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Garden calendar

Hi gardeners! We have created a gardening calendar for you to reference what activities need doing and at what time throughout the year. We have broken it down into monthly sections with information relevant to the climate of Canberra and the surrounding region.

You will find useful information such as when to plant and when to harvest, as well as information regarding common pests and disease and our recommended control methods, and information about pruning, mulching and fertilising. We trust this calendar will serve as an educational tool to both seasoned and novice gardeners alike.

January

January has an average maximum temperature of 28.0°C, and an average minimum temperature of 13.2°C. January has an average rainfall of 58.5mm.

 

What to do this month

  • It’s time to prune your roses mid-month, for an autumn display. Check for any insect and weather issues which may have caused black spot, rust and mildew.
  • Now is a great time to purchase Crepe Myrtles.
  • Increase watering to garden especially shallow-rooted plants such as lemon trees and Camellias as they get thirsty.
  • Check soil for moisture and add Earthlife Garden Mate which acts as a wetting agent, to draw water deeply into soil. Check watering systems are working correctly and mulch where needed.
  • Make sure your outdoor pots are watered regularly as they will dry out. Adding Earthlife Garden Mate will help retain moisture. Hanging baskets could be placed in a shadier spot to help with water retention.
  • To aerate lawns you can use a pitchfork to create holes.
  • Don’t forget about the bird and animal life around your home, and keep topping up water containers and bird baths.
  • Fruit trees may need support to prevent limbs from breaking.
  • Apply blood and bone to citrus trees and check for sooty mould, scale or leaf miners. These can be combated with horticultural oil.
  • Berry bushes will need canes removed after they have fruited.

Vegetables

  • Top up mulch and keep water up to plants.
  • Plant some blue (borage), purple (sage) and yellow (sunflower) plants in your veggie garden to attract pollinating insects.

Sow

  • Beetroot
  • Brussels sprout
  • Dwarf and climbing beans
  • Cabbage
  • Carrot
  • Cauliflower
  • Cucumber
  • Kale
  • Leek
  • Lettuce
  • Parsley
  • Parsnip
  • Radish
  • Silver beet
  • Swede

Plant

  • Beetroot
  • Cauliflower
  • Chinese cabbage
  • Cucumber
  • Leek
  • Lettuce
  • Silver beet
  • Sweet corn
  • Tomato
  • Zucchini

Harvest

  • Asian greens
  • Beans
  • Beetroot
  • Cabbage
  • Carrot
  • Cucumber
  • Lettuce
  • Onion
  • Potato
  • Radish
  • Rhubarb
  • Silver beet
  • Tomato
  • Zucchini

Flowers and bulbs

  • Plant some Salvia in your garden. They are quick-growing, full of colour and great for attracting bees.
  • Deadhead spent flowers from annuals and fertilise with Earthlife Flower Blend for great blooms. You are now able to sow many annual seeds.
  • Trim early-planted Petunias for new growth and encourage second flush.
  • Nip out centres of Chrysanthemums to encourage lateral growth.
  • Fuchsias can be fertilised and lightly pruned.
  • Now is a great time to plant Vinca if you have some spare space in hot sunny spots.
February

February has an average maximum temperature of 27.1°C, and an average minimum temperature of 13.1°C. February has an average rainfall of 56.4mm.

 

What to do this month

  • Hydrangea heads can be cut.
  • Lavender and Rosemary hedges can be trimmed.

Vegetables

  • Make sure you are keeping water up to your tomatoes, capsicum and eggplants.
  • Remove plants that are at the end of their life cycle for garden hygiene and winter crops.
  • Protect all Brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale) from white cabbage moth. A light dusting of vegetable dust every 3 to 4 weeks will do the trick.
  • Keep an eye out for pesky bugs.

