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  1. Home
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  4. December

Your Monthly Planting Guide

December

Summer days and holidays …

The transition from late spring to early summer is often blurred. It’s not unusual for some parts of the country to have already experienced extreme heat well, before the official start of the new season. We know summer is really here when the hydrangeas are covered in big, blousy heads of blooms! This month, it’s all about making sure the garden is looking good.

 

The hard yards put in over spring should now be paying dividends with the lawn lush and green, veggie patch producing tasty fresh crops, fruit trees showing evidence of luscious fruits ahead and the flower garden bursting with colour. At least, that’s the dream! Sometimes circumstances conspire against us, and there’s a last-minute rush to get chores done in time for the festive season and following holidays.

 

    Calendar

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    Gardening in December

    • Vegetables
    • Fruit & Citrus
    • Flowers & Bulbs
    • Indoor Plants
    • Lawn Care
    • Plants, Trees & Shrubs
    Learn How to Grow Chillies in Simple Steps | Love The Garden

    Chilli

    It seems that most people now have at least 1 or 2 chilli plants at home – it’s become incredibly trendy. Growing...

    Read more about Chilli
    How to grow potatoes

    Potatoes

    Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) are tubers that grow and form at the plant’s roots. Plants also produce flowering shoots...

    Read more about Potatoes
    Cucumbers

    Cucumbers

    Delicious in salads and sandwiches, the crisp, sweet crunch of a cucumber is one of the joys of summer. Growing...

    Read more about Cucumbers
    how to grow spring onions

    Spring Onion

    Spring onions (also known as green shallots and green bunching or salad onions) are a delicious addition to a whole...

    Read more about Spring Onion
    How to grow tomatoes

    Tomatoes

    Nothing beats the taste of your own home-grown tomatoes, freshly picked and warm from the Summer sun. Slice them into a...

    Read more about Tomatoes
    how to grow peas

    Peas

    Nothing beats home-grown peas for their tenderness and taste. That's because when they are picked, their sugars start to...

    Read more about Peas
    How to grow onions

    Onions

    The basis of so many delicious dishes, onions (Allium cepa) are an essential ingredient in every cook’s store cupboard...

    Read more about Onions
    How to grow Garlic | Love the Garden

    Garlic

    Growing garlic ( Allium sativum ) at home is now very popular. It's an easy vegetable to grow - just plant a garlic...

    Read more about Garlic
    how to grow courgettes

    Zucchini

    Zucchini are now a common, summer staple in the vegetable garden. They are relatively easy to grow and they can be eaten...

    Read more about Zucchini
    how to grow runner bean

    Runner beans

    Runner beans, or more correctly scarlet runner beans, (Phaseolus coccineus) are among the easiest and most rewarding...

    Read more about Runner beans
    growing salad leaves

    Salad leaves

    Bags of salad leaves are quite expensive to buy and have a fairly short lifespan in the fridge. Grow your own and you...

    Read more about Salad leaves
    How to grow pumpkins

    Pumpkins

    Delicious in pies, soups and stews and full of vitamins and minerals, pumpkins are a tasty autumn and winter treat...

    Read more about Pumpkins
    growing sweetcorn

    Sweet Corn

    Sweet Corn, or maize, won't really grow as high as an elephant's eye, but it will be sweet, tender and delicious -...

    Read more about Sweet Corn
    How to grow & care for asparagus

    Asparagus

    Asparagus is a classic spring vegetable worth establishing in your garden. You’ll need to wait 2 years from planting...

    Read more about Asparagus
    How to grow & care for cauliflower

    Cauliflower

    Drizzled with olive oil and baked whole or sliced into steaks, cut into individual florets and wok-tossed in a stir fry...

    Read more about Cauliflower
    How to grow & care for broccoli

    Broccoli

    Broccoli is a must have in every home veggie patch - it’s productive, nutritious and very easy to grow. Although it’s...

    Read more about Broccoli
    How to grow & care for rhubarb

    Rhubarb

    Rhubarbs edible stalks grow from a central crown and this popular vegetable is most commonly eaten as a sweet! Once...

    Read more about Rhubarb
    Brussels Sprouts

    Brussels Sprouts

    You might not like the cold weather, but Brussels sprouts do! Brussels sprouts grow best in cool climates with cold...

    Read more about Brussels Sprouts
    How to grow spinach

    Spinach

    Spinach is rich in iron, fibre and other essential vitamins and this easy to grow veg is ready to harvest, leaf by leaf...

