Spring is finally here and it’s the perfect time to Spring clean – your garden.
Gardening expert, Doreen Jachmann from Bloomfield Homestead in Jimboomba said Spring is the perfect time to clear the garden of weeds and unwanted vegetation and get the soil ready for Spring planting.
“In Spring you can pretty much go wild with planting,” she said.
“It’s the perfect temperature and climate for so many different types of plants and they just take off.”
Ms Jachmann said before planting though, the most important thing to do is bring the soil back to life.
“If the soil is compact or waterlogged from all the rain we’ve had this winter, you will need to take a garden fork and break it up to let some oxygen back in,” she said
“If your soil has a horrible smell, we call that an anaerobic smell, you will need to make some soil amendments as it means the soil has spoiled with bad bacteria and that will inhibit any new growth.
“To refresh your soil, mix in some premium potting mix or your own compost. The average potting mixes are often made from street sweeper waste so they are littered with chemicals, street run off and oils which can kill your plants.”
If average potting mix is all you have or can afford, Ms Jachmann says not to worry.
“You can go 50/50 with the potting mix you have and some really good compost and that will help the soil come back to life,” she said.
“Another great addition to boost your soil is organic chook pellet manure because it’s a slow-release fertiliser and you can put it directly around your plants, as well as crushed eggshells and coffee grounds.
“The direct sun can kill the microorganisms in the soil, so a 10cm layer of something like sugarcane mulch over top is a great choice.”
Ms Jachmann says now is the time to plant your fruit and veg.
“Unlike other seasons, in Spring you can plant seedlings direct into your garden. It’s not recommended in Summer because it’s too hot and germination rates are not as successful,” she said.
“The best fruits to plant now would be your berries such as raspberries, blackberries, mulberries and strawberries, as well as vine fruits like melons and tomatoes.”
“Winter vegetables will be ready to go to seed now because it’s getting hot, especially your leafy greens, so things like zucchini, cucumber, pumpkin, ginger, turmeric and eggplant are good to start now.”
Ms Jachmann said many Australian natives are in season too.
“I love native gardens, because they create habitats for the birds and wildlife, look at bushtucker plants like the lilly pilly and midyim berry,” she said.
Right, garden sorted.
But, what’s a Queensland backyard without somewhere to entertain?
Owner of Green Isle Landscapes in Bethania, Noel Corr said although Winter is over, fire pits are still a popular choice for outdoor entertaining this Spring.
“Fire pits aren’t just for the winter or cold evenings, I often get called to build fire pits and barbecue areas for people wanting to be outside in the evening in the hotter months,” he said.
“It’s nice to be outside with the family in the evenings or weekends and roast some marshmallows on the fire.
“I will be setting up my own fire pit soon, under our beautiful Jacaranda tree.”
Mr Corr said using recycled items in the garden can be a great way to save money.
“To build my fire pit and save a bit of money I will be using discarded building materials like cuts of mesh, sleepers and timber,” he said.
“Things like old pallets also make great outdoor benches garden boxes and even vertical gardens for small plants like lettuce, strawberries, and herbs.
“You don’t need to spend a fortune on your outdoor area, work within your budget and you can make it look really inviting.”