Sow

  • Asian greens
  • Basil
  • Beetroot
  • Broccoli
  • Cabbage
  • Carrot
  • Lettuce
  • Kale
  • Parsnip
  • Radish
  • Silver beet
  • Spring onion
  • Turnip

Plant

  • Asian Greens
  • Broccoli
  • Brussel sprouts
  • Cauliflower
  • Chinese cabbage
  • Silver beet
  • Spinach
  • Saffron crocus bulbs

Harvest

  • Asian greens
  • Beans
  • Beetroot
  • Cabbage
  • Capsicum
  • Carrot
  • Chilli
  • Cucumber
  • Eggplant
  • Leek
  • Lettuce
  • Parsley
  • Potato
  • Pumpkin
  • Radish
  • Rhubarb
  • Silver beet
  • Sweet corn
  • Tomato
  • Zucchini

Flowers and bulbs

  • Start looking at where you will be planting your spring-flowering bulbs – these areas can be dug and fertilised with Earthlife Garden Delight in preparation.
  • Established spring bulbs may still be lifted if they’ve been in the garden for more than 3 years; replant them in a sunny spot with nutrient-rich soil.
  • Keep your summer colour looking great (e.g. Petunias, Impatiens, Vinca and Zinnias) with regular applications of liquid fertiliser, such as BioGuano+. They will bloom right up until Canberra’s frost.
  • Don’t forget that Pansies will be in the nursery soon.
March

March has an average maximum temperature of 24.7°C, and an average minimum temperature of 11.5°C. March has an average rainfall of 55.6mm.

 

What to do this month

  • With cooler mornings and warm days, autumn has arrived.
  • Autumn is the best time to plant new trees, shrubs, climbers, annuals and perennials as the soil is still warm.
  • Deadhead annuals and perennials. Remove spent annuals.
  • Prune Jasmine and summer Clematis.
  • Perennials can be divided.
  • Fertilise your lawns with Earthlife Lawn Blend. This will feed your lawn, and increase the microbial activity within your soil.
  • Fertilise the entire garden with a good slow release fertiliser such as Organic Xtra or Garden Delight.

Vegetables

  • Protect all Brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and kale) from white cabbage moth. A light dusting of vegetable dust every 3 to 4 days will do the trick.

Sow

  • Asian greens

Plant

  • Asian greens
  • Broccoli
  • Cabbage
  • Cauliflower
  • Saffron crocus

Harvest

  • Artichoke
  • Asian greens
  • Beans
  • Beetroot
  • Cabbage
  • Capsicum
  • Carrot
  • Chilli
  • Chinese cabbage
  • Cucumber
  • Eggplant
  • Leek
  • Lettuce
  • Melon
  • Parsley
  • Parsnip
  • Potato
  • Pumpkin
  • Radish
  • Rhubarb
  • Silver beet
  • Sweet corn
  • Tomato
  • Zucchini

Flowers and bulbs

  • It’s time to plant your sweet peas against a wire frame or support. Some people say that St Patrick’s Day is the day to plant!

Other plants to put in are:

  • Alyssum
  • Calendula
  • Delphinium
  • Poppies
  • Pansies
  • Violas
  • Primulas
April

April has an average maximum temperature of 20.1°C, and an average minimum temperature of 7.0°C. April has an average rainfall of 49.3mm.

 

What to do this month

  • Trim evergreen shrubs such as Pittosporum, Photinia, Viburnum, Euonymus, Escallonia and conifers.
  • Do not trim Camellias as flower buds are now forming.
  • Start choosing trees for autumn colour to plant in your garden. Take a drive around your neighbourhood to see the best looking autumn trees. The timing of foliage colour varies, so buying a tree now through to May is best.
    Camellias – Sasanqua Camellias (autumn flowering) are now in store. Come on in and select the best varieties now.
  • Great time to plant Azaleas, Rhododendrons and Pieris. These will all be settled in for a terrific floral display in spring.
  • Daphne, winter-blooming Grevilleas, Osmanthus, Erica, Erysimum, Hellebores and other winter colour and fragrant plants are also good to plant this month.
  • Fertilise Azaleas and Camellias for good flowering later in year. Use Earthlife Flower Blend.
  • Fertilise all citrus trees with Earthlife Fruit Blend for the coming fruiting season. Also check for scale insects. Spray with Eco-Oil.
  • Weather is starting to cool so reduce watering.
  • It’s your last real chance to feed all your evergreen plants before winter.

