Home Garden Consult

Home Garden Consult A one on one tailored onsite garden consultation with our Horticulturalist.

24/04/2024

Hello everyone.
What are you all doing this autumn in your garden? Today I am showing you my glass house and my tomato plant trial. Did you know you can use sticks and a plastic bag as a make shift glass house. Or even a fish tank with a lid.
I am also fielding the question as to whether I start my classes again or not.
Local hot topics are propagation and potting. Also how to successfully plant out. If you would be interested in attending some classes, let me know. Also what areas you want to learn about. I will attempt to keep classes approx 1 hour duration at a cost of $10 per adult. These are not child friendly classes. I am happy to discuss children's classes if there is a demand for it.
Happy gardening everyone.


14/02/2024

Hello everyone. Today's video I am talking about wicking beds. They are a great way to be an "almost" forget to water way of gardening. They are perfect for herbs and vegetables and any plants that prefer wet feet.
I have shown you two ways you can buy or make your own "wicking pot" without picking up a tool at all. No special purchases needed. Maybe we need to go back to the old ways. It seems they worked well until we got to technical with gardening.
It's at these times I wish my grandparents were around for me to ask all those solid gold questions. Lucky I still have my mum and her world or wisdom.
Happy gardening everyone. Enjoy the last of our summer. Lots of Autumn videos will be coming soon to help your garden prepare for that cold Ballarat winter.

23/12/2023

Merry Christmas to all my past and present clients, and to everyone watching my page.
I hope you all have a fabulous holiday break.
I look forward to some new and exciting things happening next year.
I will be opening up for classes again and some great gardening tips.
We have nearly finished the glass house, which will be a great asset to the learning environment.
I look forward to meeting new people and sharing my knowledge with you all.
Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you all.

13/12/2023

Hello everyone.

What is going on with this crazy weather. I think in the last week we have seen all 4 seasons. I was waiting for snow it was that radical!!!

Just a reminder to check on pot plants for damp soil (wind and humidity can dry them out) and check for branch/limb damage in your garden too. This wind can cause so many problems.

Also, with this humidity, it's best to attempt watering at ground level. If the foliage stays wet for extended periods of time, the result is fungal problems.

Fungal issues can also occur from splashing on the underside of the leaves too. So mulch, mulch, mulch. The mulch reduces soil and water from splashing as much.

Happy gardening everyone.

07/12/2023

Hello everyone.
What a windy old day it is today. And hot. Bit of a horrible combination. These conditions can dry your plants out extremely fast. Make sure your garden and pots get a drink of water today. The wind can also cause some damage to branches and leaves. If you notice any breakages, wait for safer weather conditions, and head out with your secateurs to give it a clean cut. Also make sure your secateurs are sanitised between each plant. I carry around a cloth and a small spray bottle with 80% metho to 20% water. This is the fastest way to sanitise on the go.

Happy gardening everyone

07/12/2023

Hello everyone. So let's talk dead heading. To do it or not to do it. That is the question. Dead heading is a form of pruning.
To simplify, when a plant flowers, it is for the purpose of reproducing. The flower requires pollination to then form viable seed.
So when the flower dies, the seed starts to mature in preparation for collection or falling on the ground to become part of nature's seed bank.
By dead heading you are taking away your potential seeds. But by dead heading you are giving the plant the opportunity to produce another flush of flowers. Or to replenish its strength ready for the next season. It takes alot of energy to produce seed. So you are taking a bit of stress from the plant when you dead head.
So, it's up to you. Do you want seeds or do you want the potential of more flowers. And just make sure you know your plant. Not all plants will give you a second flush of flowers. Some plants require 2nd year wood to flower on. Others set flower buds through its dormant period.
So again, get to know your plants.
Happy gardening everyone.

04/12/2023

Hello everyone.
Today I thought I would talk to you about plant damage.
When we have extreme weather conditions, our plants can sustain some damage. Broken branches can be a problem for your plants if left unattended. They are essentially an open wound. And an open wound can be a perfect location for pests and diseases to attack.
Trimming and pruning off the broken branches leaves a clean and healthy cut that heals quickly. This will reduce problems for your plant.
To help future proof your plants there are some steps you can take to prevent or reduce breakages.
In the case of potted plants, you can move them where they will recieve protection. For garden plant, you can use stakes and ties. By supporting young, weak or fruit laden branches, you are preventing potential damage.
Happy gardening everyone.

03/12/2023

Hello everyone.
If you are unsure a plant need repotting, there are a few ways to check.
1. Hold the pot up, can you see roots coming out the drain holes. If yes, time to repot into a larger pot.
2. Water well. Does the water drain out very fast or not at all. If yes, time to repot with new potting mix.
3. Water well. Support the plant, tip upside down and carefully remove the pot. Are the roots starting to wrap around themselves in the shape of the pot (pot bound). If yes, you may need to trim the roots/untangle and repot.

If the answer is No to all of the above, then leave your plant if its happy. Fertilise it and leave for another season before checking again.

Remember once you repot to use a seaweed solution to help your plant with stress. Seaweed solution is a great plant tonic (not a fertiliser) and can be used fortnightly year round. Mix as per directions on the packaging. No need to alter the strength. It has been formulated for the strength recommended.

Happy gardening everyone.

02/12/2023

Hello everyone.
I hope your all happy gardening these last few months.
Just a little reminder while we are still seeing some wet weather.
Don't forget to water your pot plants under cover. When it is cold and miserable, the last thing we think of is watering plants.
Also with the seasons just ticking over to summer, don't forget to fertilise your plants. At a minimum we should be fertilising at least 3 seasons a year (generally not during your plants dormant time) some fertilisers need reapplying. Just read the packet and it will tell you how often (for instance, some liquid fertilisers are fortnightly)
As the weather starts to heat up, we need to help keep our plants roots cool. The best way to do that is with mulch.
Happy gardening everyone.


31/07/2023

Potting media and soil are the foundation to all plant life. Without a good solid, healthy foundation, your plant will struggle and potentially die. We need to make sure we nourish, feed and look after that foundation. It holds the life, nutrients, oxygen and moisture that all plant life needs to survive.

Have a great Tuesday everyone.

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