Eastern Shore Sun

By GREG BELBIN*

*Introducing a new monthly gardening column from Greg who is joint principal of Grow Master Howrah

THROUGHOUT 2010 I will be providing practical gardening advice that will save money while hopefully reaping the benefits and enjoyment that gardening can bring to your family.

Let’s begin with the tree that gardeners seem to have most issues with ‘citrus’, which can be rewarding with its lovely glossy foliage, beautiful white, highly-perfumed flowers and an abundance of fruit with many uses such as hedges, and attractive pot plants.

Citrus in Tasmania have special requirements to prosper; beginning with selecting the correct plant.  Always buy grafted trees (trees that are grown on a different rootstock); these trees have been grown especially for our cooler climate and heavier soils. Look for trees with healthy foliage, few flowers and follow three rules:

Plant in a sheltered area.

Ensure they have adequate drainage.

Plant in full sun that is relatively frost free.

It is very important to improve soil by adding Grow Master Planting Compost together with chicken, sheep or cow manure and mix thoroughly through soil.

Dig your hole at least half a metre wide and slightly deeper than the pot, providing plant with lovely rich and friable soil for the new roots.  The Eastern Shore has predominantly clay soil; you will have to raise your planting spot so the root system is elevated and out of wet soil.   Wet feet is one of the biggest killers of citrus in Tasmania!

When planting always plant back to the level of the soil in the pot - never bury your plant.  Mulch your citrus and all fruit trees with sugar cane mulch ideal for water retention/weed suppression.  Remove any flowers or fruit from the plant because if left, they will set your tree back.  You will need to do this for at least two years until your tree is mature enough to cope with fruit.

In spring feed your tree trace elements, this gives it a hit of micro-nutrients in small amounts that are essential for overall growth.

Use Grow Master Certified Organic Fertiliser at the rate of one handful per m2 in spring, early summer and late summer (do not feed in late autumn as this will promote soft growth).  Through spring and summer liquid feed with Organic Garden every two to three weeks to help maintain healthy plant.  To prevent scale and aphids attacking your tree spray with white oil every three weeks through  spring period (four to five sprays).

No space don’t worry they thrive in pots must use Premium Potting Mix and apply three golden rules.  Call into your Garden Centre and ask for the most suitable variety.  New quality grafted trees arriving in Marc and suited to our area included lemon and lime double grafted and a range of dwarf trees.

Till next month when I will provide some basic vegetable-growing information for new gardens as well as some tips about green manure crops for existing vegetable gardeners.

*Greg Belbin from Grow Master Howrah has all your gardening tips