Repair of lawns:

  • Aerate if soil has become compacted to get the most out of autumn rain, and apply a lawn fertiliser.
  • Apply top dressing to uneven areas or bare patches. Apply seed and keep moist for 14 to 21 days.

Vegetables

  • Remove three-year strawberries and replace with new virus-free stock.
  • Green manure crop can be planted in unused areas to reinvigorate soil for spring. This is a legume crop that is dug into the soil to add nitrogen.
  • Protect all Brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale) from white cabbage moth. A light dusting of vegetable dust every 3 to 4 weeks will do the trick.

Sow

  • Asian greens
  • Broad beans
  • Onions
  • Peas
  • Shallots

Plant

  • Asian greens
  • Garlic bulbs
  • Lettuce
  • Peas
  • Shallots

Harvest

  • Artichoke
  • Asian greens
  • Beans
  • Beetroot
  • Cabbage
  • Capsicum
  • Carrot
  • Chilli
  • Chinese cabbage
  • Corn
  • Cucumber
  • Eggplant
  • Leek
  • Rock melon
  • Parsnip
  • Potato
  • Pumpkin
  • Radish
  • Rhubarb
  • Silver beet
  • Spinach
  • Tomato
  • Turnip
  • Zucchini

Flowers and bulbs

  • Now is the time to come into the nursery to select your bulbs.
  • Plant spring-flowering bulbs – Daffodils, Tulips, Bluebells, Crocuses, Freesias, Ranunculi, Hyacinths, Ixias and many more.
  • Sow some poppies to honour Anzac Day.
  • Plant up pots now for bright colour through winter. Use pansies, violas, primulas, polyanthus and cyclamen.
  • Divide herbaceous perennials e.g. Asters, Daylilies, Irises and Hellebores.
  • Some early bulbs will start to pop up this month.
May

May has an average maximum temperature of 15.8°C, and an average minimum temperature of 4.2°C. May has an average rainfall of 47.5mm.

 

What to do this month

  • Now is the time to plant into those bare spots in the garden. The soil is still warm and plants are able to adapt to being planted before winter. What about a showy Japanese maple for autumn colour?
  • Hydrangeas can still be cut back to two vigorous buds on green wood. This is important, as green wood is the flowering wood.
  • Prepare soil for planting next month’s new season fruit trees, ornamental trees, roses and berries. Dig in organic compost and cow manure.
  • Feed Japonica Camellias for a great winter show.
  • Lawns may need a selective herbicide if broad leaf weeds are present before winter.
  • Plant some Australian native plants such as Grevilleas and Correas. They will produce lovely flowers for winter. They will attract birds and give them nectar during the harsh winter months.
  • Start planning for bare root ornamental and fruiting trees for winter.
  • Time to spray deciduous fruit trees and roses with Eco-Oil and copper spray or lime sulphur This will tidy up overwintering pest eggs and fungal spores. Follow up sprays will be required in July/August.
  • Check citrus trees for scale. Spray with Eco-Oil if present.
  • Tidy Hellebores now and apply a complete fertiliser together with Earthlife Garden Mate.
  • Don’t forget a beautiful Chrysanthemum, Orchid or Cyclamen for Mum on Mother’s Day – the second Sunday in May.

    Vegetables

    • Mulching around tender new plants will reduce the damage of frost.
    • Plant strawberries now. They can be planted in pots or hanging baskets. Protect all Brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale) from white cabbage moth. A light dusting of vegetable dust every 3 to 4 weeks will do the trick.

