4 season gardening chores
Summer
Tasks in December
- Prune dead head roses to keep them flowering.
- Treat lawns, hanging baskets and pot plants with wetting agents.
- Water new seedlings often and protect them with mulch.
- Keep a close eye on developing fruit for signs of fruit fly.
Tasks in January
- Keep weeds under control.
- Move tender pot plants deeper into shade.
- Keep an eye opener for fungal diseases after summer storms.
- Check reticulation system.
Tasks in February
- Prune Roses for autumn blooms.
- Trim and fertilise bedded annuals that are looking a bit tired.
- Mist spray orchids and other delicate plants on very hot days.
- Check reticlation system for blocked nozzles, filters or incorrect adjustments.
Autumn
Tasks in March
- Consider any relocation of plants or garden projects.
- To sharpen your garden tools and oil any wooden handles.
- Buy and plant your spring flowering bulbs.
- Fertilise citrus fruits and winter flowering shrubs.
Tasks in April
- Keep out the gutters.
- Fertilise winter flowering seedlings.
- Start new compost heap or bin.
- Check condition of indoor and outdoor potted plants.
Tasks in May
- Repair or Upgrade your reticulation system.
- Cut back perennials which have finished blooming and divide if necessary.
Winter
Tasks in June
- Check for Potential problems with trees growing too close to power lines.
- Look out for Winter weeds and Mosses developing in lawns and flowerbeds.
- Pot Plants becoming Waterlogged due to blocked drainage holes.
- Make Sure your pot plants or hanging baskets aren’t drying out under eaves or other cover from winter rains.
- Be on the look for snails eating everything.
Tasks in July
- Prune Roses.
- Transplant small Shrubs.
- Cut back and divide perennials and cottage garden plants.
- Look out for Weeds developing in lawns.
- Begin treatment for jojo (bindi) if it was a problem last year. When you step on the prickle it is too late to spray.
- Check for various fungal diseases and aphids in the general garden.
Tasks in August
- Begin Fertilising and re-potting houseplants to allow the new growth.
- Apply fertilisers to newley sprouting plants such as fruit trees and roses.
- Feed flowering spring bulbs.
- Be aware of fruit fly.
Spring
Tasks in September
- Check lemon trees for scale insects and treat.
- Prune Summer flowering plants such as hibiscus, plumbago and fuchias.
- Check automatic watering system for any leaks or faulty sprayers.
- Plant warm season vegetables such as beans, pumpkin, eggplant, cucumber and tomatoes.
Tasks in October
- Buy and plant natives suitable to your area.
- Look out for thrips(insects) during the dry spring weather.
- Mulch around trees and shrubs.
- Plant sweet corn, tomatoes and zucchini.
Tasks in November
- Allow Lawn to grow longer to shade roots and conserve moisture.
- Keep up regular feeding program to maintain growth.
- Plant spring onions, capsicum and chillies.
- Watch out for prickly and flowering weeds in your lawns.