    Read more about Spinach
    How to grow kale

    Kale

    Kale is an easy to grow leafy vegetable that has become popular thanks to its superfood status because it’s rich in...

    Read more about Kale
    How to grow & care for cabbage

    Cabbage

    Cabbages are an easy and versatile vegetable for you to grow and enjoy at home! It can be eaten raw, cooked into...

    Read more about Cabbage
    How to grow & care for silverbeet

    Silverbeet

    Silverbeet is also commonly referred to as Swiss chard, chard or rainbow chard. The rainbow variety has brightly...

    Read more about Silverbeet
    Ginger

    Ginger

    Ginger is a tasty and easy spice to grow in your own garden. Tropical and subtropical gardeners can grow ginger year...

    Read more about Ginger
    Growing Avocados

    Avocado

    Avocado trees, once established, are very productive, beautiful evergreen trees that will supply you with plenty of...

    Read more about Avocado
    Bunch of Beetroot

    Beetroot

    Beetroot is the ultimate vegetable to grow for root-to-tip eating! Its young tender leaves can be eaten raw in salads or...

    Read more about Beetroot
    Celery

    Celery

    Celery can be a fussy vegetable to grow, it doesn’t like it too hot or too cold! But once you’ve got it growing happily...

    Read more about Celery
    Watercress plant

    Watercress

    Watercress is a peppery, nutrient-rich leafy green that’s delicious on sandwiches and in salads. It’s easy to grow in...

    Read more about Watercress
    Turmeric in a bowl

    Turmeric

    Turmeric is bright yellow, pungent spice, native to the monsoon rainforests of Asia, that you can easily grow in your...

    Read more about Turmeric
    Eggplant bunch

    Eggplant

    Eggplants are a heat-loving, productive and home garden-friendly crop to grow. They love a full sun spot and will...

    Read more about Eggplant
    Growing lots of capsicum

    Capsicum

    Capsicums add crunch, colour and nutrients to many dishes including salads, casseroles, stir fries and roasts. Capsicums...

    Read more about Capsicum
    Growing Sweet Potato

    Sweet Potato

    Sweet potatoes rambling vines grow tubers beneath the ground. These vigorous and productive vines can be grown in a...

    Read more about Sweet Potato
    Growing Beans

    Beans

    Beans are a bountiful plant to have in your vegetable garden, they are easy to grow and heavy croppers. You can find...

    Read more about Beans
    grow radishes

    Radish

    Radishes are one of the easiest and speediest vegetable crops to grow! Perfect for the time poor or beginner gardener...

    Read more about Radish
    Growing Leeks

    Leeks

    Leeks are a sweet and mild member of the onion family. They thrive in cold and warm temperate climates but can be...

    Read more about Leeks
    Globe Artichoke small

    Globe artichokes

    Globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus) are thistle like plants that produce edible flowers - harvested and eaten in their bud...

    Read more about Globe artichokes
    Fennel

    Fennel

    Fennel or Florence Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare dulce) produces crisp white bulbs, topped with fern like fronds - all...

    Read more about Fennel
    Horseradish

    Horseradish

    Horseradish is a vigorous plant related to broccoli, cabbage and kale - but unlike its brassica cousins, horseradish is...

    Read more about Horseradish
    Patty Pan Squash

    Patty Pan Squash

    Squash or patty pan squash as they are often called - because of their UFO like shape - are an easy to grow summer...

    Read more about Patty Pan Squash
    Parsnip

    Parsnip

    Parsnips are a nutty and sweet root vegetable that can take 5-6 months to reach maturity! But the flavour of homegrown...

    Read more about Parsnip
    Shallots

    Shallots

    Shallots ( Allium cepa var. aggregatum ) are a member of the onion family loved by chefs and home cooks for their mild...

    Read more about Shallots
    Lettuce

    Lettuce

    Lettuce is an easy to grow, staple leafy green that can be easily grown year round. You can grow lettuce quickly from...

    Read more about Lettuce
    How to grow small Okra

    Okra

    Okra , also known as Lady’s Fingers or Gumbo, produces long pod-shaped fruit that can be used in stews, curries and stir...

    Read more about Okra
    Taro

    Taro

    Taro is a staple crop in many pacific countries that produces an edible white tuber beneath the ground. The starchy taro...

    Read more about Taro
    Carrots

    Carrot

    Carrots are an easy to grow, staple vegetable that’s worth including in your garden. They’ll happily grow in a full sun...