    Sow

    • Broad beans
    • Onion
    • Peas
    • Shallots

    Plant

    • Asian green
    • Garlic
    • Peas
    • Rhubarb

    Harvest

    • Asian greens
    • Broccoli
    • Brussels sprouts
    • Cabbage
    • Carrot
    • Cauliflower
    • Chinese cabbage
    • Leek
    • Parsnip
    • Potato
    • Rhubarb
    • Silver beet
    • Spinach
    • Turnip

    Flowers and bulbs

    • Continue planting spring flowering bulbs.
    • Plant Foxglove seedlings for a cottage garden look in late spring.
    • Plant up pots NOW for bright colour through winter. Use pansies, violas, primulas, polyanthus and cyclamen.
    June

    June has an average maximum temperature of 12.3°C, and an average minimum temperature of 1.4°C. June has an average rainfall of 37.9mm.

     

    What to do this month

    • This is the month to plant fruit trees, deciduous trees, roses and berries.
    • Remove broken or crossing branches from trees and shrubs.
    • Hydrangeas can still be cut back to two vigorous buds on green wood. This is important, as green wood is the flowering wood.
    • Check lawns for unwanted moss growth, as this is an indicator of poor drainage. Treat with an iron-based moss killer.
    • Leave all frost affected foliage on plants, as this will help to protect the rest of the plant for winter. Prune off in spring as new growth appears.
    • Mulch young tender plants and protect frost sensitive plants with frost cover, hessian etc.
    • Consider indoor plants to oxygenate our enclosed homes during winter.
    • Move house plants away from heaters and cut down on watering.
    • Continue to water lawns at least once a week and more often if dry.

      Vegetables

      • Ensure vegetables do not dry out and keep weeds and pests under control. Protect all Brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale) from white cabbage moth. A light dusting of vegetable dust every 3 to 4 weeks will do the trick.

      Sow

      • Shallots

      Plant

      • Asparagus crowns
      • Garlic bulbs
      • Rhubarb

      Harvest

      • Asian greens
      • Broccoli
      • Brussels sprouts
      • Cabbage, carrot
      • Cauliflower
      • Leek
      • Parsnip
      • Silver beet

      Flowers and bulbs

      • Plant up pots with bloomers of pansies, violas, primulas, polyanthus and cyclamen.
      July

      July has an average maximum temperature of 11.5°C, and an average minimum temperature of 0.0°C. July has an average rainfall of 52.4mm.

       

      What to do this month

      • Prune deciduous climbers, such as kiwifruit and wisteria. Don’t remove flower buds.
      • Prune Robinia ‘Mop Tops’ to size.
      • Prune deciduous fruit trees.
      • Spray fruit trees and with horticultural oil and copper spray after pruning.
      • Peaches and nectarines will need to be sprayed with copper spray or lime sulphur to help avoid leaf curl. This should be done towards the end of the month with a follow up spray early August.
      • Spray citrus trees with horticultural oil to smother the nymphs of bronze orange bug and scale.
      • Clean and sharpen your secateurs and other garden tools. This prevents the spread of disease from plant to plant.
      • Plant fruit trees, deciduous trees, roses and berries.
      • Fertilise Cymbidium Orchids with Earthlife Flower Blend for a longer winter display.

        Vegetables

        • July is a great time to clean out the veggie patch ready for spring and add cow manure and compost. One bag of cow manure for every two square metres.
        • Potatoes are available. Buy them now as availability is greater than spring, but plant in late August/September. Store them in a dry cool spot until then.

          Plant

          • Asparagus crowns
          • Rhubarb

          Harvest

          • Asian greens
          • Broccoli
          • Brussels sprouts
          • Cabbage
          • Carrot
          • Cauliflower
          • Leek
          • Silver beet

          Flowers and bulbs

          • Now is the time to come in to purchase summer-flowering bulbs such as Liliums, Peonies, Gladioli and Dahlias.
          August

          August has an average maximum temperature of 13.5°C, and an average minimum temperature of 1.3°C. August has an average rainfall of 47.6mm.

