While July is historically Gympie’s coldest month, now is the time to plan ahead for the warmer weather for when spring arrives on 1 September.
Spring is a delightful time to work in the garden and enjoy the blooming season.
Here are some activities you can engage in during spring in your garden.
1. Plant flowers and vegetables: Spring is the ideal time to sow seeds or plant seedlings of various flowers and vegetables. Consider planting marigolds, pansies, petunias, snapdragons, tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, and lettuce. Ensure you choose plants that thrive in a sub-tropical climate.
2. Prepare the soil: Before planting, prepare the soil by removing weeds, loosening it with a garden fork or tiller, and incorporating organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. This improves soil structure and nutrient content.
3. Prune and trim: Spring is a good time to prune certain plants. Trim dead or damaged branches, shape shrubs, and prune summer-flowering plants to encourage new growth. However, be cautious and research specific plants’ pruning requirements before cutting.
4. Fertilise: Apply a slow-release, balanced fertiliser to give your plants a boost. This will provide essential nutrients as they enter their active growing phase. Follow the instructions on the fertiliser package for application rates.
5. Mulch: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, around plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Ensure you leave a gap between the mulch and the plant stems to prevent moisture-related issues.
6. Watering: As the weather warms up, increase watering frequency to keep the soil evenly moist. Water deeply, allowing the water to reach the roots. Morning or late afternoon is the best time to water, as it allows foliage to dry before evening.
7. Pest and weed control: Monitor your garden for pests like aphids, snails, and slugs. If necessary, employ organic pest control methods or use appropriate insecticides. Regularly inspect and remove weeds, as they compete with your plants for resources.
8. Start a compost pile: Set up a compost bin or pile to recycle garden and kitchen waste. Composting is a sustainable way to generate nutrient-rich soil amendment for your garden. Turn the compost regularly to facilitate decomposition.
9. Create a wildlife-friendly garden: Spring is an excellent time to attract birds, bees, and butterflies to your garden. Plant nectar-rich flowers, set up bird feeders or birdbaths, and provide shelter for beneficial insects by incorporating native plants.
10.Plan for summer: Use spring as an opportunity to plan and prepare for the upcoming summer season. Consider what plants and vegetables you want to grow, research their requirements, and start any necessary preparations.
Remember to adapt these activities to your specific garden and the plants you have chosen.
Enjoy the process of nurturing your garden and watching it flourish throughout the spring season in the Gympie region.
