As we look forward to the long hot days of summer consider what needs to be done in the garden.  Now is a good time to be Mulching this will help retain that much needed moisture for your plants.  South-Hort Super Scree is designed to conserve moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering.  It will also improve your soils fertility encouraging earthworm and beneficial soil organisms as well as maintaining a more even soil temperature for your plants.   South-Hort Super Scree should be laid at a depth of 100mm to suppress weed germination.  It is also beneficial to raise your lawn mower for the summer to aid moisture retention through the hotter days.  If you have any bare patches in your lawn top-dress with South-Hort Lawn Mix. This mix is free draining and open with high organic content.  Feeding your lawn is also very beneficial this time of the year.  South-Hort Lawn Fertiliser has been specifically formulated to promote the establishment and maintenance of a lush, green lawn. South-Hort Lawn Fertiliser contains nitrogen for dense leaf growth, phosphorous for strong root development, potassium for strength and disease resistance, iron for colour and moss control plus trace elements. Apply on overcast days or early evening at a rate of 50grams per square metre.  Always remember to water in after application.

Nothing says summer than a freshly picked tomato.  There are four basic types of tomatoes.  Cherry, Medium, Beefsteak and Plumb.  Cherry tomatoes produce small round fruit that is perfect for tossing whole into salads.  Plum tomatoes are oblong in shape and good for sauces. While Beefsteak and Medium Tomatoes are best used for slicing.  If you are lacking in space a great way to grow your tomato is in a pot.  Always use a quality potting mix when doing this.  South- Hort Patio Plus is a premium potting mix based on our commercial grade mixes.  It contains Osmocote 8-9 mth fertilisers as well as water holding crystals and wetting agents.  South-Hort Patio Plus has the added benefit of Tricho a beneficial fungicide for your plant. Pots tend to dry out so make sure you water well.  And with proper care you too can grow a great tomato plant.

Another great plant for the garden is Rhubarb.  You will need some room if you are considering growing this plant as it can reach five feet across.  Rhubarb is not harvested until at least its second year, with most plants living 7-10 years.  Rhubarb is best grown in the ground and is generally not suitable for container growing.  It likes a deep rich free draining soil and prefers a sunny spot.  Before planting your Rhubarb add plenty of South-Hort Compost.  Any flower heads (shown in the attached picture) that grow from your Rhubarb should be cut off immediately. Flower heads can be a sign of lack of water or fertiliser. Rhubarb has many uses in the garden not just that great Rhubarb crumble.  Rhubarb leaves are not only toxic the humans but can be used as a general purpose insecticide.  Boil the leaves in a pot of water.  Dilute the resulting liquid about 1-3 for general garden use. As a repellant for white butterfly, shred a leaf and place it in an ice-cream container.  Add water then place these traps about two metres apart amongst the Brassica (Broccoli ect.) For some reason this is enough to drive the butterfly away.  Make sure you lay your traps before the caterpillars appear.

You can still plant many seedlings into the garden at this time of the year.  When selecting your plants look for vigorous, compact plants.  Avoid plants that are yellowing and oversized.  Remember good gardening starts with the soil.