Flower seedlings that can be planted include alyssum, calendula, carnation, delphinium, foxgloves, Russell lupines, lobelia, stocks, snapdragons, primulas, sweet peas, pansies and violas.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In the vegetable garden plant silverbeet, kale, celery, leeks, cauliflowers, swedes, lettuce and onions.
Sow seeds of radish, carrots, parsnips and snowpeas.
If poor drainage is a problem in your vegetable garden the easiest way of providing the required drainage is to raise the beds by 15 to 20 centimetres above the remaining ground.
I find the best way to do this is by double digging.
To do this, dig a trench a spade deep and a spade wide, fill to top with aged compost then place the top soil on top of compost.
Herbal remedies
Herbs are grown for three reasons - to give that added flavour to culinary creations, for their ornamental value in the garden and for fragrance.
They can be grown in different situations – as a small edging plant around the vegetable garden, in containers or as a fragrant lawn.
Some make attractive rockery subjects, as groundcovers or just poked among other flowering plants in the border garden.
Mint, chamomile and tansy are considered effective insect repellents and fennel is often grown near a dog kennel to ward off fleas.
Garlic is believed to help control aphids.
Plant garlic into a well-dug site in full sun with good drainage.
Break the mother bulbs apart into cloves and plant cloves four to eight centimetres deep and 15 centimetres apart with the pointy end facing upwards.
Water to keep the soil barely moist, but remember not to over-water.
Bulbs are usually ready for harvesting about six months after planting. Lift the bulbs in mid-summer and store in a dry place.
Camelia care
Camellia sasanqua varieties start flowering in early winter and require similar growing conditions to the japonica camellias which usually flower during the late winter into spring.
When planting a new camellia, don’t fertilise it but wait for a couple of months until the roots have become established.
Once this has occurred give a light dose of blood and bone or a specific camellia/rhododendron fertiliser.
Remember, camellias must have above all else, good drainage.
Aromatics
A popular winter flowering shrub is the daphne grown for its alluring perfume.
To keep the bush in a compact shape continue to pick stems for the vase then give the bush a light pruning after it has finished flowering.
Another highly-perfumed plant is the boronia which can be cut back hard after blooming.