    Read more about Carrot
    Snow peas

    Snow Peas

    Snow peas are heavy croppers that are easy to grow in home veggie beds or potted gardens. Snow peas flat pods can be...

    Read more about Snow Peas
    Turnips

    Turnip

    Turnip are a fast and easy to grow root crop that’s related to other broccoli, cabbage and other brassicas. Although...

    Read more about Turnip
    Yam

    Yam

    Yam (Dioscorea sp.) is an ancient food crop grown in tropical and subtropical climates as an alternative to potatoes...

    Read more about Yam
    Mustard Greens

    Mustard greens

    Mustard greens (Brassica juncea) are a cool season vegetable, grown for their peppery edible leaves. You can eat young...

    Read more about Mustard greens
    How to grow blueberries

    Blueberries

    Eaten fresh, baked in muffins or as the star attraction in jams or desserts, blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) are...

    Read more about Blueberries
    How to grow strawberries | Love the Garden

    Strawberries

    Who doesn’t love strawberries? If you’re a strawberry fan, there are many varieties easy to grow at home, allowing you...

    Read more about Strawberries
    How to grow raspberries

    Raspberries

    What could be better than a bowl of sweet, fresh-picked raspberries in summer? These delicious fruits are easy to grow...

    Read more about Raspberries
    How to grow & care for cherry trees

    Cherries

    Homegrown cherries are sweet, juicy and delicious. Many varieties will be dripping with ready to pick cherries around...

    Read more about Cherries
    How to grow & care for apple trees

    Apple

    Apple trees love a garden with cool winters, but if you choose the right variety (with ‘low chill’ requirements), you...

    Read more about Apple
    Choko

    Choko

    Chokos are an old-fashioned crop that’s making a comeback! Once upon a time, these vigorous vines covered pergolas...

    Read more about Choko
    Harvesting Blackberries

    Blackberries

    Blackberries sometimes get a bad wrap thanks to the wild, thorny, weedy ones! But growing blackberries in your garden is...

    Read more about Blackberries
    Growing Dragon fruit

    Dragon Fruit

    Dragon fruit grows on a climbing cactus that produces stunning white flowers in summer. These flowers develop into pink...

    Read more about Dragon Fruit
    Growing grapes

    Grapes

    Growing grapes from your own grapevine really are the perfect summer snack! Fruiting grapevines are fast-growing...

    Read more about Grapes
    Fig Tree

    Fig Trees

    Fig trees originate from the Mediterranean where the summers are hot and dry, and winters cool - so they happily grow in...

    Read more about Fig Trees
    Mango

    Mango

    Mangoes are the classic summer fruit, loved for their sweet and juicy flesh. Mango trees thrive in tropical and...

    Read more about Mango
    Passionfruit

    Passionfruit

    Passionfruits are a popular and productive vine that will grow in most climates around Australia. They particularly...

    Read more about Passionfruit
    Persimmon

    Persimmon

    Persimmons are medium to tall growing deciduous trees that produce apple sized, orange coloured persimmon fruits in...

    Read more about Persimmon
    Pineapples

    Pineapples

    Pineapples are an easy care tropical fruit, that will also grow in other frost-free climates around Australia too...

    Read more about Pineapples
    Rockmelon

    Rockmelon

    Rockmelons , also known as cantaloupe, grow on sprawling vines during the warmest months of the year. These sun-loving...

    Read more about Rockmelon
    How to grow Lychee

    Lychee

    Lychee fruit grow on medium to large evergreen trees that love growing in subtropical and tropical climates. They love a...

    Read more about Lychee
    Paw Paw

    Paw Paw

    Paw Paw or Papaya (Carica papaya) originate from tropical and subtropical climates, so they thrive in warm, frost free...

    Read more about Paw Paw
    Mulberry

    Mulberry

    Mulberry trees are a fast and easy to fruiting plant for every home garden! You’ll rarely find mulberries at the...

    Read more about Mulberry
    Watermelon

    Watermelon

    Watermelons grow on sprawling vines during the warmest months of the year in Australia. These sun-loving plants can be...

    Read more about Watermelon
    Pear

    Pear Trees

    Pear trees love a garden with cool winters, but if you choose the right variety (with ‘low chill’ requirements) you can...

    Read more about Pear Trees
    Kiwifruit

    Kiwifruit

    Kiwifruit grow on large, vigorous vines that need a lot of space to grow. To produce kiwifruit you’ll need to plant both...

    Read more about Kiwifruit
    Gooseberry

    Gooseberries

    Gooseberries (Ribes uva-crispa) are native to parts of Europe, but they’ll happily grow in the cooler parts of southern...

