Spring garden sucess
Spring is a gardener’s time to shine. Think of the warm sun on your back while you plant your new lemon tree, the sweet smell of freshly cut grass, and the satisfaction you get standing back and admiring your hard work. It’s a good life. South Australian gardening expert Kim Syrus gives us some top tips to turn your spring garden into the envy of the street.
Words: Andrew Rasch
BOOT THE PESTS
Don’t let bugs ruin your garden’s pizzazz. Sap-sucking aphids are garden destroyers, and they’re common on roses. Gardening guru Kim Syrus (pictured) recommends natural remedies such as hosing the aphids off or applying non-toxic contact sprays, such as eco-oil.
“Try not to kill every aphid with toxic chemicals,” Kim says. “A few aphids means insects such as lacewings and ladybugs can flourish and keep [the aphids] under control.”
Although SA is largely fruit-fly free, we can’t take it for granted. Kim says it’s important not to ignore any wriggling larvae you come across.
“If you find maggots in your fruit or vegetables, call the fruit fly hotline on 1300 666 010,” Kim says. “Pick your fruit regularly and don’t leave it lying on the ground, as that can attract fruit flies.”
If your citrus tree branches have lumps, odds are you have a citrus gall wasp and that’s bad. These critters lay their eggs on the branches and can cause major damage to your citrus trees.
“Prune below the lump and throw the cuttings into the general waste to avoid the wasps spreading,” Kim says.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLANTS
If you want your garden to thrive, look for locally grown plants. Not all plants – even Australian natives – like SA’s hot, Mediterranean climate.
“Before spending big dollars, speak to an expert at your local nursery or garden retailer,” Kim says. “You might live in a coastal, hilly or exposed area so you’ll want plants that do well in your specific conditions. Also, walk around your neighbourhood and see which plants are looking healthy.”
Growing veggies is a great way to get kids in the garden and gives you plenty of fresh, healthy food, that’s cheaper than supermarket produce. Go for seasonal varieties and stagger planting so you don’t have a glut of produce at one time.
“Lettuce, radishes and tomatoes are great options, and really easy to grow,” Kim says.
Whatever plants you choose, it’s essential you improve your soil, and Kim says adding certain products will help your plants thrive.
“Add compost, animal manures or other organic products,” Kim says. “This will help your soil retain moisture and healthy microbes and make your plants more resistant to disease and drought.”
WATER WISELY
Plant roots go to where the water is and you want to train your plants to sink their roots deep in the ground, rather than stay near the surface. Regular, deep watering will help your plants become more drought tolerant and it’s worthwhile considering installing an irrigation system.
Irrigation systems help get water deep in the soil, and these days some pipes come with drippers built in. Add a filter and pressure reducer at the tap, lay the pipe alongside your plants and the irrigation will add about two litres of water per hour.
Kim says don’t be afraid to run your drippers for long periods.
“It’s better to run your drippers once a week for two hours than every day for 15 minutes,” he says.
Don’t forget to mulch your soil to help keep weeds out and the soil moist. About 5-10cm is usually enough for most plants but don’t pile the mulch and keep it about 20cm back from the trunk to protect the plant from disease.
SPRUCE UP YOUR LAWN
A well-manicured lawn looks stunning, provides a haven for kids to play or adults to relax, and does a terrific job cooling your house. Grass starts taking off in spring, as the soil warms, so give your lawn some TLC to help it along.
The first thing to know is what type of lawn you have in your yard. Kim says buffalo lawns need different treatment than kikuyu, couch or other grasses, so make sure you buy products that suit your lawn.
“Giving your non-buffalo lawn a good haircut before summer will help de-thatch it,” Kim says. “You can also aerate it with a garden fork or special tool to help moisture and nutrients get to the roots.”
Weed your lawn with an appropriate herbicide and pay attention to its watering requirements. Every three or four days is usually enough in hot weather. Kim says a good rule of thumb is to walk on the lawn before watering.
“If the blades spring back, it’s probably okay,” Kim says. “But if they stay flat, it’s time for a soak with a decent sprinkler.”
Kim says if you’re laying a new lawn, consider a hardy variety such as dwarf kikuyu or TifTuf hybrid Bermuda grass.
“TifTuf is the first approved grass on the water smart scale,” Kim says. “It’s hard-wearing and can grow in 50 per cent shade, and it’s ideal for SA conditions.”
GET GARDENING INSIDE
Not everyone has a green thumb and with backyards becoming smaller, indoor plants might be your best option. Put your plants in well-lit areas around the house but avoid windows with direct sunlight.
“If you can read a newspaper in the natural light, it’s probably a suitable position for an indoor plant,” Kim says.
When it comes to indoor plants, overwatering is a common mistake. Kim suggests pushing your finger into the soil before watering them.
“If the soil’s dampish, the plant’s okay,” Kim says. “But if it feels dry, it’s time to give it a drink.”
If you’re establishing an indoor garden or want something new, go for hardy varieties such as mother-in-law’s tongue, ficus, or peace lilies.
“Give African violets a go too,” Kim says. “They’re making a comeback and when grown in the right conditions, they’re a tough plant.
“Choose an indoor plant you like and give it a go.”
IMAGES: Getty.
Need some help making your home the envy of the street?
Call RAA Trade Assist on 8202 4988 or
visit raa.com.au/trade-assist
