| Fungal problems like black spot, collar rot, root rot and other problems appear to be plaguing our viewers at the moment! Prevention is definitely better than cure, as many plants can keel over before there's time to intervene.
Tropical Zone
One way to cheat mildews on tomatoes, as well as cucumbers and other cucurbits in the Top End is to grow them on a horizontal trellis: Tomato Frame Fact Sheet Subtropical Zone
Citrus collar rot can ringbark trees if allowed to develop, so act quickly! Help prevent it by avoiding mulching right up against the trunk, but at the first sign of infection pull away any debris and apply a copper solution: Organic Fungicides Fact Sheet Temperate Zone
Root rots are much more difficult to manage and potentially deadly: Root Rot Fact Sheet Arid Zone
Luckily, one of the upsides of living in an arid area is a relative lack of fungal problems! However, 'damping off' can still be a problem when propagating seedlings - here's a simple hothouse that can be adjusted to avoid the problem: A Simple Hothouse Fact Sheet Cool Zone
Black spot is a constant problem for many rose gardeners - last weekend Jane showed how to prevent it by pruning and prevention: FAQs - Black Spot | Weeds | Cool Climate Lemons Fact Sheet
And if you want some ideas of what to plant in the vegie patch, don't forget to visit The Vegie Guide or Download the App |
| AUGUST ISSUE AVAILABLE NOW BRINGING IN THE BUTTERFLIES
Sophie Thomson describes what she has done at her place to become an 'official butterfly site', and provides some great tips for creating food and shelter for butterflies in your own garden.
MIXING NATIVES IN A COTTAGE GARDEN
Ramp up the charm of your cottage garden by blending native plants through it - you'll have birds, bees and butterflies, as well as flowers. Hakeas, bottlebrush, fan flowers and correas are just a few plants that work well, says Deryn Thorpe.
WATTLE IT BE?
The plant of the month is that iconic flowering beauty and national floral emblem, wattle. Angus Stewart writes about their distinctive flowers, the plant's resilience in harsh conditions, great ways to use them in the garden, and how to grow and care for them.
BULBS FOR SUMMER
As your spring bulbs start to pop through, it's time to think about what you want for summer. Think gladdies, hippies, calla lilies, and a host of other heat-lovers. Noel Burdette gives us a quick rundown on their growing requirements, so you can get planting now.
THE BEST OF FRIENDS
Behind every great botanic garden is a legion of volunteers doing work to support the garden and raise funds. Debbie McDonald visits one of the Growing Friends groups at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney, to watch them propagating plants for sale in the on-site nursery.
GREAT WEEKEND PROJECTS
Late winter is a great time to get maintenance jobs done, such as repairing paving - see Phil Dudman's clear step-by-step advice. Tino Carnevale shows how to create a living garden border, and Josh Byrne plants up a mint container to catch drips from a downpipe.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
- How to grow and prune figs
- Healthy, delicious cabbage recipes
- Get a headstart on spring vegies with biodegradable pots
- Visit a beautiful garden near Tenterfield, New South Wales
- Why is keeping chooks still so popular?
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