    Read more about Gooseberries
    plum

    Plum Trees

    Plum trees are productive fruit trees, ideally suited to growing in the average backyard or in a large pot. There are...

    Read more about Plum Trees
    pomegranate

    Pomegranate

    Pomegranates (Punica granatum) are heat-loving trees, native to the Middle East, that grow well here in Australia. The...

    Read more about Pomegranate
    Growing orchids

    Orchids

    Orchids are a great addition to any home, with their exotic, delicate and diverse flowers and their beautiful shapes and...

    Read more about Orchids
    How to grow sunflowers

    Sunflowers

    If you want to grow something spectacular, plant sunflowers. They come in a whole range of sizes from dwarf to giant and...

    Read more about Sunflowers
    How to grow Allium

    Allium

    Alliums belong to the same family as onions, garlic and leeks, as you can tell from the aroma when you crush the foliage...

    Read more about Allium
    How to grow roses

    Roses

    Roses are among our favourite garden plants – and deservedly so. They are versatile, produce vibrant colour through...

    Read more about Roses
    how to grow sweet peas

    Sweet peas

    The sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) is an incredibly popular flowering climbing plant that produces masses of flowers from...

    Read more about Sweet peas
    How to grow & care for lavender

    Lavender

    Lavender is a beautiful, fragrant small shrub perfect for cottage gardens, perennial borders and pollinator patches...

    Read more about Lavender
    How to grow dahlia

    Dahlia

    Dahlias produce colourful blooms throughout summer and well into autumn in Australia. Their flowers can be big and...

    Read more about Dahlia
    Azalea small

    Azalea

    Azaleas have the power to fill winter and spring gardens with masses of colourful blooms. Azaleas will tolerate a range...

    Read more about Azalea
    Gerbera

    Gerbera

    Gerberas produce bright, colourful flowers on long stems during the warmer months of the year. Gerbera daisies grow in...

    Read more about Gerbera
    Jasmine

    Jasmine

    Jasmine (Jasmine polyanthum) is a vigorous vine with sweetly scented white and pink blushed blooms throughout spring and...

    Read more about Jasmine
    Lilies

    Lilies

    Lilies or lilium are summer flowering bulbs with showy blooms that are often heavily fragrant. Lilies will grow in most...

    Read more about Lilies
    Marigold

    Marigold

    Marigold flowers will bring bright pops of colour to your warm season garden, veggie bed or pots. There are 3 main types...

    Read more about Marigold
    Gardenia

    Gardenia

    Gardenias are warm climate flowering shrubs or small trees, loved for their beautifully perfumed blooms. Gardenia plants...

    Read more about Gardenia
    Poppies

    Poppies

    Poppies will bring a flush of colour into your spring garden with their frilly flowers. There are many different types...

    Read more about Poppies
    Proteas

    Proteas

    Proteas are sun-loving beauties originally from South Africa, that grow particularly well in our poor Australian soils...

    Read more about Proteas
    Snapdragons

    Snapdragons

    Snapdragons are bright and cheerful flowering plants that grow in most climates. If you live in a region with heavy...

    Read more about Snapdragons
    How to grow hydrangeas

    Hydrangea

    Hydrangeas ( Hydrangea macrophylla ) are the perfect flowering shrub for part shade AND their big blousy flower heads...

    Read more about Hydrangea
    Geraniums

    Geraniums

    Geraniums (Pelargonium spp.) are hardy, sun-loving plants with brightly coloured flowers throughout spring and summer...

    Read more about Geraniums
    Carnations

    Carnations

    Carnations are grown for their beautifully fringed, fragrant blooms that make a long-lasting cut flower to enjoy in a...

    Read more about Carnations
    poinsettia

    Poinsettia

    Poinsettia is a Christmas favourite - their red and green colours are commonly used to bring festive cheer indoors over...

    Read more about Poinsettia
    Begonias

    Begonias

    Begonias come in a range of sizes and forms, and they’re loved by gardeners as indoor or outdoor plants for their...

    Read more about Begonias
    African Violet

    African Violets

    African violets are typically grown as indoor plants, but they will also tolerate growing outdoors in a protected warm...

    Read more about African Violets
    Forget Me Nots

    Forget Me Nots

    Forget Me Nots produce dainty pale blue, pale pink or mauve flowers in spring and summer. These pretty low growing...

