October in the garden with Twigland

The Edible Garden

October is a busy month in the vegetable garden. Good preparation done in August and September will now start to pay dividends.
It is now warm enough to sow seeds directly into the ground - peas, beans, carrots, sweetcorn, silverbeet, beetroot, lettuce, cucumber, courgettes, pumpkins and tomatoes, can all be sown this month.
October is also the perfect time to plant new plants of Rhubarb, passionfruit, and tamarillos. Blueberries should also be planted now.
Feed citrus trees this month with a good citrus and fruit tree fertiliser. Spread out to the drip line of the tree and water well after applying.
Plant out fresh herb plants this month for summer use. Herbs do well in pots and baskets. It is a good idea to plant mint in a pot as it can be very invasive in the garden. More on herbs.
October is also tomato month. Plant out tomato seedlings and be sure to stake taller varieties at time of planting. Water well with warm water, and when watering during the growing season be careful not to water the leaves and foliage of tomato plants. Feed tomato plants regularly with liquid tomato food.

Continue to plant out seedlings of summer flowering annuals, Also summer flowering bulbs such as Dahlias, Begonias, and Gladioli, and Calla Lily.
Plant up hanging baskets and pots - remember to add in some Crystal rain water granules and Saturaid, to enable easier and less frequent watering through the summer. More on container gardening.
Feed roses with a good quality rose food. Mulch roses and other flowering shrubs to conserve moisture.
Spray roses with Super Shield to prevent fungus diseases and pest damage.
Prune back spring flowering shrubs after flowering has stopped.
Liquid feed annuals and perennials with Yates Thrive Flower and Fruit plant food.

Now is a good time to install a home irrigation system before the warmer weather arrives.
Spray lawns with Yates Turfix to eradicate any broadleaf weeds. Feed with a slow release lawn fertiliser.
Re-pot house plants - go one size larger, use fresh, new potting mix and liquid feed weekly.