Growing Gardens

with Julia Hancock

Mooning Around

Next Monday marks the winter solstice - an important time on the gardening calendar because it reminds us that these lovely cool days won't last for many more weeks. Sometimes summer comes early in August and we find ourselves wishing we'd done more heavy work in June and July.

This weekend is one of the best in the year for planting leafy greens including artichokes, asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, celery, kohl rabi, lettuce, rocket, silver beet, spinach, and Asian vegies such as pak choi, mibuna and mizuna. Many herbs get a head start when planted now, so put in some coriander, fennel, marjoram, oregano and parsley.

Don't forget, it pays to feed the soil before planting, especially if it was used for growing greedy crops such as lettuce, potatoes and tomatoes last season. Most vegetable fertilisers are more effective if applied with a little dolomite and some home made compost, all of which should be watered in well prior to planting.

After such a busy weekend the new moon on Monday dictates a quiet day, perhaps one when we can stand back and admire what has been achieved so far, and dream about what is yet to come. If you just can't relax, then the barren phase at the beginning of the week is perfect for cleaning up weeds, pests and diseases. Bin or burn the plant trash to minimise recontamination.

If, at this half way mark of the year, you feel like your garden is getting on top of you, take heart. Persistence pays off and as the years go by and the plants swell out to fill their allotted gaps, outdoor 'housework' becomes far less of a chore, and more a matter of simple, regular maintenance. The key is to devise a plan of action and stick to it.

Lismore Garden Club News

Are you a keen gardener? Why not consider joining the Lismore Garden Club? Come along to the next meeting on Thursday, July 1, at the Lismore Workers Club from 1.30pm.

The "Nutmeg Bush" (Tatradenia Riparia) is one of the hardiest and easiest to grow shrubs. Not only that, but each June they put on a spectacular show as they burst into misty pale lilac bloom. Indeed another common name is "Misty Plume Bush". The name "Nutmeg Bush" comes from the fact that they have very aromatic leaves that release the aroma as you brush past in the garden. It should be planted in a sunny, wind protected spot in well-drained soil. It is cold sensitive, but should stand the odd light frost.

"Nutmeg Bush" is a native of South Africa and can be easily propagated from cuttings taken when pruning in late winter. It's worth a try.

Gardening Tip: If you have arthritic hands and find it difficult using the garden tap try this. Cut a piece of 13mm black poly hose or garden hose to 8cm long and split it length ways. Then push it down onto the tap and turn on.

Happy gardening
Ron Burns