Winter Gardening Jobs

Winter in Ipswich brings a mix of cold nights and warm days. As a gardener, you might find yourself stripping off layers one minute and bundling up the next. Here's how you can make the most of this season in your garden:

Fertilise Gardens and Pots

At the turn of every season I also like to soil wet and fertilise my gardens and pots. I use Plant of Health’s granular Soil Soaker and Organic Link Fertiliser. Soil Soaker enables hydrophobic soils to become water penetrable and retain water. It also houses beneficial microbes, nutrients, silica and diatomaceous earth these make soil healthy which in turn improves root and shoot development and also reduces plant stress.

I will use Soil Soaker first then in a week or so give them all a good fertilise with Organic Link.

I also use Silica and Potash monthly to help plants naturally withstand cold damage. For young plants susceptible to frost, apply Envy frost protectant monthly.

While insects aren’t usually bad at this time of year if you do notice an attack a spray with neem oil is usually all you need.

Feed my winter flowering plants

Sometimes we just can’t get around to fertilising all our plants. At this time of year if I can’t fertilise everything I like to pay particular attention to my camellia sasanquas and japonicas, rondeletias, zygo cacti, azaleas and my poinsettias to keep them looking good and help promote flowers. I will also start to liquid fertilise these plants with Silica and Potash fortnightly to promote flowering.

Mulching

Mulching isn't just for summer; it's equally important in winter. It helps keep the ground temperature even, reducing cold stress on your plants.

Pruning

Late winter is a great time to prune most plants to ensure healthy spring growth.

Lawn Care

At the turn of every season I like to soil wet and fertilise my lawn. Even though I know winter isn’t a time for large growth, I find the heathy it is all year the better it looks and less attention I need to ultimately pay to it. I use Plant of Health’s granular Soil Soaker and Lawn and Turf Fertiliser.

I find lawn weeds don’t grow anywhere near as quickly in winter as they do in spring. I believe if I can get on top of them now I won’t be doing the bindii dance in summer! Normally at this time of year I can easily dig up any stray weeds and I always mow with the catcher on. If by chance I do need to spray I try to do it about three days after rain when the weeds are young but not in flower yet. I use Searles ‘Lawn Perfect’ as it kills most of the weeds coming up in my lawn. I don't worry too much about winter weed as I find out it dies out quickly as soon as the weather warms up.

Fruit Tree Care

Citrus trees can prone to Leaf Curl and Leaf Miner. Both these problems are mainly caused by insects. Normally when my plants are under attack I trim off affected growth and fertilise with Organic Link. At this time of year my citrus are usually in fruit or flower and I don’t want to stress the plants out and cause a flower or bud drop. So I will start a weekly spray for at least four weeks with Plant Care and Neem Oil, mixed together to give them an immediate boost.

After fruiting I will trim and fertilise.

While fruit fly isn’t meant to be active in winter I always change my fruit fly wick every three months or on the turn of the season, so beginning of Winter. Any fruit that is forming with get a spray with Eco-naturalure, an organic fruit fly spray to protect them from the odd pregnant female flying about! For more information on Fruit Fly click here.

What to plant

With the cool nights and warm days, it has become a vegetable gardeners paradise. There are so many vegetables that grow at this time of year beetroot, broccoli, snow peas, Asian greens, strawberries, onions, kale, leeks, cauliflower, spinach, rocket, coriander, cabbage, peas (though I don’t know why… Yuk!), just to name a few. Tomatoes and zucchini can also be planted now to get good growth before summer hits with fruit fly.

Winter is also a great time to start a herb garden. Herbs like basil thrive in the cooler months. Instead of paying high prices for fresh herbs, you can grow your own. Trevallan offers a variety of everyday herbs like chives, oregano, lemongrass and unique herbs like bergamot, chamomile, and chia. Now is also a good time to try seed potatoes, garlic and shallots.

 Regularly fertilise with Triple Boost and Neem to enjoy a bountiful harvest of winter vegetables.

Jobs done … I can kick back relax read my Winter About the Garden Magazine and enjoy the sunshine!

My Favourite Gardening Task

Runs in the Family!

Warming the engine of the mower so my sister could mow on a cold morning!

