The seasons have suddenly changed A sudden drop of 4°C in soil temperatures this week is a strong indicator that South Australia's warm season has ended.
Topsoil temperatures across Adelaide are currently fluctuating between 15 and 18°C.
This is still ideal for establishing cool-season vegetables, flowers and bulbs, along with evergreen ornamentals and fruit trees that don't mind the cold.
But hurry – these temperatures will drop a further 2 to 3°C following this week's showery weather. | | Planting time, temperatures the big influences on tomato harvest Time of planting had a major influence on how this season's tomato crop coped with widely fluctuating temperatures.
Results from the Good gardening / ABC TalkBack Gardening end-of-tomato-season survey indicate crops planted during late September and early October produced the best results.
It's likely this was linked to the warmer than normal soil conditions at the time – stimulating plants into active growth and at the same time producing a robust root system.
This allowed the plants to cope with heat stress resulting from short periods of very high temperatures during late spring and early summer.
The survey also highlighted the effect of milder than average temperatures experienced through late summer and early autumn, resulting in many respondents reporting smaller than normal fruits size and slower ripening. | | Second or late crop Early predictions of a summer without severe heat waves encouraged just over 30% of all respondents to plant a second or late-season crop.
75% of those registering a good first crop also reported a good second crop.
In contrast only 51% of those with a poor first crop registered a good second crop.
The effect of heat The absence of heatwave conditions over summer resulted in much lower ratings for heat damage compared with previous years.
25% of those producing good crops reported no serious damage this season (compared with only 10% last year). Those producing poor crops had a 23% no-damage rating.
The second crop also came through relatively unscathed, with an 82% no-damage rating.
Watering Tomato growers, particularly those producing the better crops, are moving steadily towards the use of micro irrigation i.e. drippers and micro sprinklers. (Good crops 41% compared with 37% last year).
However, just over 50% of all growers are still watering their plants by hand.
More of those growers producing good crops water moderately i.e. deep watering every 3 to 5 days, compared with those producing poor crops, who tend to water lightly and more often.
Mulching Mulching is now accepted as an integral part of growing tomatoes.
This season 84% of all respondents mulched their crops. Straw was the preferred material. (74% rating).
However, 64% of those that produced the best crops this season applied a thick layer of mulch (3 to 4 cm thick). This compares with 52% of those reporting poor crops.
Organic matter The incorporation of compost or organic matter into the soil before planting is another element that is widely accepted. Good crops – 91%. Poor crops 86%.
Nutrition Fertilising is one area where there is an emerging issue. Those who produced the better crops used more fertiliser before planting (75%) than those reporting poor crops (70%)
The preference for applying organic fertilisers over manufactured fertilisers continues, with 66% of all respondents now using organic fertiliser (60% last year).
There was also a slight increase in the number of respondents that use both organic and manufactured fertiliser. (28% compared with 25% last year)
Location Open garden beds are still the preferred option for home grown tomatoes. (52% of all respondents) This is similar to last year's figure. | |  | | Bees' Paradise Pink | | New rose – Bees' Paradise Pink Bees Paradise Pink is the second rose from a new series of low-growing, low-maintenance landscaping and garden varieties released by Knight's Roses.
Bees' Paradise Pink is hardy, compact and very healthy.
It flowers continuously or repeats very rapidly, producing a constant bright display.
The pink flowers are semi-double and are produced in clusters, opening to reveal rich yellow stamens.
Deadheading is not essential – but it does help speed up the next flush.
Bees' Paradise Pink grows to approximately 60 cm and is slightly more prostrate than others in the series.
The foliage is glossy and dark green.
This is a multi-award winning, low-growing shrub rose that is ideal for landscaping, group planting, borders, rockeries, and informal gardens or growing in containers.
Knights' Roses, one of the largest rose growers and suppliers in Australia, offer a comprehensive collection of rose bushes to both wholesalers and the public. 44 Jack Cooper Drive, Gawler, SA.
Phone (08) 8523 1311. | | Violas with the eyes of a tiger On close inspection the markings on each bloom of Viola Tiger Eye and Viola Tiger Red look like they have been carefully drawn.
