IS that a hint of spring in the air?
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Don’t be fooled, because we can still have some very cool and windy days in August. But the days are getting longer and many plants are starting to stir.
Vegies to sow in August - Capsicums and chillis
These summer-loving fruiting plants take some time to get to picking stage, so it’s best to get them started as early as possible.
This will often mean sowing seeds into pots of Yates Seed Raising Mix that can be kept indoors.
The plants will then be ready to go outside when the warm weather arrives.
Yates Habanero chilli is a hot favourite that’s good for pots.
Flowers to sow in August - Snapdragons
Snapdragons are a bit out of fashion but they deserve to be more widely grown.
Kids love putting their fingers into the flowers and running the risk of being ‘snapped’.
Yates seed range has two popular varieties: Tetra Mixed is a tall (to 60cm) grower with ruffled flowers.
Tom Thumb is much shorter, hence more versatile in the garden.
August is also a good month to feed the garden, with Yates top quality Blood & Bone.
It helps condition the soil and releases slowly so that the goodness becomes available just in time for the spring growth spurt.
August is also the perfect time to finish rose pruning.
Cut back camellias as their flowering comes to an end. Prune citrus (if required) after harvest and remove this season’s gall wasp lumps.
Prune poinsettias and other winter bloomers as flowers fade.
In late August, prune summer bloomers such as gardenias and hibiscus. Trim ornamental grass clumps – they can be cut almost to ground level at this time of year.
Watch for aphids on new growth.
Keep in check by hosing off or removing by hand but, if numbers increase, protect ornamentals with Yates Rose Gun Advanced, and edibles with Nature’s Way Insect & Mite Killer Natrasoap.
Spray lawns with Weed ‘n’ Feed to control broadleaf weeds and feed the lawn.
Just be sure the product is suitable for your grass - BuffaloPro is the best choice for buffalo lawns.
August is also a good time to re-pot indoor and outdoor plants.
Pot up into a larger size if necessary, or stick to the same pot, but remove some of the potting mix and replace with fresh mix.
Don’t forget to check for - and trim off any rotten roots.
Make sure drainage holes are free.
Get rid of any curl grubs – toss them out for the birds to eat.
Plant of the month for August are blossom trees (pictured).
They are in full swing now. These do best in cool climates, but can grow happily where it’s warmer if well mulched and watered in dry times.
Remove any fruit that develops and prune blossom trees once flowering is over.
For more information on August gardening tips, visit www.yates.com.au.