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85% of a plant's roots are found within 150 mm
(6") of the surface. So, when digging in
compost and other healthy plant food you don't
need to dig it in much deeper than that.
Bare soil should not be seen around plants.
Mulch, mulch, mulch - especially in our hot
Australian summers but keep the mulch slightly
away from the actual stem of the plant.
Water your garden before mulching and then water
it again afterwards.
Weeds can be reduced by spraying with vinegar.
Use a small household spray bottle.
Less than 2% of insects are harmful.
Wherever possible transplant on a cool or cloudy
day. If this is not possible then leave
the planting until late in the afternoon.
If you buy a plant that has been in shade or
semi shade at the nursery you must let it get
used to bright sunlight slowly whilst still in
its pot. Bring it home and put it in partial
shade for a few days, extending the amount of
sunshine it gets on a daily basis.
Soaker hoses or drip irrigation systems are
preferable to overhead watering. Watering from
above encourages mildew problems.
If you intend to dig compost into your garden
then do it 2 - 4 weeks before you are ready to
plant. The compost should then be starting
to amalgamate with the soil.
The colour of hydrangea flowers is dependent on
the pH of the soil. Acid soil will produce
blue hydrangea flowers and alkaline soil will
produce pink flowers.
Helpful web
sites:
Better Homes And Gardens Masses of
information on all types of gardening.
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