Plant seedlings or sow seeds of silverbeet, cauliflower, beetroot, cabbage, chives, bok choi, lettuce, peas, beans, sweet corn, carrot, radish, parsnip, swede, turnip and onions. When sowing carrot seed mix in some radish seed as well.
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In the ornamental garden plant seedlings of aster, salvia, carnations, cornflower, dahlia, nemesia, pansy, phlox, snapdragon, stock, marigold, foxglove, delphinium, gazania, nasturtium, ageratum, gypsophila, lupin, lobelia, celosia, cosmos, erigeron daisy, verbena, hollyhock, geranium, poppies and zinnia.
Harden off tomato, chilli, capsicum, cucumber, zucchini and pumpkin plants ready for planting out in the open garden next month when the weather is more settled.
HEARTY LETTUCE
Lettuces love a sunny position in a free-draining soil that has had copious amounts of compost dug in prior to planting. A mulch of straw around the plants will help to keep the soil moist.
Non-hearting varieties allow for a 'pick and come again' approach as the leaves may be picked as needed. Hearting varieties include Great Lakes, ideal for growing in summer, and Crisphead suitable to use between seasons. Plant a mix of several varieties for a continuous supply.
The bitter taste in lettuce is the result of slow growth caused by insufficient food or water.
BERRY GOOD
Gooseberries prefer a plant food containing a high rate of potash as found in rose food applied when the first spring growth appears. After fruiting, prune to keep the bush in a compact shape.
SUMMER LOVERS
Geraniums are versatile plants that will tolerate a poor, sunny position in the garden where their attractive foliage and pretty blooms will provide continuous colour in the hot summer months.
FOOD FOR LAWNS
To spread lawn food evenly mix with some fine, dry sand and broadcast it by walking up and down and crossways over the area. Water in immediately.
VERSATILE VEGGIES
Climbing tomatoes, peas, beans and cucumbers can be trained to cover a trellis attached to a wall if growing space is limited. Dwarf tomatoes and strawberries can be planted in hanging baskets and salad greens, onions and beetroot in polystyrene boxes. Use good quality potting mix, keep an eye on watering as small containers dry out faster and feed regularly with a liquid fertiliser.
DAHLIA ACTION
Sprouted dahlia tubers can be planted about 10cms deep and one metre apart with the eyes facing upwards in a position that gets morning sun and afternoon shade. Insert a stake before planting. Don't water the tubers until they reach about 15cms high otherwise they may rot in the ground.