September is forecast to be warmer and drier. Agh! Pest insects are slowly waking up (groan). Windy days, occasional storms and hotter temperatures will likely provide us with plenty of challenges! I’ve been busy adding compost, mulch and locking in moisture as an insurance policy against harsh conditions ahead. It was great to get some much-needed rain but the hail sadly punched holes in most large-leafed vegetables. Arrowroot and banana leaves were shredded too. Thankfully, the netted beds were saved from hail damage. A reminder that it’s prime time for crop covers and shade cloth to protect our precious harvests.
I’ve had a great harvest of winter vegetables with broccolini, sugarloaf cabbages, kale, leafy greens, tomatoes, spinach, potatoes and sweet potatoes continuing to produce well. The garden is filled with colourful flowers that are a magnet for beneficial predatory insects and pollinators. Can’t go past our flowering herbs, all basils, cosmos and nasturtiums. Mulberries, citrus and stone fruit are producing a good harvest despite the king parrots and every other bird in the vicinity taking the opportunity to self-serve at this ‘fly through’ restaurant. I remind myself regularly that ‘Fair Share’ is one of the key principles of Permaculture!
In the attached PDF, I share some seasonal growing tips for our local climate, what to plant, a few issues to consider and garden tasks for this time of year. I hope you find it helpful. Dig in!
Happy gardening, Anne
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