Keep watering citrus trees as the fruit swells
As citrus fruit plump up towards harvest, consistent moisture is everything. This is one of the most important garden tasks right now, as a dry spell can lead to fruit drop and dry flesh. During dry periods, give the root zone a deep, slow soak every 10–14 days rather than frequent shallow sprinkles. You want the water to penetrate right down where the roots are working.
Focus on the area directly below the canopy and just beyond the drip line (the canopy edge); that’s where the feeder roots are. Finish by laying a 5 – 7cm blanket of The Garden Family Sugar Cane Mulch over the root zone to hold that moisture in for longer.
Add colour with cool season flowers
This is one of the most enjoyable garden tasks you can do right now – filling gaps in beds and borders with cool season annuals that will flower their hearts out for months! Violas, pansies, calendula, primula, snapdragons and other cool season favourites are all hitting their stride in nurseries, and a mixed planting is almost impossible to get wrong.
Don’t forget hanging baskets. They’re a brilliant way to add colour at eye level and kids love helping to pick and arrange them. Finish by covering the soil with The Garden Family Sugar Cane Mulch to lock in moisture and keep weeds at bay. So tick this off your garden tasks list and enjoy the colour all season!
Feed seedlings to keep garden tasks on track
Newly planted seedlings, whether vegetables or flowers, have small root systems and need a little coaxing to get established. A weekly liquid feed is one of the best things you can do in these early weeks. Use a fertiliser mixed at half the recommended strength; it’s gentler on tender roots while still delivering a steady supply of nutrients to fuel growth.
Fish emulsion and seaweed-based products work beautifully too. Within a week or two you’ll notice the difference; stronger stems, deeper foliage colour and plants that are clearly up and growing.