My favourite gardening task is nurturing my lawn. I take immense pleasure in mowing it, finding it to be a job uniquely impervious to interference by others. Unlike cleaning a house that quickly gets dirty again, a mowed lawn can be seen for a least a few days and the sense of accomplishment I feel is indescribable. I love looking out or coming down the street and seeing my freshly cut lawn

To me, lawns form an indispensable facet of a garden's landscape, bearing numerous positive attributes that are nowadays often overlooked.

Recreational Space

Lawns offer a versatile space for outdoor activities - be it sports like soccer (our front lawn moonlights as a mini soccer field complete with its own built in goal), at home picnics or easy to clean up kids dinners, gatherings, or simple relaxation. A well-kept lawn invites people to be outside nature, whether it’s to engage in physical pursuits or just ‘chill’. You will often find my teenage son and his friends just chilling on our front lawn.

Aesthetic Appeal

Well-maintained lawns enhance the visual appeal of a property. They create a sense of order and cleanliness, contributing to the overall beauty of a landscape and increasing the curb appeal of homes and public spaces.

Stormwater Management

Lawns adeptly soak in and decelerate rainwater runoff, curtailing flooding and erosion risks. The lawn and soil function as nature's sponges, filtering and absorbing water before it reaches drains or water bodies.

Erosion Control

Lawns, when properly established with healthy root systems, can help prevent soil erosion. Their dense vegetation and root structure stabilise soil and reduce the risk of soil loss during heavy rains or wind.

Cooling Effect

Lawns can mitigate the urban heat island effect by reflecting sunlight and providing a cooler surface compared to paved/concrete/rock/fake turf areas. This helps maintain more comfortable temperatures in and around your home. I know how much cooler our front patio is since we created our turf area.

Mental and Emotional Well-being

A well-maintained lawn fosters mental tranquillity The sight of green and lush open areas lessens stress, instils calmness, and revitalises the mind. For me, it evokes strong emotions rooted in cherished memories of learning about gardening from my grandfather.

Air Quality Enhancement

Lawn grasses can ensnare airborne particles and pollutants, elevating the air quality within their vicinity. This leads to healthier, more breathable air. The difference is tangible; once our front yard evolved from a dirt patch, the home became less dusty and the air more invigorating.

I believe incorporating sustainable practices, like opting for organic fertilisers, water wise methods, and minimising pesticide usage, can amplify all these positives while mitigating the negative ecological and social impacts lawns seemed to have suffered over the last few years.

Chelsea Mowing at her old house

I firmly believe lawns don't necessitate extravagant expenses or environmental detriment for upkeep. They can be tended organically, and a well-rooted, robust lawn requires minimal watering. Maintained lawns are not onerous chores; they just demand consistent, manageable care.

While my lawns may not be in their prime currently, I employ simple, accessible organic techniques that anyone can adopt. Lawns, in their dynamic nature, thrive with regular but not excessive attention.

For me, a lawn is a key ingredient that adds that extra dose of joy to a household and completes the picture of a beautifully landscaped yard.

My List of Jobs to Do in September

As spring bursts forth with its lively colours, it's the season when our gardens come alive with potential. Springtime signals a call to action in the garden, these are my crucial first steps to take as we wave goodbye to winter and embrace the time of growth and blossoms. From swapping out those fruit fly traps to giving our lawns some much-needed attention, and indulging in the satisfying trim, fertilise, and mulch routine, let's embark on a journey to transform our outdoor spaces into vibrant and thriving oasis.

• Change my Fruit Fly Wick

As we kick off the new season, have you taken the time to replace the wick on your trusty Searles Fruit Fly Trap lately? As per recommendation, I switch out the wick every three months, aligning it with the changing seasons. I actually keep the trap active throughout the entire year because, believe it or not, even in Ipswich, those fruit flies can be surprisingly persistent, even when the weather cools down.

And if you're scratching your head wondering what fruit flies are all about or simply want to dive deeper into the world of this native pest, take a stroll through my blog.

• Don’t do the Bindii Dance this Summer!

At the beginning of each season, especially Spring, I take the time to give my lawn some TLC. A healthy lawn with strong roots is not only easier to manage but can bounce back swiftly from water scarcity or a lawn grub invasion.

