Ah autumn, how we do love thee. Not too hot, not too cold, and just right for getting into the garden and getting things done after a cracking summer growth period. The vegie gardens thrived, the fruit trees were bountiful and overall a great gardening period despite the lack of rain. Assuming, of course, you have an irrigation system helping to lighten the load!
As we head towards the middle of autumn, gazing towards the sky in hope of some consistent precipitation, our gardens are still relying on us to provide them with water. And if we forget, well, our plants let us know pretty quickly. The regularity of our watering regimen is dependent on how well prepared the garden soil is, or how much water-holding capacity it has. Basically, the more open and sandier your soil, the quicker any water you provide will drain away.
It is a fairly common rant in this column, but if you don’t irrigate your crops regularly, your results will be mixed at best.
Now, if you haven’t planted all of your cooler-season vegetables yet and you think that your soil may be on the poorer quality side of the ledger, consider rejuvenating now. Additions of homemade or purchased compost is the easiest way to begin the repair of the vital soil structure that will help you grow strong plants. There are many more options open to the home gardener, and it is well worth reading further about your soil, as getting this right is the most important aspect of producing healthy, nutritious crops.
For those who already have prepared vegetable beds, it is a good time to plant broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and kale. The Asian greens like bok choy, pak choy and mizuna can also be planted throughout this period, as can snow peas, kohl rabi, broad beans and mustard greens. Of course, you can also continue to plant all-year crops of lettuces, spring onions, leeks and, in frost-free areas, potatoes. And don’t forget the garlic. One of the easiest crops you will grow and certainly one of the most rewarding, as it doesn’t take much effort at all to grow a full year’s worth of garlic.
Also, give your deciduous fruit trees a good feed as they head on towards dormancy. You will be rewarded next growing season for this headstart in their nutrition bank. And if you have any fungal diseases on the stone fruit, give them a spray now also and clear up the old fruit from under the tree. Hygiene at this time of the year can assist your trees to reopen in spring with more confidence.
Your citrus will also enjoy a top-up of a quality citrus-specific fertiliser as they ripen their fruit during this period. Keep the mulch thick and your soils hydrated.
HAPPY GARDENING!
Drew Cooper, Edible Gardens
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