The black line markings are intricate, while the mix of yellow and red provides a perfect autumn colour display.
Tiger Eyes are highly fragrant with a sweet perfume that carries quite a distance.
They look great planted as borders, in a garden bed or just softly spilling over pots.
As the flowers fade, remove spent blooms to encourage repeat blooming.
Tiger Eyes are long-lasting colourful annuals, flowering from autumn through to late spring.
They grow best in all day sun, need good drainage and respond to liquid fertiliser.
Look for Violas in Easy Colour's distinctive purple 6 cell packs."
Viola Tiggers are in stock at Heyne's Garden Centre, Beulah Park, Semaphore Pets & Gardens and Barrow & Bench, Malvern and should be available at other good gardening centres. | |  | | Bells of Fire | | Look what they've done with Bells of Fire Bells of Fire is a versatile, new, small, shrub form of old fashioned Tecoma.
While it is still hardy and easy to grow, it is no longer a straggly creeper, rather an attractive long-flowering shrub (Height 1.2. width 1m)
The large, bright red, trumpet-like blooms are produced in large heads at the end of new growth.
The secret to flowering is to encourage new growth by regular watering and fertilising through the warmer months.
Bells of Fire is ideal when an easy care colour plant is required for a tough location.
 Bell of Fire are in stock at Heyne's Garden Centre, Beulah Park, Semaphore Pets & Gardens and Barrow & Bench, Malvern and should be available at other good gardening centres. | |  | | Pittosporum bugs | | Season favours sap-sucking bugs SA's mild ,dry weather is favouring a range of damaging sap-sucking bugs.
Harlequin bugs have already caused considerable damage, particularly in the Adelaide Hills, while gardeners are also reporting damage from the leaf spotting Pittosporum bug and the recently introduced Lily Pilly beetle.
Considering it is late in the adult life-cycle of these insects, small numbers should now be ignored.
However, where serious damage is occurring and insect numbers are high, the anti feedant insecticide containing Spinosad (Success Ultra) is effective and so are systemic insecticides containing imidacloprid (Confidor). | | Standby for an invasion of rats and mice Rodent populations in SA's agricultural districts are currently much higher than normal. This follows very favourable breeding conditions last spring.
Agronomists are reporting these populations are moving southward and we can expect significant problems across Adelaide and surrounding districts through winter and spring.
Yates is a leader in developing innovative rodent control solutions. Their Ratsak brand is trusted and they now have a very wide range of rodent solutions.
Some of the many solutions from Yates include: - Fast-acting baits with disposable or reusable bait stations
- Innovative, easy-to-use (including pre-baited) traps for both mice and rats
- Quick-acting wax baits, pellets, gels and repellents
- Ratak Naturals – specially formulated pellets containing natural ingredients that control rats and mice but are safe to use around animals and birds
 Learn more about controlling rodents
in different areas of the home and garden »
More information on Ratsak products » | | There's more to cabbage than coleslaw The days of growing cabbages with huge 'feed the family for a week' heads are gone.
Today the family is dining on lightly steamed Kailan (baby broccoli) or Bok choy (Chinese white cabbage).
You will also find Tatsoi (Chinese flat cabbage) and Mizuna (Japanese mustard) in stir-fries with the large leaves of Bok choy also chopped finely and added to stir-fries and soups.
Because the leaves are large and crisp, they also make excellent cooking wraps.
While technically these vegetables are not true cabbages, they are very closely related (Brassica rapa) and in the garden they are usually referred to as Asian greens.
Asian greens are very easy to grow, don't take up much space and perform best during the cooler months of the year. This makes them ideal vegetables for growing through winter – particularly in raised garden beds or courtyard containers. | | Please keep your questions
for Talkback Gardening Good Gardening is unable to answer individual reader's questions via email. If you're looking for specific advice please give me a call on ABC Radio Adelaide's Saturday morning Talkback Gardening or ask at your local garden centre. | | | Quick control for late autumn weeds  Slasher Organic Weedkiller controls a broad range of weeds, moss, algae and lichen.
It's approved for use in organic gardens and works fast. Expect to see visible results within one hour on most weeds.
