Winter is the best time to lime the garden but not too heavily. Lime is not a fertiliser but used to reduce the acidity of the soil.
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Most vegetables grow best in slightly acidic soils and in high rainfall areas soils are usually more acid than where rainfall is lighter.
Also sandy soils in high rainfall districts are often more acid than heavy clay soils.
Lime helps improve the physical structure of the soil, binds loose sandy soil together and breaks up heavy sticky soils so that they are more easily cultivated.
Take notice of the condition of your vegetables and the type of weeds that thrive in your garden.
If broad beans thrive, carrots have a deep colour and cauliflowers do really well this would indicate that lime is probably not required.
But should the weed sorrel take over the garden the soil most likely will benefit for a good liming.
Soil pH testing kits are available from plant centres and are easy to use and interpret.
Magic Magnolias
Magnolias make an impressive statement when in full bloom with some small varieties ideal for growing in large containers.
Magnolia Little Gem, M. Teddy Bear and M. Felix are three varieties that would suit this purpose.
Go nuts for this gum
Eucalyptus forrestiana, known as the fuchsia gum, is a small compact tree grown for its bright red flower buds that hang on the tree before opening to reveal clusters of yellow stamens.
The attractive, smooth grey bark peels off the tree like long ribbons.
Once established it can tolerate frost and is drought-tolerant.
This lovely is a much-used plant in floral arrangements.
Border beauty
Rhaphiolepis is a hardy small evergreen shrub that adapts to most soil types providing they are well-drained.
The clusters of small fragrant white flowers in spring are followed by blue/black berries.
Rhaphiolepis is an attractive planting when used in a border or mass planted and, as they will take semi-shade, can be planted beneath trees.
Recipe for soil success
Sandy soils can be greatly improved by the addition of farmyard manure and aged compost.
Before planting into sandy soil apply a dressing of NPK 8-4-10 at the rate of about 60gms per square metre of area.
Cyclamen care
When your potted cyclamen has died down, place the pot in a sheltered spot and give just enough water to stop it from shrivelling.
When the new buds appear in February repot into a larger container.