When my lawn isn't at its best, I keep a close watch for the tell tale signs of weeds, especially the notorious bindii. A thick and robust lawn naturally crowds out these intruders, sparing me the chore of constant weeding. My mowing routine always includes using a catcher, and if I have to resort to spraying, I do so before weeds have a chance to bloom and spread.

For more information on keeping your lawn looking good check out our Lawn Challenge

• Repot or not to Repot all your indoor and outdoor potted plants?

Searles' Recharge Recharges old potting mixes

When it comes to repotting or potting up my plants, I consistently choose top-quality potting mix like Searles Platinum Premium Potting Mix. This exceptional blend incorporates key elements: a soil wetter to enhance water penetration, water crystals for improved soil water retention, and a dependable slow-release fertiliser to nourish my plants.

For situations where repotting isn't necessary or when I don’t want to repot, I rely on Searles Recharge® Sprinkle & Grow. This remarkable product rejuvenates potted plants and hanging baskets through a combination of controlled-release and instant fertilisers, along with the added benefit of Penetraide Re-Wetting Granules. These granules effectively prevent old potting mix from becoming hydrophobic, ensuring efficient water and fertiliser absorption at the root level. It's an excellent solution for reviving aging potting mixes, depleted soils, and budget-friendly potting blends, ultimately revitalising my potted plants.

• Plant any fruit trees I can get my hands on

Planting season is in full swing, and I'm all about getting my hands on any fruit trees I can find! Whether it's figs, avocados, citrus, mulberries, guavas, kiwi fruit, persimmons, pomegranates, olives, or mangos, I'm putting them all in sunny, open spots. The goal? To let these trees take root and thrive before the scorching summer heat and dry spell hits.

Actually, scratch that—I'm up for planting just about anything I can get my hands on right now. This is the prime time to be out in the garden, getting your hands dirty. Whenever I'm doing any planting in my garden, I swear by Searles Garden Soil. Planting directly into this superb mix gives my plants the absolute best start in life.

So why are you still reading this? Get out there and get busy! Plant now, before it gets too hot, too dry, and just plain unpleasant. Your garden will thank you later!

• Get the Vegetable Garden Ready

With the changing weather, it's that time again to prepare my vegetable gardens for new plants. Out go the winter vegetables, making way for enriching the soil with a hearty dose of compost and microbes. I always try to designate a corner of my vegetable garden to green manure crops, which I'll dig right back into the soil for an extra boost.

If you're new to vegetable gardening, I've got some quick tips for setting up a new bed that you can check out here.

Once the vegetable patch is cleared and the soil is enriched with compost, it's time to get those summer vegetables in the ground. Think tomatoes, beans, capsicum, carrots, eggplants, cucumbers, watermelons, pumpkins, squash, zucchinis, lettuce, and corn—just to name a few of the varieties perfect for planting now. I like to use a mix of seeds and seedlings, so my crops have a staggered growth. It's all about maximizing that garden yield!

• Fertilise Strawberries and Herbs

If your strawberry plants appear to be in good health, it's a good idea to fertilise them with granular sulphate of potash. This will encourage a second round of flowering and fruiting, extending your strawberry harvest.

However, if your strawberry plants and other perennial herbs are showing signs of stress or are not as robust as you'd like them to be, it's time to give them a boost. Consider using Organic Link for overall soil enrichment, along with a high-quality liquid fertiliser like Triple Boost to provide them with essential nutrients for improved growth and vitality. Your plants will thank you for the extra care!

• Fertilise and Trim

This is the ideal moment to encourage fresh new leaf growth and the formation of flower buds in your gardens and pots. Begin by delicately pruning away any old growth that has been affected by the cold or has become overly tall and spindly. Afterward, consider fertilising and soil wetting the soil.

Our preferred choices for fertilisers are Organic Link and Triple Boost, and we utilize both granular and liquid soil wetters to ensure your plants get the best care possible. Your garden will thrive with these steps!

• Mulch

Mulch all garden beds and pots. It not only helps with water retention, it helps keep soil temperature even and encourages plant growth. Spread a 5 – 10cm layer of organic mulch around plants.

Seize the slighter warmer weather - get outside and enjoy.

The Winter Lawn

Who has recently taken a good look at their lawn?