Slasher is made from plant ingredients and is glyphosate-free. It's also non-residual and can be used safely around roses and even in the veggie patch (no withholding period).
Slasher is available from hardware stores, nurseries,
supermarkets and online » | | Tulips need chilling While most spring-flowering bulbs can be planted directly from packet to soil, tulips and hyacinths will benefit from a 4 to 6 week rest in the crisper section of your refrigerator before planting.
This stimulates the bulbs to produce quick growth soon after they are planted into our relatively warm soil. | | Better ways to water the lawn If you are tired of constantly moving your inefficient lawn sprinkler, you are probably thinking seriously about installing an automatic watering system – particularly after the current long dry season.
This raises the question, should you install underground drippers or a surface pop-up system?
It's a question that turf consultant Stefan Palm is very familiar with.
In this week's lawn blog Stefan considers both systems and provides some very practical information on their installation.
There are also links to Stefan's videos on installing both underground drippers and sprinkler systems.
More information » | | Cool season colour For quick and reliable colour through winter and early spring, consider growing a punnet or two of cool-season annuals.
Cinerarias, primulas and polyanthus make a bright show, while pansies, violas, Iceland poppies and alyssum are also worth growing.
Indoor plants susceptible to insects Check the base of pot plants for insects. At this time of the year a large number of different insects, hide in the base of pot plants by day and go exploring by night.
Most feed only on organic material. If they worry you, soak the base of the container in a solution containing low-toxic insecticide.
Summer-flowering shrubs need pruning Hurry along with the pruning of geraniums, pelargoniums and other shrubs that flowered during summer.
Hydrangeas should have old flower heads removed. Take the opportunity to remove old or weak growth. | | Saturday & Sunday, April 24 & 25
Festival of Flowers
St Pauls College, 792 Grand Junction Road, Gillies Plains.
More information » | |  Open Gardens SA
Saturday & Sunday, April 24 & 25
Still Water 'Quince Fair'
A lovely, rambling country garden built around towering natural red gums. There are pretty perennial borders and in areas shaded by the canopies of mature trees, shade-loving clivias, acanthus and begonias thrive.
More information on the garden and directions »
Stangate House
3 Edgeware Road, Aldgate (Open Sunday only)
A spectacular display of autumn leaves is a feature of Stangate Garden, an historic property developed in the 1940s. The 4.5 acre garden is lauid out in a romantic woodland style, with a series of lawn terraces either side of the Aldgate creek.
More information on the garden and directions »
Gardens open 10 am to 4.30 pm.
Entry $8 - OGSA members; $6 - Government concession card holders; children under 18 free.
More information on the 2021 season » | | Talkback Gardening tomorrow  ABC Radio Adelaide Talkback Gardening this Saturday, 8.30 am to 10 am – phone Deb Tribe and me on 1300 222 891 and have your own gardening question answered.
Domenic Cavellaro, tomato specialist and horticultural agronomist with Complete Ag and Seeds, Virginia, reviews this season's tomato growing survey, with special advice on growing tomatoes in a changing climate. | | Garden centre directory Leading Adelaide garden centres recommended by Good Gardening newsletter.
Heyne's Garden Centre
283-289 The Parade, Beulah Park. (08) 8332 2933
Honour our fallen and commemorate a part of history. Gallipoli rosemary is in stock now.
South Australia's oldest established garden centre. Huge range. Expert staff on hand for personal advice. Visit online »
Semaphore Pets and Garden
119 Semaphore Rd, Semaphore. (08) 8242 7302
Mothers' Day is just around the corner.
We are stocked to the rooftops with everything your mum would desire.
Slippers, soaps, candles, gardening gloves, kitchen wear, pots, plants, entertaining products and so much more! We gift wrap for free and if you are struggling with ideas were happy to help you pick something special as that's what we do best! Open 7 days.
Always a great selection of plants, pets and giftware – all under the one roof.
Facebook »
Barrow & Bench Mitre 10
321 Unley Rd, Malvern. (08) 8272 8566
Just in stock, beautiful healthy Wollemi Pines and food to fill the soul over winter, boxed mushroom kits – easy to grow at home and so rewarding.
