Tomatoes, capsicums, chillies, zucchini, pumpkin, cucumbers and eggplants can be planted out but give some protection just in case there is a late frost.
Radishes are quick and easy to grow and add colour and crunch to salads. Sow seeds directly into a well-prepared bed in shallow drills. Make sowings every two to three weeks.
SORTING SEEDLINGS
When planting seedlings in the garden moisten the soil in the punnet or pot first before planting to the original depth, then gently water in.
A fortnightly feed of a liquid fertiliser will keep plants growing strongly.
DILL-IGENT PEST CONTROL
Dill makes a great companion plant for cabbages as its feathery foliage conceals the cabbages while its strong odour masks the smell of cabbages to confuse the white cabbage moths.
ABOUT THYME
Thyme is a resourceful little herb that not only has culinary benefits but also makes an aromatic border, groundcover or filler between paving stones.
There are about 300 varieties with lemon, lime, orange and caraway being among the most popular.
I believe there is even a thyme tea.
SNAP TO IT
Snapdragons embrace the summer heat, thriving through the hottest days with glee.
These vividly coloured plants are considered prized favourites for the open garden, containers or hanging baskets.
Cut back after the first flush of blooms to encourage more flowers.
LIGHT AND LOVELY
Stackhousia monogyna Creamy Candles is a herbaceous perennial growing to about 60cms high with candle-like single white/cream fragrant flowers that bloom from spring to early summer.
It prefers moist, well-drained soil with protection from the hot sun and is a good choice for containers, cottage gardens and rockeries.
LOVIN' THE LAWN
Feed lawns a slow release fertiliser now to improve their drought resistance.
When it comes to watering, deep is preferable to shallow watering. Excessive shallow watering brings about undesirable, shallow-rooting turf grasses. Lawns with deep root systems require less water than those with shallow root systems.
A grey to blue/green colouration on the leaves is a symptom of water stress.
SPOT THE DISEASE
A disease that can affect irises is fungal leaf spot which first appears as tiny transparent spots on the leaves which develop a black centre and gradually spread until the foliage turns yellow/brown. Remove all affected foliage and treat with a fungicide.