Does it look lush and green? Take a closer look, is that lush greenness coming from the lawn or all the weeds that have recently taken hold due to the rain.

At the moment my lawn isn't looking as good as it should - it is looking a bit patchy and the weeds like bindi, clover and Mullumbimby couch are coming through.

Sound like your lawn? Why not set yourself a simple lawn challenge so that by Christmas your lawn will be looking glorious and everyone will be coming to your house to play backyard cricket.

Sometimes with constant use most lawns become very hard and compacted and slightly hydrophobic (water-repellent).

So the first thing you need to do is aerate your lawn. Aerating your lawn means that the soil is opened up to allow air, water and nutrients to penetrate the grass roots. Aeration helps the roots grow deeply and produce a stronger, more vigorous lawn. Small lawns can be aerated with a sturdy garden fork. Simply insert the fork into the lawn and wriggle it back and forth to fracture the soil profile. If this doesn’t work and larger lawns may need a lawn aerator and/or lawn corer.

Once I have aerated my lawn I like to use a soil wetting agent. I prefer to use Plant of Health’s granular Soil Soaker, my sister loves putting the liquid Soak Soaker into Birchy and spraying it all over her lawn. To really up my lawn game I will put some liquid microbes into Birchy and do it all at the same time.

Hydrophobic lawns do not soak up water leading to overly dry or overly wet spots and can also stop the soil from being able to uptake nutrients (fertilisers). Soil wetting agents can help fix these problems.

A week or so after you've soil wetted you can fertilise.

I know it is winter and people say there is no need to fertilise in winter but I always like to give mine a little feed because the lawn still grows, just a bit slower. I also like to give it a liquid fertilise with Triple Boost about once a month.

I use a complete organic fertiliser by Plant of Health called Organic Link. It is pelletised and does not work in those special lawn fertiliser contraptions. I put mine in a bucket and break up the pellets a little bit and then use my hands and just throw it out over the lawns. The same company does offer an organic based slow release lawn fertiliser called Lawn and Turf Food.

I love the Plant of Health range as it makes my lawn grow thick and lush, not long and sparse, so less mowing and less weed problems. Most weeds occur in lawns that are sparse and unhealthy. The Plant of Health Range also makes my lawn roots grow strong and deep, so my lawn is more resistant to lawn grub and becomes more drought tolerant.

Dave Horton from Horton Turf Farm uses the Plant of Heath fertiliser range and has not used grub kill on his turf farm for over 10 years....if a turf farm doesn't need to spray for lawn grubs why do you?

So, hopefully by now my soil wetter and lawn fertiliser have started to work and most of my weedy areas are slowly being consumed by healthy lawn!

If this isn't the case I'll give my lawn a spray with Jerry Colby-Williams Iron Sulphate trick (see video) before I will resort to chemical weedkillers. I am not a huge fan of using chemicals on my lawns. I try to hand weed and keep the turf healthy before I resort to weed killers.

Did you know there is even the best time to mow and weed according to the moon calendar as growth will be slower?

Sometimes, if your lawn is so infected with weeds, you may need to use a spray. I try to minimise my use of these by spraying well before the weed has flowered. Usually three or four days after rain is when our lawn weeds are growing but not flowering. I have found this is a great time to spray.

When I do spray I like to use Searles’ Ultraweed. If you have Mullumbimby couch you will need Searles’ Lawn Weeder. These products are fine to use on all couch lawns.

The trick with killing weeds in the lawn is to be consistent. Think of it this way - once you see the weeds it usually means that they have already re-seeded. You may need to spray twice or even three times a fortnight apart, until the weeds have disappeared.

During this time you'll be happily mowing away, with a catcher on, of course, so you don't spread any stray lawn weed seeds. Don’t forget to set your mower a little higher too so you can shade out the lawn weeds.

If you are unlucky enough to lawn pests like lawn grub or army worm, you can try a Neem Oil (organic) drench every two weeks or spray with Dipel (organic). Again I don’t like using heavy chemicals on my lawns but if you needed to you can use Searles’ Dead Grub. Just know that this can harm the good bugs as well as the bad bugs in your lawn. So after you have used a product like Dead Grub always follow it up with a liquid feed of Microbes.

By Christmas you should have the best lawn on the street, unless someone else on your street also took up my lawn challenge!