    Read more about Forget Me Nots
    Rhododendron

    Rhododendron

    Rhododendrons are spring flowering shrubs or trees that are closely related to azaleas, so they like similar growing...

    Read more about Rhododendron
    Everlasting Daisies

    Everlasting Daisies

    Everlasting Daisies (Xerochrysum bracteatum) are a colourful Australian native daisy often called Strawflowers or Paper...

    Read more about Everlasting Daisies
    Lilac

    Lilac

    Lilac shrubs or trees (Syringa vulgaris) are loved for their heavenly fragrant flowers in spring and summer. In autumn...

    Read more about Lilac
    ranunculus

    Ranunculus

    Ranunculus (Ranunculus asiaticus) make the perfect spring and early summer cut flower. They grow from dormant corms...

    Read more about Ranunculus
    Zinnia

    Zinnia

    Zinnias are colourful and cheerful summer flowering annual plants that are a must for all gardens during the warmer...

    Read more about Zinnia
    Fuchsia

    Fuchsia

    Fuchsia plants produce delicate and colourful hanging flowers that look like twirling ballerinas in spring, summer and...

    Read more about Fuchsia
    Aster

    Aster

    Aster (Callistephus chinensis) or Chinese Aster are fast-growing, flowering annuals that thrive in the warmth of spring...

    Read more about Aster
    Iris

    Iris

    Iris flowers appear in spring and summer in Australia on long, slender stems that can be around 60-100cm tall. Irises...

    Read more about Iris
    Nasturtium

    Nasturtium

    Nasturtiums are an easy to grow , flowering companion plant that’s also edible. Nasturtium flowers have a peppery...

    Read more about Nasturtium
    Petunia

    Petunia

    Petunias are sun loving, summer flowering beauties that provide masses of colour over the warmer months. Petunias love...

    Read more about Petunia
    Tulips

    Tulips

    Tulips are spring flowering bulbs that love climates with cooler winters. However, if your winters are milder in...

    Read more about Tulips
    How to Grow Fiddle Leaf Figs

    Fiddle Leaf Figs

    With their lush, upright stature and huge, glossy leaves, the Fiddle Leaf Fig ( Ficus lyrata ) is one of the most...

    Read more about Fiddle Leaf Figs
    Peace Lily

    Peace Lily

    With their dark green foliage and pure white flowers, Peace Lilies are a stunning addition indoors. Being just as...

    Read more about Peace Lily
    How to grow Monstera

    Monstera

    Monstera deliciosa is also commonly called the Swiss cheese Plant, Fruit Salad Plant or Monstera. Its large green glossy...

    Read more about Monstera
    Philodendron Plant

    Philodendron

    There’s a reason why Philodendrons make such great indoor plants… well several actually! They look good, aren’t fussy...

    Read more about Philodendron
    African Violet

    African Violet

    Cheerful, bright and compact, African violets are the perfect indoor pot plant. They have eye-catching purple, red, pink...

    Read more about African Violet
    Devil Ivy

    Devil's Ivy (Pothos)

    Devil’s Ivy ( Epipremnum aureum ), also known as Pothos, is most commonly grown as an easy going indoor plant - it’s one...

    Read more about Devil's Ivy (Pothos)
    Snake Plant

    Snake Plants

    Snake Plants are the easiest houseplant of all to grow. This undemanding plant will grow in the most challenging of...

    Read more about Snake Plants
    Aloe Vera plant

    Aloe Vera

    Aloe Vera is a striking succulent plant, with medicinal properties, that can be grown in your garden or indoors as a...

    Read more about Aloe Vera
    Hoya

    Hoya

    Hoya, also known as wax flower, are evergreen vines (or sometimes shrubs or succulent plants) with fragrant flowers in...

    Read more about Hoya
    Anthurium

    Anthurium

    Anthuriums are tropical, flowering plants with glossy leaves and heart shaped flowers. They’ll thrive outdoors in warm...

    Read more about Anthurium
    String of Pearls

    String of Pearls

    String of Pearls is a cascading succulent with pearl-like foliage, hence its name! These succulents thrive best in a...

    Read more about String of Pearls
    Maidenhair Ferns

    Maidenhair Ferns

    Maidenhair Ferns have a reputation for being fussy and tricky to grow, but they don’t have to be!

    Read more about Maidenhair Ferns
    Air Plants

    Air Plants

    Air Plants ( Tillandsia spp. ) do not need soil to grow and they don’t really have roots like other plants - the roots...

