What to do this month

• It’s time to prune your roses mid-month, for an autumn display. Check for any insect and weather issues which may have caused black spot, rust and mildew.
• Now is a great time to purchase Crepe Myrtles.
• Increase watering to garden especially shallow-rooted plants such as lemon trees and Camellias as they get thirsty.
• Check soil for moisture and add a wetting agent if needed, to draw water deeply into soil. Check watering systems are working correctly and mulch where needed.
• Make sure your outdoor pots are watered regularly as they will dry out. Adding a wetting agent will help retain moisture. Hanging baskets could be placed in a shadier spot to help with water retention.
• To aerate lawns you can use a pitchfork to create holes.
• Don’t forget about the bird and animal life around your home, and keep topping up water containers and bird baths.
• Fruit trees may need support to prevent limbs from breaking.
• Apply blood and bone to citrus trees and check for sooty mould, scale or leaf miners. These can be combated with horticultural oil.
• Berry bushes will need canes removed after they have fruited.

Vegetables

• Top up mulch and keep water up to plants.
• Plant some blue (borage), purple (sage) and yellow (sunflower) plants in your veggie garden to attract pollinating insects.