Spring into the vegie garden
September marks the transition from winter crops to the productive months ahead. Garden beds can be cleared, weeded and improved with compost or well-rotted organic matter before planting begins.
In frost-free areas, warm-season crops such as tomatoes, capsicums, chillies and cucumbers can begin making their way into the garden. In cooler areas, it’s often worth holding off for a few more weeks and using this month to prepare beds and raise seedlings in a sheltered position. A little patience now can save disappointment later if cold weather returns unexpectedly.
Traditional spring favourites such as beetroot, silverbeet, lettuce and carrots can be sown directly into prepared soil, while asparagus beds benefit from a tidy-up before new spears begin emerging in earnest. Keep an eye on soil moisture as seedling roots establish. Spring sunshine can dry the surface surprisingly quickly.
Whenever planting seedlings, water them in with Seasol to help reduce transplant shock and encourage strong root establishment. The better a young plant settles in, the better equipped it is to make the most of the growing season ahead.
Give Citrus and Fruit Trees a Spring Lift
Citrus trees are putting on plenty of new growth at this time of year, and flower buds are beginning to appear. If trees have struggled through winter, now is the perfect time to give them some extra care. Spring is a critical time for growth, and well-nourished trees are better equipped to produce healthy foliage, flowers and fruit. The effort you put in now can have a big impact on tree health and fruit production in the months ahead.
Remove weeds from around the base of the tree, top up mulch and feed every eight to twelve weeks with Seasol PowerFeed Plant Food Granules for Fruit & Citrus. It contains both slow and quick-release nutrients to support strong growth and fruiting. Water in thoroughly after application and keep trees well watered during extended dry spells to encourage consistent growth.
Give Roses and Spring Flowers a Boost
September is a wonderful time in the flowering garden. Roses are producing fresh new growth, spring bulbs are putting on a colourful display and garden beds are filling out as plants respond to warmer conditions.
Remove any winter damage, and deadhead spent flowers where appropriate. Keep an eye on crowded plants that may benefit from dividing once flowering is finished. If you are growing spring-flowering bulbs, leave the foliage in place after flowering. The leaves help replenish energy reserves needed for next year’s display.
Roses are particularly active at this time of year and respond well to regular feeding as growth accelerates. Keep an eye out for early signs of fungal diseases such as black spot and avoid wetting the foliage when watering. Good airflow around plants can also help reduce disease problems.
Feed roses and flowering plants with Seasol PowerFeed Plant Food Granules for Roses & Flowers to provide season-long nutrition for healthy foliage, strong growth and an abundance of flowers. Water in well after application.
Revive Lawns after Winter
Winter often leaves its mark on Australian lawns. Heavy foot traffic, slower growth and cold conditions can result in thinning areas, discolouration and compacted soil.
September is the time to assess any damage and start encouraging recovery. Rake away built-up debris, repair bare patches and check whether water is soaking into the soil or simply running off the surface. If water is pooling or running off rather than soaking in, a soil wetter can make a noticeable difference before hot weather arrives.
Applying Seasol Super Soil Wetter & Conditioner can help improve water penetration and encourage more efficient use of available moisture, particularly in lawns that have become hard or water repellent over winter.
As temperatures rise throughout spring, gradually increase mowing frequency to match growth. Avoid removing too much leaf blade in a single mow, as this can put unnecessary stress on turf just as it is returning to active growth.
Refresh Tired Pot Plants
As plants burst back into growth, September is an ideal time to divide crowded perennials and refresh pot-bound plants. Dividing established plants helps keep them healthy and vigorous while providing extra plants for other parts of the garden.
Container plants can begin to struggle if they’ve spent too long in the same pot. Water may run straight through the mix, roots can become crowded and growth may slow.
Seasol Pot Plant & Soil Recovery is ideal for refreshing tired potting mix and improving moisture penetration in dry, water-repellent soil. It’s particularly useful for larger pots where repotting is difficult or where plants need a boost ahead of the growing season.
If repotting is needed, move plants into a container only slightly larger than the existing one and use a quality potting mix such as Seasol Indoor Potting Mix. Gently loosen tightly bound roots before planting and water in well.
Tackle Aphids Before They Take Hold
Fresh spring growth is irresistible to sap-sucking pests. Aphids, scale and other insects are often among the first visitors to appear as soft new shoots emerge throughout the garden.
Take a moment to inspect vulnerable plants, particularly roses, citrus, vegetables and soft ornamental growth. Early detection can help prevent small pest issues from becoming bigger problems later in the season.
Before reaching for any control method, look carefully for beneficial insects already doing the work for you. Ladybirds, hoverflies and lacewings are common spring allies, and their larvae can quickly reduce aphid numbers if given the chance.
If pests begin to establish, EarthCare White Oil insect spray can be used to help control aphids, scale and other sap-sucking insects by coating and suffocating them. Always follow label directions and avoid spraying when beneficial insects are actively present.
Keep an eye on slug and snail activity in cooler regions, particularly around new vegetable seedlings and soft spring growth during periods of wet weather.