    Read more about Air Plants
    chain of hearts

    Chain of Hearts

    Chair of Hearts, despite their delicate appearance, are actually a succulent plant! Their long trailing tendrils can...

    Read more about Chain of Hearts
    Epipremnum Pinnatum leaves

    Dragon Tail

    Dragon Tail ( Epipremnum pinnatum ) is a popular Australian native, mostly grown as an indoor plant. In the wild, it...

    Read more about Dragon Tail
    Rubber Plant

    Rubber Plant

    Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) are very popular indoor plants because they’re so easy to grow. Rubber Plants are loved...

    Read more about Rubber Plant
    Spider Plant

    Spider Plant

    Spider Plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are possibly the easiest and most adaptable house plant to grow! They are happy in...

    Read more about Spider Plant
    Syngonium

    Syngonium

    Syngonium or Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium podophyllum) are a brilliant indoor plant for beginners to grow. Initially they...

    Read more about Syngonium
    Calathea

    Calathea

    Calathea (Calathea sp.) also known as Prayer Plants, are tropical plants grown commonly as indoor plants so their vivid...

    Read more about Calathea
    ctenanthe

    Ctenanthe

    Ctenanthe species (pronounced te-NANTH-ee) are often mistaken for their cousins the calatheas and confusingly they are...

    Read more about Ctenanthe
    Zanzibar Gem

    Zanzibar Gem (ZZ Plant)

    Zanzibar Gem, also commonly called the ZZ Plant, is a low-maintenance houseplant characterised by its shiny, wide, oval...

    Read more about Zanzibar Gem (ZZ Plant)
    Chinese Evergreens

    Chinese Evergreen

    Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema sp.) have lots of large leaves with either silver, green, pink or yellow variegation. They...

    Read more about Chinese Evergreen
    Alcocasia

    Alocasia

    Alocasia, also called Elephant Ears, are tropical herbaceous perennials that grow from a tuber or rhizome beneath the...

    Read more about Alocasia
    peperomia

    Peperomia

    Peperomia plants are grown as indoor plants for their decorative and colourful leaves. You’ll find peperomias (also...

    Read more about Peperomia
    Weeping fig

    Weeping Fig

    Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina) are elegant houseplants loved for their glossy leaves that hang gracefully from arching...

    Read more about Weeping Fig
    Mistletoe Cactus in a pot

    Mistletoe Cactus

    Mistletoe Cactus (Rhipsalis campos-portoana) are easy to grow, lush plants that suit growing in hanging baskets or wall...

    Read more about Mistletoe Cactus
    Parlour Palm

    Parlour palms

    Parlour Palms (Chamaedorea elegans) bring a tropical vibe to any home without the need for a tropical climate. They...

    Read more about Parlour palms
    Tradescantia

    Tradescantia

    Spiderwort (Tradescantia zebrina) is an easy-to-grow, trailing plant with multi-coloured green/purple leaves for real...

    Read more about Tradescantia
    How To Grow & Care For Buffalo Lawn

    Buffalo Grass

    A popular stalwart in Australian gardens for good reason, buffalo grass makes for an incredibly resilient lawn. It is...

    Read more about Buffalo Grass
    How To Grow & Care For Kikuyu Lawn

    Kikuyu Grass

    Kikuya grass, or Pennisetum Clandestinum, is a vigorous plant often used in Australian lawns and common in public...

    Read more about Kikuyu Grass
    Bromeliad

    Bromeliads

    Bromeliads ( Bromeliaceae ) are a diverse group of plants with a very tropical vibe. With over 3000 different species in...

    Read more about Bromeliads
    how to grow Kangaroo Paw

    Kangaroo Paw

    Kangaroo paws are among the most iconic Australian plants, instantly recognisable by their unique furry and vibrantly...

    Read more about Kangaroo Paw
    Growing almond

    Almond Tree

    Almonds (Prunus amygdalus) are the edible nuts produced inside the hard-fleshed velvety fruit, that grows on a tree that...

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    bougainvillea

    Bougainvillea

    Bougainvilleas put on a showy display of vibrant colour throughout summer. These vigorous vines are drought tolerant and...

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    Magnolia

    Magnolia

    Magnolia's magnificent blooms arrive at the end of winter, announcing that spring isn’t far away. On deciduous magnolias...

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    Birds of Paradise

    Bird of Paradise

    Bird of Paradise plants are tropical beauties with big leaves and flamboyant, colourful flowers that resemble birds...

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    dieffenbachia

    Dieffenbachia

    Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia spp.), also known as Dumb Cane or Leopard Lily, are fast-growing tropical plants popular as...

