Spring is around the corner, but winter still lingers!
Yes, it is almost spring, but late winter can have some icy gusts up its sleeve. Be prepared for changeable conditions. The weeks may go from balmy, sunny days to frosty with cold winds.
Winter flowers of magnolias, daphne and camellias bloom, and the garden comes alive with the beautiful colour of early daffodils and jonquils. As the lawn gets ready to burst into lush spring growth, ensure your lawn, has had its winter maintenance regimen. As spring ornamental and fruit trees bud, check for any damaged foliage and prune as needed.
Magnificent magnolias blooming now
August is the time to enjoy the exotic blooms on deciduous magnolias. These trees are eye-catching in late winter with large white, pink or claret red flowers made even more beautiful as they are carried on bare grey stems.
Grow a feature tree such as Magnolia x soulangeana and M. denudata, or the shrubby star magnolia (Magnolia stellata). Some magnolias are slow to reach maturity and flower so, for flowers on young trees, look for a named variety such as ‘Star Wars’ or ‘Vulcan’.
When looking for a magnolia for your garden space, ensure you have the ideal space and position for your tree. Check out the varieties available in your local hardware or garden centre for the right plant for your climate. If you are unsure of what magnolia to pick, speak to horticultural staff for their advice or consider an evergreen variety by checking out our evergreen magnolia guide.
Magnolia care
To grow a beautiful deciduous magnolia, locate the plant with room to spread its branches without pruning. Select a position that provides shelter from frost, which can damage the buds and spoil flowering, but is away from other plants or walls to reduce access by possums. Also, ensure that the location has afternoon shade during summer and protection from hot winds.
When planting, water new plants in with Seasol to aid plant establishment and strong root growth. Ensure plants are well watered during late spring and summer and liquid feed every two to four weeks with PowerFeed PRO SERIES for Roses & Flowers for abundant blooms.
Although robust plants, they are appealing to possums and some birds (especially bullfinches) that damage flowers and, in the case of a large possum, damage the branches too. Protect free-standing trees from possums with a metal or plastic band around the lower part of the tree’s trunk so it can’t be climbed.
Plant bare-rooted plants
Don’t leave it any longer to plant out any bare-rooted trees, shrubs or vines purchased over winter. These plants are beginning to grow and need their roots in good soil. Dig a hole that’s wider than the root ball but no deeper. Soak the root ball in a bucket of Seasol solution (mix 40mL of concentrate per 9 litre of water) while preparing the planting hole.
When planting, firm the soil around the roots to make sure there are no air pockets. Sitting the root ball on a small mound of soil at the base of the planting hole will help to avoid air pockets at the base of the roots. Also, ensure that the plant sits at the same level in the new position as it was in the ground in the nursery (look for indications on the trunk where the previous soil level was) and the graft union if the plant is grafted is above the soil.
If necessary, stake the plant in its new position. Staking may be needed if plants are weak or exposed to strong winds. Remove the plant tag and store it in a safe place to remind you of its name and care needs. Water well (use the Seasol solution that the plant was soaking in just prior to planting).
Get a head start on tomatoes
In many areas, August is the ideal time to start tomatoes from seed in a seed raising tray using a premium mix such as Seasol Seed Raising & Cutting Potting Mix or to pot up seedlings into larger containers. In warm, frost-free areas, it is safe to plant tomatoes out into the vegetable garden, but in colder areas, wait until the soil is a little warmer and there’s no likelihood of frost. If sowing seeds, consider leaving your tray indoors on a heating mat until the weather warms.
As well as starting tomatoes, it is also getting warm enough to sow cucumber, bean and zucchini seeds. In cold areas, especially at night, plant seedlings into containers using a premium potting mix such as Seasol Advanced Potting Mix and keep them warm and protected to plant into the garden in early spring.
Check plants daily and watch for snails and slugs that like to eat young tender shoots. Ensure plants are kept moist but not wet.
Five important jobs for late winter
- Plant spring greens including lettuce, kale and English spinach, every four to six weeks for a continual harvest of fresh leaves.
- Look out for potted flowering shrubs and perennials such as japonica camellia and hellebore at garden centres for added late winter colour and interest.
- Apply liquid fertiliser such as PowerFeed PRO SERIES for Tomatoes & Vegetables regularly every fortnight to help leafy vegetables stay productive and growing strong.
- Use temporary covers or screens, regular watering and improve the soil with Seasol Liquid Compost to shelter and protect new seedlings and citrus trees from cold, drying winds.
- Turn compost using a fork to encourage the breakdown of materials. If the heap is dry, lightly moisten. If it is wet, cover during rain events until it dries out.
Repot your plants now
One of the best jobs to do now, rather than in the hotter months of late spring or summer, is repotting. Most potted plants – both indoor and outdoor specimens – benefit from regular repotting into a slightly larger container with new premium potting mix such as Seasol Advanced Potting Mix.
Signs that repotting is needed include a drop in the potting mix level in the pot, a potted plant that’s unstable and easily blown over, and a plant that’s not thriving and needs frequent watering. Check the potting mix is taking in water. If it’s running through the pot or pooling on top, it may be repelling water. Applying a soil wetter such as Seasol Super Soil Wetter & Conditioner to overcome this.
To make the job easier, line up a table or bench to work on, the number of bags of potting mix needed and a watering can and Seasol along with a trowel, scoop (to transfer the potting mix into the new pot) and secateurs to trim any damaged or twisted roots.
The art of repotting plants
When the plant is out of its container take the opportunity to check for a healthy root system and remove weeds and any pests. If the root system has become highly compacted or is spiralling in the container (known as root bound), soak the roots in a bucket of Seasol and gently prune and tease out the roots.
At replanting, make sure that the roots are completely covered and surrounded by potting mix with no air pockets. Use Seasol to water the plant into its new container.
Where the plant is too big or heavy to repot, use Seasol Potting Mix Booster to refresh the potting mix and top up with Seasol Advanced Potting Mix. The potting mix can also be refreshed by removing cores of potting mix (for example using a bulb planter) and replacing them with fresh potting mix. Also, ensure that drainage holes at the base of the pot are clear and not blocked with roots.