           

          What to do this month

          • Prune and spray roses this month.
          • Prune and feed your Daphne after flowering.
          • Prune your Crepe Myrtle which flowers on new wood.
          • Prune Jasmines and later summer-flowing Clematis.
          • Prune winter-flowering shrubs as they will benefit from a trim as flowering finishes.
          • Plant Camellias and Azaleas.
          • Magnolias will come into bloom this month and they need protection from hot or strong winds.
          • Camellias, Rhododendrons and Azaleas in bud will respond to a little extra water.
          • To get darker blue Hydrangeas, blueing tonic can be watered into soil around the plants. Mark your calendar for follow-up applications a month apart from September to December. There is also a pinking agent available.
          • Fruit trees: Spray peaches and nectarines again with Lime Sulphur for leaf curl if leaves have not yet appeared. If leaf curl is evident, remove the leaves and place in bin (not compost). Fertilise with Earthlife Fruit Blend and water well. Fruit trees are still able to be planted.
          • Check for signs of scale on citrus trees. Spray with Eco-Oil if there’s any activity to kill eggs and insects.
          • New plantings will need to be watered if there’s no rain.
          • Don’t forget to use liquid fertiliser, such as BioGuano+, on new plantings every fortnight for 6 to 8 weeks.
          • Check if plants under eaves and large canopies are requiring watering.
          • Divide clumps of Water Irises, Lilies and herbaceous perennials.
          • Feed your soil. Microbial rock minerals added at this time will assist all plants heading into spring.
          • Check your mulch to see if more is needed.

            Vegetables

            • Come in and get your seed potatoes but wait for warmer weather to plant. Prepare garden beds by applying manure, Earthlife Garden Delight and a few bags of compost to add nutrients.
            • Green manure crops may be dug in now. If necessary, add Earthlife Garden Mate to vegetable plots.

            Sow

            • Tomato seeds in a warm place. Seedlings may be grown on under glass or some other warm protected area until last frost.

            Plant

            • Asparagus crowns
            • Jerusalem and globe artichokes
            • Onion seedlings
            • Rhubarb
            • Spinach

            Harvest

            • Artichoke
            • Asian greens
            • Brussels sprouts
            • Cabbage
            • Carrot
            • Cauliflower
            • Leek
            • Silver beet

            Flowers and bulbs

            • Plant summer and autumn-flowering bulbs such as Liliums, Peonies, Gladioli and Dahlias.
            • Summer-flowering annuals will start to appear. Winter plants can still be planted now for a spring display.
            • Daffodils will be flowering. Deadhead annuals for a continued spring display.
            September

            September has an average maximum temperature of 16.2°C, and an average minimum temperature of 4.0°C. September has an average rainfall of 65.2mm.

             

            What to do this month

            • With any new planting of trees and shrubs, good preparation is vital. Ensure you are using a good planting compost, combined with Earthlife Garden Delight for optimum results. After planting keep soil moist (but not soaking) for at least 12 weeks.
            • Hellebores, also known as Winter Roses, are great planted under deciduous trees as they love to be shady in the summer and sunny in winter. They are a clumping perennial available in single and double flowering varieties, in a wide range of colours.
            • Winter-flowering Sasanqua Camellias can be pruned after flowering.
            • Lemon trees will need an end of winter pick-me-up feed. You will need to check for pests.
            • Feed your entire garden now with Earthlife Garden Delight.
            • Fertilise the lawn every 6 to 8 weeks with Earthlife Lawn Blend. Increase water to lawns as temperature heats up.
            • Time to plant or repair your lawn areas. Now is the time to spray for Bindii or broad leaf weeds like Cape Weed. Use a selective herbicide like Kleen Lawn.

              Vegetables

              • Tomato seedlings are available but must be protected from frost, along with capsicum and eggplant seedlings.
              • Onion seedlings may still be transplanted.
              • Vegetable beds can be planted with Marigold and Nasturtiums as they are great plants for attracting pollinating insects.
              • Control slugs and snails using pellets or beer traps.

