Finishing up the winter jobs

Sitting here on my verandah with the warmth of the sun streaming through the trees I realise it’s only another few weeks and spring will have sprung. 

Realising this I also have been reminded that there’s still a few winter jobs I need to do before spring arrives.

Firstly I have a few plants I need to move around as they have been struggling a bit, particularly in summer and now after all that lovely rain it’s a perfect time to move them. Most plants can be moved quite easily especially deciduous and exotic plants.  Usually they don’t like it however grasses can be dug up divided and replanted quite easily. 

When moving plants a cutback will be helpful, especially if some of the roots have been damaged. When planted into their new home a good watering with the plant starter or half strength liquid fertiliser will be helpful in reducing transplant shock. 

Of course pruning of roses and fruit trees can be done now if you haven’t done so already and once done a spray with lime sulphur will kill off any mite eggs and fungal spores reading. 

Weeding will also be a job that never goes away, especially after the rain but at least they should come out quite easily with the soil being moist. Speaking of moist soil I’m always amazed how dry parts of the garden can be after such good rain. I find that under large trees or shrubs the ground can still be quite dry, also along fence lines and under the eaves. 

Areas like these will benefit from the application of a wetting agent, which will help the soil to absorb and retain moisture more effectively. In fact the whole garden would benefit from an application ensuring further rain will be absorbed deeper down into the already moist soil. 

Well I’m going to get out in the garden and enjoy this beautiful winter sun and get my jobs done.

 Happy gardening.

RY