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    Boston Fern

    Boston Fern

    Boston Ferns (Nephrolepis exaltata) are elegant plants with long, slender leaves that cascade over the sides of their...

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    Kentia Palm

    Kentia Palm

    Kentia Palms (Howea forsteriana) are tall, elegant palms with arching fronds on long stems that will happily grow as a...

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    Lilly Pilly

    Lilly Pilly

    Lilly Pilly plants range from small shrubs to large trees - you can grow them in the ground or pots and you’ll find a...

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    bottlebrush

    Bottlebrush

    Bottlebrush gets their common name because their fluffy, blooms are shaped like old-fashioned bottle brushes...

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    Waratah

    Waratah

    Waratah (Telopea species) are Australian native plants loved for their large flowers that come in a range of colours...

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    Lemon Tree

    Lemon Trees

    Lemon trees are a classic backyard staple! These productive trees are long-lived and will grow in a large pot or in your...

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    Christmas Bush

    Christmas Bush

    Christmas Bush (Ceratopetlum gummiferum) or New South Wales Christmas Bush as it’s sometimes called is an Australian...

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    English Ivy

    English Ivy

    English Ivy (Hedera helix) is a fast growing, creeping vine that is a serious environmental weed in many parts of...

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    Microgreens

    Microgreens

    Microgreens are the young and immature seedlings of plants with edible leaves that you can harvest and use for garnish...

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    Buxus_hedge

    Buxus

    Buxus (Buxus species), often called Box Plants or Box Hedges are small growing evergreen trees or shrubs. Buxus are...

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    Dichondra

    Dichondra Repens

    Dichondra (Dichondra ripens), also called Kidney Weed, is a fast growing, evergreen ground cover that’s easy to grow...

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    Vegetables

    What to harvest now:

    Many of the veggies planted or sown in through spring may start cropping during the month, some earlier than others. Pick what you need daily and rinse in clean water to remove dirt and dust before eating. Beans, lettuce, tomatoes, beetroot, spring onions, snap peas, silverbeet and sweet corn all taste better fresh from the garden.

     
    What to plant now:

    Seedlings of summer favourites and Asian greens may still be planted now into well prepared and fertilised soil. Add a long-term or slow release fertiliser and mix through the soil then moisten well a few days before planting.

    Advanced tomato seedlings can still go in provided they are given some protection from scorching sun until they are established. Staggering the plantings over many weeks will provide continuous cropping throughout summer. Check your local garden centre to see what other veggies are on offer.

    Plant seedlings of the following:   
    • Asian greens
    • Beetroot
    • Lettuce
    • Silverbeet
    • Spring onion
    • Tomato
    Veggie patch tips for December:
    • Use a liquid fertiliser for vegetables and herbs such as Scotts Osmocote® Pour+Feed for Tomatoes & Herbs or a certified organic fertiliser to keep veggies growing well.
    • Check the ties on bush tomatoes to ensure they are not too tight.
    • Train climbing crops like peas and beans up tripods or trellising to keep plants up off the ground.

     

    • Hand pull or hoe out weeds as they appear – they compete for nutrients and moisture and may also harbour pests that could attack your crops. 
    • Water early in the day direct on to the soil – avoid wetting leaves because this could encourage diseases.
    • Build a shade cloth or bird netting cover over the entire veggie patch to prevent birds or possums eating the produce before it’s ripe enough to pick. Use a mesh size of 5mm or less to prevent birds and animals being caught in it.

    Fruit

    What fruits to harvest now?

    The first of the stone fruits – cherries – ripen early in December. The first box into the wholesale markets is usually auctioned off for a handsome sum, donated to charity. Later in the month, apricots will be ripe, followed by early season plums.

     

    Strawberries and early cropping varieties of raspberries and blackberries all fruit in December, and the first of the passionfruit may turn purple and drop to the ground. Tropical fruits and citrus are still cropping in warmer areas, and honeydew melon, watermelon and cantaloupe are still in season in hot, dry regions.

    What fruit to plant:

    Planting of evergreen and potted deciduous fruit trees is not recommended over summer. Soil and air temperatures are too high and may damage roots and soft growth, from which the plants may never fully recover.

    Flowers

    What flowers to plant:

    Continue planting gladiolus corms every two weeks until mid-December. They usually flower in about 60 days. 