              Sow

              • Asian greens
              • Cabbage
              • Carrot
              • Leek
              • Lettuce
              • Onion
              • Radish
              • Silver beet
              • Spinach
              • Turnip

              Plant

              • Asian greens
              • Asparagus
              • Jerusalem artichoke
              • Lettuce
              • Onion
              • Rhubarb
              • Potatoes
              • Spinach

              Harvest

              • Globe artichoke
              • Broad beans
              • Leek

              Flowers and bulbs

              • If you didn’t get to plant bulbs in April we have bloomer pots of bulbs in stock – Daffodils Hyacinths and Tulips. You can now buy your summer bulbs.
              • Tie Sweet Peas to supports.
              • Dahlia clumps left in the ground can be divided before new growth emerges.
              • Finish planting summer bulbs such as Bearded Irises, Dahlias, Gladioli, Canna Lilies and Hippeastrums.
              • Begonia tubers can be taken out of winter storage and placed in small pots to start growth in a frost-free area, such as a glass or shade house.
              • Control slugs and snails using pellets or beer traps.
              • Spring-flowering bulbs require consistent watering, especially if grown in pots.
              • Apply mulch to retain moisture in soil.
              October

              October has an average maximum temperature of 19.6°C, and an average minimum temperature of 6.7°C. October has an average rainfall of 61.9mm.

               

              What to do this month

              • Have you planted a lemon tree?  No space? Have a think about planting a dwarf citrus tree!
              • Citrus can still be planted. Existing trees should be watered and mulched.
              • Prune flowering shrubs as they finish flowering.
              • Clip back Azaleas and remove any dead growth.
              • Now is the time to select new Azalea and Rhododendron plants while they’re in flower in the nursery.
              • Roses need to be fertilised, watered and mulched well to retain soil moisture. Check for fungal problems.
              • Mulch all shrubs and trees to retain soil moisture.
              • Now is time to deep water your lawn. Add Earthlife Garden Mate for increased moisture penetration.
              • Control weeds in lawn using Kleen Lawn.
              • Increase watering as required.
              • Fertilise your lawn every 6 to 8 weeks.

                Vegetables

                • Add plenty of straw around berries as plants mature.

                Sow

                • Beans
                • Cabbage
                • Carrot
                • Leek
                • Lettuce
                • Parsley
                • Potato
                • Tomatoes
                • Zucchini
                • Silver beet

                Plant

                • Asparagus
                • Asian greens
                • Beans
                • Cabbage
                • Leek
                • Lettuce
                • Silver beet
                • Tomatoes

                Harvest

                • Asparagus
                • Broad beans
                • Leeks
                • Peas
                • Spinach

                Flowers and bulbs

                • Begonias and Fuchsias need last year’s dead growth removed.
                • Plant Dahlia tubers later in month – insert stakes before planting tubers to avoid damage.
                • Gladiolus corms can be planted at two-weekly intervals, as they will flower in approximately 90-100 days.
                • Deadhead annual flowers and spring bulbs. Bulbs should be given a fertiliser high in potassium and well watered before foliage dies to improve next year’s flowers. You will need to wait until foliage has completely died off before removing old leaves.
                • Sow seed of summer and autumn annuals, ready for planting out by mid-December.
                November

                November has an average maximum temperature of 23.5°C, and an average minimum temperature of 9.7°C. November has an average rainfall of 58.7mm.

                 

                What to do this month

                • Trim evergreen shrubs and hedges and give them a good helping of fertiliser.
                • Trimming Buxus plants and hedges encourages dense growth, but make sure this is done before the heat, as new growth can suffer from sunburn.
                • Now is the time to fertilise your Gardenias with Earthlife Flower Blend. This will encourage summer flowers.
                • Plant new roses. Potted roses are arriving in store this month.
                • Roses need to be checked for insect or fungal problems. When deadheading, cut back to a strong bud to produce the next flush of flowers. For prolonged flowering, continue deadheading through the season.
                • Natives can be lightly pruned after flowering to encourage bushy growth. Your Grevilleas will love a spring clipping!
                • Watering may need to be increased with warmer weather and drying winds. Keep on top of weeds. This can be achieved by mulching, manual removal or planting groundcovers.

