Makuru June and July The Season of Fertility
OK, so yes, it is rainy and a bit cold out there but that shouldn’t stop us die hard gardeners from setting the foundations for a stunning spring garden.
Makuru in Noongar language, (the indigenous language from where most of us live and garden here in Perth and Western Australia) is known as the season of fertility. June and July, is the time when the seeds you plant in your garden will easily germinate shortly after you plant them. The seeds will be watered and nourished by the rain and warmed by the sunshine when we have those days in between the rains. It is the perfect time for planting.
Be a careful shopper
New plants when planted small as tube stock or smaller specimens will really take off at this time of the year and actually will settle into the soil much faster than if your were to plant a bigger plant from the garden centre. This ultimately saves you money and you end up with a more beautiful garden with healthy well established plants by the time we experience the heat of summer as the roots are more established and can survive with less water. At the garden centre or nursery don’t always go for the biggest plant you can find. There is always a good selection of smaller plants to choose from. Check them out first. Many local councils will offer vouchers for discounted tube stock plants from APACE nursery to help you get started. https://www.apacewa.org.au/
Prepare your Soil before you Plant
This is the best time to improve your soil with compost and minerals to prepare. The soil is nice and damp so will make digging easier and adding nutrients to the soil a breeze. Also, it is cooler so easier on your own body working outdoors. I use Mature Compost from Swan Valley Landscape Supplies. https://www.swanvalleylandscapesupplies.com.au/
Don’t Prune Your Roses just yet
It is still too early to prune your roses, wait until August or even early September. Don’t prune them too hard, especially if you have cut them back after Summer due to the dreaded chilli thrip.
Keep an Eye on Your Weeds, please!
Keep your weeds under control by pulling them as they emerge, let’s not make heavy weather of this…see one poking its head out, rip it out. Stop them from spreading their seeds into your neighbour’s house. My favourite weeding tool is the Cobrahead Weeder-you can buy them in Australia now. https://www.allrareherbs.com.au/product/mini-weeder-cultivator-garden-tool/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwk8e1BhALEiwAc8MHiBGY1Wqjdw55k5Q8GW25583V8kREmPPxhB2B0i44S_yUD8CS8F6B7xoCf_EQAvD_BwE
Snuggle Up with A Good Book
If it’s too wet outside, there’s always a good gardening book to read. I am reading Good Life Gardening by Hannah Maloney. https://au.permacultureprinciples.com/product/good-life-growing/
What are you reading, this winter?
