Judy's Garden Calendar November
Things are hotting up in the garden in November
Vegies to sow in November – Sweet corn
Sweet corn plants don’t really like being transplanted so it’s best to sow seeds direct into well prepared garden beds. ‘Well prepared’ is the operative term. Plenty of manure and fertiliser (such as Dynamic Lifter pellets) dug into the soil before planting will help to ensure success. Don’t forget that grouping corn plants in clumps will improve pollination, which is vital for cob development.
Flowers to sow in November – Marigolds
Cheery, warmth-loving annuals, marigolds add bright touches of yellow and orange to summer gardens. But they also have some valuable pest-repelling properties. Sow seeds of the dwarf Yates Marigold Petite Yellow in patches throughout the garden. The strong marigold smell is said to confuse flying insect pests, thereby driving them away and preventing them from attacking garden plants.
Feed in November
Yates Uplift Organic Liquid Fertiliser is the ideal food to keep summer vegies (especially hungry corn) growing well. Uplift’s five ingredients work together to improve soil and, at the same time, promote vigorous and healthy growth.
Prune in November
Prune rambling roses – the ones that only flower in spring – now that their annual show is over. Feed with Dynamic Lifter Advanced for Roses.
November pest watch
Yates Tomato and Vegetable Dust is a combined insecticide, miticide and fungicide that can be used on all vegetables, except cucumbers, to control a wide range of common pest and disease problems. Tomatoes are very susceptible to diseases so it’s critically important to protect them by regularly dusting the plants. Be wary – some dusts on the market only control insect pests and provide no protection from disease.
November job file
If you haven’t already done so, spray your lawn with Confidor Hose-On to protect it from the nasty, root-eating curl grubs that attack the grass during the warm weather. Confidor Hose-On will provide months of protection. And, just as importantly, if you haven’t yet fed your lawn do it this weekend. Slow release Yates Lawn Master continues feeding for close to three months.
Plant of the Month – Gardenia
All those gardenias that were misbehaving in late winter and early spring are now looking much happier. They were simply waiting for warmer weather. However scale pests, and the accompanying sooty mould, will continue attacking gardenias right through the summer months so treat affected plants with Yates Scale Gun or Confidor. These remedies will kill off the scale and the ugly sooty mould that discolours the leaves.
Remove dead gardenia flowers regularly. And a good feed with a long-lasting fertiliser – like Acticote or Garden Gold – will do wonders for gardenia plants.
