateurs. Berger Secateurs are made in Germany (not China) and they are amazing.
Ryan has had his Felco Secateurs for 20 years and even he quickly thought about trading them in for the Bergers! This Ergo range has been specifically designed for people who find it difficult to use traditional secateurs. The handles are closer together making them easier to close and the German made blades are incredibly sharp. They will cut through 20mm roses branches in seconds. These are German made quality secateurs that you will have all your life. No they are not cheap but they are the best!
We have two types for you to try.
I have noticed that clover and bindii are popping up in lawns around Macarthur. Spray now while they are actively growing and you will have success. We only recommend the Richgro Bindii Killer for Buffalo Lawns. This is safe to use on all types of grass. Spray now while your grass is long then spray again in 10 days time. Use the 30mls in 5 litres of water over 50 squares of lawn. Add a squirt of dish washing liquid for even better results. Don't spray on windy days. The grass has to be dry. Please don't wear thongs!!!!!!! Keep your dog off the grass until it dries.
If you planted Broccoli, Cabbage or Kale recently then they will be getting eaten by caterpillars now. Sprinkle some Yates Tomato and Vegetable dust over the leaves now and the caterpillars will disappear. You only need to apply this dust every 3 to 4 weeks! If you haven't planted your winter vegetables yet get cracking. Vegetables are easier to grow in winter.
We have Organic Garlic arriving soon. Garlic is the easiest vegetable in the world to grow! No bugs seem to eat it. They obviously don't want Garlic Breath. Prepare your soil now by digging in Tims Cow Manure with a dressing of Garden Lime. Divide the Garlic into separate scales. Plant these pointy end up 20cms apart. Harvest at Christmas time. It's that easy!!!!
Autumn is the best time to plant citrus trees. I am amazed how much fruit is on my "Kevin The Lemon" lemon tree. This dwarf variety can produce several hundred thin skinned juicy lemons every winter/spring. The fruit ripen in the cooler months when there are no fruit fly around. It can be grown in a big pot, but you will get more lemons if you grow it in the ground! Plant on a mound of Tims Planting Compost improved soil.
You cannot over water citrus trees. A bucket twice a week will keep them happy.
If you have adult trees in your garden fertilise them with Citrus food now!
This week we received a pallet of our quality firewood. These are in convenient 20kg bags so they are easier for you to carry and all of the hard work has been done for you. They are from chopped up hardwood railway sleepers. The timber is so heavy, so they will burn slowly keeping you warmer for longer. Bags are $15.99 each or you can buy 2 bags for $30.00
Pig has put on the beanie early this year. But if you spend time in the garden you will soon get warmed up. 2 hours in the garden is like doing a workout at the gym only cheaper!
Happy Gardening
Tim