     
    Plant seedlings of the following into pots, tubs or baskets (not into the garden):
    • Bedding begonia
    • Candytuft
    • Carnation
    • Celosia
    • Geum
    • Linaria
    • Nasturtium
    • Petunia
    • Portulaca
    • Salvia
    • Scabiosa
    • Sweet William
    • Verbena
    • Wallflower
    • Zinnia 

    Indoor Plants

     Tips for Indoor Plants:

    • Keep the air around indoor plants humid by regularly misting plants with a water atomiser.
    • Wipe leaves occasionally with a damp cloth to keep them clean.
    • If you are going away over the festive season, water all your potted plants thoroughly a day or so before leaving then move them all to the coolest part of the house. They will survive quite well for a couple of weeks without further water.
    • Feed fortnightly with ready to use Osmocote Pour+Feed Indoor Plants – no mixing required. There are also Pour+Feed products for orchids and cacti.

    Lawn

    Maintenance tips for your Lawn:

    Regular mowing will keep existing lawns looking neat. Raise the cutting height to leave the grass longer to protect the crowns and runners of grasses from the sun. This also helps keep the soil and roots cooler. If it doesn’t rain, water the lawn deeply at least once a week (if there are no restrictions in place) early in the morning before sunrise. 

    • Apply a slow release lawn food (Lawn Builder Buffalo, Lawn Builder All Purpose) now to keep the lawn growing well. If your soil is hydrophobic (repels moisture), use Lawn Builder + Wetting Agent.
    • Lawn grubs may be problematic now in warmer areas. Use Lawn Builder + Grub & Insect to control them.

     

    • If you have a broadleaf weed problem, buffalo and lawn substitutes can be treated and fed with Lawn Builder Buffalo Weed, Feed & Green Up, a hose-on product that can be safely used on all lawn types. 
    • Watch for bindii spreading through lawns and get on top of any incursions quickly with Lawn Builder Bindii, Clover & Broadleaf, a ready-to-use, hose-on lawn weeder that’s safe to use on all grasses.

    Garden Tasks

    Things to look out for and do during the month:

    Summer is all about mulching – add a layer about 100mm deep of pea straw, lucerne or sugarcane mulch over garden beds, including the vegetable patch, to keep the soil cool, moist and weed-free.

     

    • Keep flowering annuals, vegetables and herbs growing well with regular applications of Osmocote Boost+Feed All Plant Types.
    • Continue regularly trimming evergreen trees and shrubs to keep them neat.
    • Apply fungicide sprays on fruit trees to combat fungal diseases like brown rot and freckle until fruits are almost ripe. DO NOT spray within two weeks of harvest.
    • Spring bulbs that have completely died down may be lifted now. Leave them on the grass to dry off for a day or so before gently brushing off loose soil. Then spread them out in a single layer on a wire or plastic mesh tray and store in a cool, airy and dry place until autumn.
    • Buy a couple of pots of brilliant red poinsettias a week or two before Christmas. There’s nothing quite like them to bring a real festive air to your home.
    • Take down hanging baskets on hot, windy days and move them as well as outdoor pots to a shady, sheltered spot where they won’t get burned to a crisp.

     

      Pest Control:

      • Slugs and snails can be active whenever there are young plants around – Defender Snail & Slug Pellets in a bait trap will protect your plants and keep your pets safe.
      • Watch for aphids and other sap-sucking pests like thrips on young plants and flowers. Defender Pyrethrum Insect Spray will control them. Don’t forget to spray the undersides of leaves as well as the top surface.
      • Check for powdery mildew on roses and other plants including pumpkins and zucchinis, especially when nights are warm and humid. Use a copper-based fungicide to control them.

       

       

      Suggested Products
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      Scotts Osmocote Pour+Feed for Tomatoes & Herbs

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      Scotts Osmocote Pour+Feed All Purpose

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      Scotts Osmocote® Plus Organics Tomato, Vegetable & Herb Planting Mix

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      Scotts Osmocote® Compost Premium Soil Improver

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      What to do in your garden in December

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      How to Grow Your Own Pizza Pots

      If your kids (or you) like pizza, then growing your own pizza veggies and herbs is a must! Follow Melissa King's easy...

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      Everything you need to know about stone fruits

      Everything You Need to Know About Stone Fruits & How to Grow Them at Home

      Stone fruits are a Summertime favourite, often filling salads, desserts and dishes with their juicy and delicious...

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      Mini Munchies for Kids: The Best Bite-Sized Fruit & Veggies to Grow

      Fill lunchboxes with homegrown goodness and enjoy plenty of small yet tasty snacks fresh from the garden!

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