Specialising in providing quality plants and expert garden advice. Follow the Instagram feed » | | Coming soon Sunday, May 2
Herb Society of SA - autumn salvia sale
Fullarton Park Centre, 411 Fullarton Rd, Fullarton, 8.30 am – 12 noon.
For salvia lovers and anyone looking for an economic & colourful way to add to your garden, come down and choose from a large selection of salvias. But be quick – we do sell out!
More details »
Thursday to Saturday, May 6 to 8
South Coast Orchid Club of SA autumn show
Seaford Central Shopping Centre, Commercial Rd, Seaford.
Display and trading table with a range of plants for sale, including Speciality Cymbidiums, Cattleya, Oncidium and Denrobium. Members will be on hand to give advice.
Saturday & Sunday, May 8 & 9
Enfield Horticultural Society Autumn Show
Klemzig Community Hall, 242 North East Road, Klemzig. Sat 12 noon - 4 pm. Sun 10 am - 4 pm, Admission $2. Competitions in cut flowers, bonsai, fruit, home produce, junior sections and floral design. Plants for sale and a trading table.
Saturday, May 22
World Bee Day
Celebrating World Bee Week with all things BEE at the Mt. Pleasant Farmers Market. 8 am - 12 noon, Mount Pleasant Showgrounds. More information » | | Regular garden attractions Check with each venue's web site for any Covid-19 restrictions on opening hours.
Adelaide Botanic Gardens – free guided walks
Friends of the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide guided walks for the public at Adelaide, Mount Lofty and Wittunga Botanic Gardens, and Botanic Park.
More information »
Carrick Hill
Heritage house museum and garden, the former home of Sir Edward and Lady Ursula Hayward. Open weekends & public holidays. Free admission into garden and grounds. 46 Carrick Hill Drive, Springfield.
More information »
Cummins Historic House and gardens
23 Sheoak Ave, Novar Gardens. Gardens open and plant sales on 1st & 3rd Sundays of each month (except Dec & Jan) 2 pm - 4.30 pm. Plant sales also available every Friday morning 9 am to noon. More information » | Facebook »
Heysen - The Cedars
The historic home of two of Australia's most noted artists, Sir Hans Heysen and his daughter Nora. This unique 60-hectare heritage estate features the original family home, two artists' studios and the celebrated cottage-style garden, planted chiefly with exotics, including the massive Himalayan cedar trees.
Heysen Road, Hahndorf. Open 10 am - 4.30 pm, Tuesday to Sunday, and also open on public holiday Mondays. Ticketed entry, including guided tours at 11am and 2 pm.
More information »
Old Government House, Belair National Park
The former vice-regal summer residence of some of the early governors of South Australia. An excellent example of Victorian architecture, set amongst one acre of magnificent gardens. Features cottage plants and flowers cultivated in Victorian times, heritage roses and mature trees.
Tours and afternoon tea on the first and third Sundays each month and public holidays, 1 pm – 4.30 pm. Free entry into Belair National Park if you are visiting OGH - tell the info office staff as you drive in.
More information »
Urrbrae House historic precinct gardens
At the end of Walter Young Avenue, off Fullarton Road, Urrbrae, or from the Urrbrae House gate, Claremont Avenue, Netherby.
Open from dawn until dusk every day. Free entry.
More information »
Waite Arboretum, Fullarton Road, Urrbrae
Open free to the public every day of the year from dawn to dusk, except on fire ban days. Free guided walks on the first Sunday of every month, 11 am to 12.30 pm.
Meet at the West lawn (Croquet Lawn) of Urrbrae House. Bookings not necessary.
More information » | | Disclaimer: Although all reasonable care is taken in preparing information contained in this email, neither Jon Lamb Communications (JLC) nor its officers, staff or suppliers involved in the editing and production of this email accept any liability resulting from the interpretation or use of the information set out in this document. Information contained in this document is subject to change without notice and is of a general nature and should not take the place of professional personal advice. No responsibility is accepted by Jon Lamb Communications for the accuracy of information contained in web sites linked from this email. Publication of an advertisement does not constitute endorsement by JLC of any product or service, or warrant its suitability. | | | | |
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