As November arrives, the garden ushers in the transition from spring to early summer. This is an exciting time for gardeners, as the warmer weather and longer days provide the perfect conditions for plants to thrive. Vegetables, fruit, flowers, and herbs are in their growth phase, while lawns are looking vibrant with their lush greenery.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner with a green thumb, there’s plenty to do in the garden this November.
Here are some essential tips and ways to make the most of your outdoor space.
Plant Summer Vegetables:
Take advantage of the warm weather by planting summer vegetables like lettuce, silver beet, zucchini, and capsicum. There’s still plenty of time to plant summer vegies this month.
Staggered plantings over four to six weeks will ensure you have a continued supply throughout summer. Vegetables that can withstand most climates include cucumber, tomatoes, eggplant, and rocket.
Be sure to water them consistently, especially when they are young, to help them establish strong roots.
Apply Richgro Black Marvel Tomato & Vegetable Liquid Food every 1-2 weeks during the growing season.
Prune and Tidy Up:
Pruning should be on your to-do list for November. With your roses coming to the end of their beautiful show, remove the fading and wilting flowers, this process is known as deadheading. This also applies to all your flowering plants.
Deadheading is a simple but effective way to keep plants in flower. To deadhead, simply remove spent flower stems. Cut the stem at its base or just above a growth point (known as a node) as soon as flowers are finished. Deadheading prevents flowers forming seeds and encourages them to keep blooming rather than putting all their energy into seed production.
Trim back any overgrown or dead branches on trees and shrubs.
Don’t forget to give your hedges a neat trim for a tidy garden appearance and to keep the foliage dense and tight.
At the same time feed your Gardenias, Azaleas, Camellias, and other acid loving plants.
Water Wisely:
As the weather heats up, it’s crucial to monitor your garden’s water needs. Early morning is the best time to water, as it allows the plants to absorb moisture before the heat of the day.
Use mulch to retain soil moisture and reduce water evaporation.
Apply Richgro Ezi-Wet to your entire garden, pots, and lawn, including your vegie garden. Don’t wait until it is too hot!
Lawn Care:
It is important to fix any bare patches in your lawn by planting some new seeds and be sure to give your lawn a good weed. Regular mowing will keep existing lawns looking neat.
Raise the cutting height to leave the grass a little longer to protect from the increasing heat of the sun. A longer, thicker grass also helps keep the soil, and roots, cooler.
In addition, it’s essential to assess the moisture level of your lawn’s soil. If you notice that watering causes pooling or runoff instead of being absorbed, it could indicate dry soil that repels water. To address this issue, use a soil wetter like Richgro Ezi Wet Soil Soaker. This product effectively retains moisture at the root zone, preventing excessive drying of the soil and promoting better water absorption.
By incorporating a soil wetter into your lawn care routine, you can ensure that your grass receives the necessary hydration for healthy growth especially in the hot conditions of Summer.
Pest and Disease Control:
Keep an eye out for signs of pests and diseases. Aphids, whiteflies, and caterpillars can be problematic during this time. As temperatures rise, it’s important to be prepared for the increased pest activity that typically targets the tender growth of your fruit and vegetables.
Protect your crops by using Richgro Beat-A-Bug Naturally Based Insect Spray, which also proves highly efficient in safeguarding fruit trees.
For your ornamental plants, consider Richgro’s Bug Killa as an excellent choice to deter pests and maintain their health and vitality.
Create a Relaxing and Enjoyable Space:
A garden is not just about plants; it’s also a place to relax and unwind. Consider adding some outdoor furniture, a hammock, or a cosy seating area to enjoy the beautiful weather.
Finally, don’t forget to simply enjoy your garden. Take leisurely strolls, admire the vibrant colours, and appreciate the hard work you’ve put into creating this beautiful outdoor space.
November brings a wealth of gardening opportunities. Whether you’re nurturing a vegetable garden, tending to ornamental plants, or simply enjoying the tranquillity of your outdoor space, there’s something for every gardening enthusiast.
With proper care and attention, your garden will flourish throughout the summer and provide you with a beautiful backdrop for relaxation and outdoor activities. Happy gardening!