                  Vegetables

                  • Deep watering a few times a week and regular fertilising will keep plants in good condition. This will keep your plants growing strongly and they will be less susceptible to pests and disease.
                  • Why not try planting coloured vegetables? Purple carrots, green cauliflowers, red cabbages and rainbow silver beet. Eat some colours!

                  Sow

                  • Beans
                  • Cabbage
                  • Carrot
                  • Cucumber
                  • Leek
                  • Lettuce
                  • Melon
                  • Parsley
                  • Parsnip
                  • Potato
                  • Pumpkin
                  • Radish
                  • Silver beet
                  • Squash
                  • Sweet corn
                  • Tomato
                  • Zucchini

                  Plant

                  • Asparagus
                  • Beans
                  • Beetroot
                  • Capsicum
                  • Carrots
                  • Chilli
                  • Cucumber
                  • Eggplant
                  • Lettuce
                  • Melons
                  • Pumpkin
                  • Radish
                  • Silver beet
                  • Spring onions
                  • Squash
                  • Strawberries
                  • Sweet corn
                  • Tomatoes
                  • Zucchini

                  Harvest

                  • Asian greens
                  • Asparagus
                  • Lettuce
                  • Peas
                  • Radish
                  • Shallots
                  • Spinach

                  Flowers and bulbs

                  • Plant Alyssum, Amaranthus, Cosmos, Marigold, Petunia, Phlox, Portulaca, Salvia, Sunflower, Verbena, Vinca and Zinnia.
                  • Deadhead annuals and remove any that are past their best. Remove spring annuals and prepare areas for summer and autumn plantings at end of month.
                  • Tie Sweet Peas and pick flowers regularly to encourage more blooms.
                  • Tall Bearded Irises can be divided now if it hasn’t been done for a few years.
                  • Continue to plant Dahlia tubers. Cuttings can be taken from growing plants.
                  • Water and feed container-grown plants regularly.
                  • Water Lilies will make an ordinary water feature look amazing!
                  December

                  December has an average maximum temperature of 26.1°C, and an average minimum temperature of 11.4°C. December has an average rainfall of 53.2mm.

                   

                  What to do this month

                  • Remove wispy growth from Wisteria and continue until main pruning in winter.
                  • Azaleas and once-flowering spring roses need to be pruned after they have finished blooming.
                  • Dead head Rhododendrons, Camellias and Azaleas. Apply mulch, fertilise lightly and keep damp. Check for insects such as lace bug (leaves will have a silvery look on top and rusty brown appearance underneath) or spotted mite infestation under leaves.

                    Vegetables

                    • Top up mulch and keep water up to plants
                    • Plant some blue (borage), purple (sage) and yellow (sunflower) plants in your vegie garden for pollinating insects.

                    Sow

                    • Beans
                    • Broccoli
                    • Cabbage
                    • Carrot
                    • Celery
                    • Cauliflower
                    • Cucumber
                    • Lettuce
                    • Parsnip
                    • Pumpkin
                    • Radish
                    • Spinach
                    • Spring onion
                    • Sweet corn
                    • Zucchini

                    Plant

                    • Beans dwarf
                    • Beetroot
                    • Cabbage
                    • Capsicum
                    • Chilli
                    • Cucumber
                    • Eggplant
                    • Leek
                    • Lettuce
                    • Pumpkin
                    • Silver beet
                    • Sweet corn
                    • Tomato
                    • Zucchini

                    Harvest

                    • Asian greens
                    • Beans
                    • Beetroot
                    • Carrot
                    • Lettuce
                    • Onion
                    • Potato
                    • Radish
                    • Shallots
                    • Silver beet
                    • Turnip
                    • Zucchini

                    Flowers and bulbs

                    • Plant summer and autumn annuals.
                    • Top up mulch and water beds.
                    • Continue to deadhead roses. Deadhead annuals and perennials to prolong flowering and tidy Hellebores (may be showing signs of heat stress).
                    • Continue with sowings of autumn-maturing vegetables.