- Extended Sugar Cane Mulch use causing water to run off?
- Need additional food to help your garden grow in tough soil?
- Planting a new garden and wish to give them the best possible start?
- Will I need to use a slow release fertiliser when planting amongst Premium Potting Mix?
- Living in a dry environment and wish to make the most of the water available?
- Differences between Liquid Seaweed and Sea Tea?
- Differences between Garden Lime and Dolomite Lime?
I’ve used Sugar Cane Mulch for the past couple of years, and it’s worked well in keeping the garden moist and suppressing weeds. I now find that when I water or it rains, the water is running off rather than soaking through it.
A:
Sugar cane and other mulches may form a mat on the soil surface over time. To assist moisture penetration, gently ‘tease’ the surface with a rake or hoe to loosen it. In cooler regions, mulches may be hoed into the soil in late autumn so they will be readily incorporated into the soil. Fresh mulch should be applied each spring.
I have a predominantly native garden growing in fairly poor gravel soil and feel the plants need some additional food to keep them healthy. What do you recommend?
A:
Most Australian native plants are sensitive to phosphorus (P) so it’s important that you use a specially formulated fertiliser such as Natural Natives which has an NPK ratio of 14:2:6.3. Natural Natives contains a slow release fertiliser as well as blood and bone and will provide native plants with all the nutrients they need to prosper.
I am planting out a new garden and would like to give the plants the best possible start. What do you suggest?
A:
Using Grow Better’s Water Storing Granules (pre-soaked) in the base of each planting hole will ensure new plants have a ready supply of moisture available to their roots for several weeks, reducing the need to water them frequently. After planting, settle them into their new positions by watering in with Plant Starter at the recommended dilution. This reduces transplant shock and gives plants the added boost they need to start producing new roots.
I regularly use Grow Better’s Premium Potting Mix. Do I also need to add a slow release fertiliser when I’m potting up new plants or repotting older ones?
A:
No. Grow Better’s Premium Potting Mix already contains slow release fertiliser that will supply sufficient nutrients for three months or more after potting up. It also contains a natural growth stimulant (X Facta) that will help plants to settle in quickly. Additional fertiliser may be added after about six months.
I live in a low rainfall area and have minimal water available for the garden. What do you recommend for making the most of the water I can use?
A:
Mulching your garden beds is of utmost importance in conserving soil moisture. Getting moisture to soak deep into the soil can be improved by breaking up the soil surface before mulching. To further enhance moisture penetration and retention, add Granular Soil Wetter and Water Storing Granules to the beds at the recommended rates prior to spreading mulch. Use a quality product such Grow Better’s Sugar Cane Mulch, Lucerne Mulch or Pea Straw Mulch at a depth of about 100mm and top up during the warmer months as the mulch material starts to break down into humus.
I’ve been a fan of liquid seaweed products for years but recently found your Sea Tea, which seems easier to use and lighter to carry. Does it differ from the products I had been using?
A:
Sea Tea is simply a fine grade, powered seaweed that dissolves readily in water. The fact that it’s a dry powder has no effect on its efficiency as a plant and soil tonic – but it is lighter and easier to carry and store. Make up and use according to the instructions on the container, and the results will astonish you. It’s also ideal for minimising transplant shock.
What’s the difference between Garden Lime and Dolomite Lime?
A:
Both are used to correct soil acidity – most soils that are regularly fertilised will become more acid over time and this may affect plant growth. Lime, an alkaline material, is used to raise the pH to the optimum level for the majority of plants, usually between pH 6 and 7). Garden Lime contains calcium, while Dolomite Lime contains both calcium and magnesium (important trace elements) and will condition the soil as well as adjust the pH. Some plants prefer an alkaline soil, and either product can be used to increase the pH to a level above 7.
Categories
