SPRING has started slowly this month but this hasn’t deterred the countryside providing a beautiful display of blossom throughout the district.
Coupled with the brilliant canola fields it gives hope that warmer weather will be coming and we can keep implementing the plans we made through winter for our gardens.
As October arrives (hopefully with some sunshine) gardeners are looking to plant out their vegetables for summer.
Suggestions of cucumbers, lettuce, capsicum, beans and beetroot in preparation for summer feasts but hold off on planting tomatoes until after Mansfield Show Day for best success.
It might be time to refresh the herb patch with parsley, basil, oregano and coriander.
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Ensure you prepare the soil adequately by mixing in compost to enhance fertility and drainage.
This month is perfect for planting several flowering plants to add vibrancy to your garden.
Marigolds add colour and also ward off pests so consider planting around your veggie patch.
Lily bulbs planted now will ensure beautiful blooms as summer approaches.
Petunias and pansies add splashes of vibrant colour whether mass planted or in pots.
If native plants are your interest, October is time to give climbers such as wonga wonga vine (Pandorea pandorana) and happy wanderer (hardenbergia violacea) a vigorous trim and a feed of general purpose fertilizer once they have finished flowering.
Waratahs are flowering in cool climates and make a lovely indoor decoration.
Wait until they have finished flowering before cutting back and fertilising with a handful of low phosphorus native plant fertilizer.
Ground covers such as fan flowers (scaevola species) and native daisies (Brachyscome species) are putting on lots of new growth.
You may find some that have rooted into the soil and can be cut off and replanted to increase your plant numbers free of charge.
Keep up your garden maintenance with regular weeding and watering particularly for newly planted seeds and seedlings.
Mulch is vital to retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.
Embrace spring and watch your garden thrive.
