All recent comments/discussion

Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
Showing 5041 - 5070 of 13866 comments
Rhubarb 07 Mar, Brenda Robinson (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have just planted some rhubarb seedlings (probably wrong time of year maybe) however, how do I feed the plants and what with. I have put them in a pot and not in the ground, would this hamper the growth.
Reply
Rhubarb 08 Mar, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Rhubarb has a large root when it is mature and would ideally need a pot abot 20 litres. It also likes cooler conditions so position the pot so it doesn't get the hot sun on the pot. Overall it is easy to grow; just keep the water up.
Reply
Rhubarb 08 Mar, John (Australia - temperate climate)
It's okay to plant rhubarb now. Rhubarb often dies back in the winter in cooler areas. It doesn't like a hot position so plant it so that it gets shelter from the afternoon heat if necessary. Rhubarb is a 'gross' feeder which means it likes lots of manure and water to give the best results. A couple of handfuls of Blood & Bone, a shovel full of old manure or a handful of pelletised manure placed in the bottom of the planting hole and covered with a layer of soil before planting will give good results. Most rhubarb that is sold is grown from seed and the resulting stem colour can range from all green to a good red. The flavour will still be the same. To redden it up when cooking add a few drops of cochineal (a natural red colouring) while it is cooking. To avoid adding sugar try using Stevia which is available at many shops. Stevia is a non calorie extract from the Stevia plant and is much better for you. All the best.
Reply
Rockmelon (also Canteloupe) 06 Mar, Trevor (Australia - temperate climate)
My rockmelon is rotting on the vine. The underside is being attacked by a mould on fungus. I have tried rolling the fruit over to have sunlight on all sides but it does not help. Even fruit hanging off the ground on a trellis is being attacked. Is there a spray or dust I can use to stop this problem?
Reply
Rockmelon (also Canteloupe) 08 Mar, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Any copper-based spray will work. As long as it is not applied excessively it is a safe spray to use. Rock melons are in the same family as pumpkins, zucchinis and cucumbers and are very susceptible to downy mildew and other fungal problems. To reduce the problem grow on trellises in a well ventilated spot. High humidity does not help the problem. Trust this helps.
Reply
Rockmelon (also Canteloupe) 09 Mar, Colleen (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
For a non chemical method, which I've used for many years, make up a solution of powdered milk and water the whole plant with it. For some reason the milk seems to either kill or neutralise the powdery mildew
Reply
Cucumber 05 Mar, Heather Andrews (Australia - temperate climate)
What time of the year do plant cucumbers in Adelaide we have many days over 33 degrees
Reply
Cucumber 06 Mar, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Cucumbers can be planted in Adelaide in the spring and summer. they like a good trellis to climb on and the tips can be pinched to encourage bushier growth. To reduce the chance of sunborn on those scorching days plant them along an east facing fence if you can. This will shelter them during the hottest part of the day. The other alternative is to plant a block of sweet corn and when the corn has taken off plant the cucumbers at their bases. This will give you free shade, free stakes and double crop! The stalks could also be used to support peas in the autumn and winter. Trust this helps.
Reply
Ginger 05 Mar, (Australia - tropical climate)
When the best time to plant ginger ? I live 80 km from Sydney on the coast
Reply
Ginger 06 Mar, John (Australia - temperate climate)
The best time to plant ginger is spring. Ginger will do well in well manured, well drained soil. It likes water but too much before it starts to sprout about a month after planting will cause the rhizomes to rot. Harvest the ginger in the autumn and let it air dry for while before storing in a cool dark place. In warm coastal, frost-free areas the main rhizome/s can be left in the ground. Trust this helps.
Reply
Sweet corn (also corn,maize) 03 Mar, Max (Australia - temperate climate)
We live in suburbs in Chatswood Sydney but as soon as the cobs form a rabbit turns up and eats all the corn (also the chillies).
Reply
Sweet corn (also corn,maize) 06 Mar, John (Australia - temperate climate)
The rabbit stew sounds like a great idea!
Reply
Sweet corn (also corn,maize) 05 Mar, Simon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Max, Best trap the rabbit and enjoy a rabbit and vege stew.
Reply
Sweet corn (also corn,maize) 04 Mar, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Rabbits, possums, etc can be a real menace with our vegetables. Multicrop have a product call 'Scat' which is supposed to provide protection for up to 10 weeks. I haven't used it but have used other products from the same company and found them to be safe and effective. It is available at Bunnings but should be available from other hardware stores and garden centres. the DEPI in Victoria, Dept Env. Land and Water have a number of solutions to the problem. Look up - www.depi.vic.gov.au and search for possum repellants. Their recipe using Quassia chips has been around for many years. Trust this helps.
Reply
Luffa (also Loofah, plant sponge) 01 Mar, trudi pollard (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in West Australia Bedfordale in the hills a bit cooler than Perth Where can i get seeds for growing loofah in the west?
Reply
Luffa (also Loofah, plant sponge) 02 Mar, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Luffa seeds are available from Eden Seeds at Lower Beechmont and Green harvest at Maleny, both in SEQld. they can be sent to WA from the eastern states. All the best
Reply
Rockmelon (also Canteloupe) 27 Feb, Anthea (Australia - temperate climate)
Rockmelons are sweet, but the flesh is too hard rather than juicy. Any suggestions as to how I can grow better ones next year?
Reply
Rockmelon (also Canteloupe) 28 Feb, John (Australia - temperate climate)
I only thing I would suggest is not enough water. As melons are very high in water they need a good constant supply to fill out. Mulching the roots will help conserve water. All the best for next season.
Reply
Cauliflower 27 Feb, robert (Australia - tropical climate)
Can I grow brocoli/cauliflower/rhubarb in Townsville and if so what time of year is best. Do they go into direct sunlight or shady area. Just moved to here and I want to establish my own garden for my needs.
Reply
Cauliflower 28 Feb, John (Australia - temperate climate)
You can grow broccoli and cauliflower. There is a local group called - Permaculture Townsville and their website is: permaculturetownsville.org. Have a look at their site and maybe contact them for local advice. Rhubarb would be a real challenge as it likes cooler winters. Peter Cundall of various gardening publications suggests freezing the root, wrapped in plastic for a month during what we would call winter. I have not tried it but he has had many years of eperience and says it works. Trust this helps.
Reply
Rockmelon (also Canteloupe) 27 Feb, Michael (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
The seeds scooped out of a rockmelon be used to grow seedlings. I realise they would have to be dried first, but then its too early here in NSW central plains to plant. Thank you for any assistance.
Reply
Rockmelon (also Canteloupe) 28 Feb, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Unless the variety is an F1 hybrid you most certainly can save the seed and it will produce true to type. The chances of it being an F1 are very slim and it would have said so on the seed packet. F1 seed is still OK but may not produce the same as its parent. Rinse them thoroughly in a sieve and lay them on paper towel or cloth to dry. When they are dry store them in a paper bag or envelope with the name and date written on it. Trust this helps.
Reply
Rockmelon (also Canteloupe) 01 Mar, Michael (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Thanks John for that information. Will give them a go in Spring.
Reply
Rockmelon (also Canteloupe) 27 Feb, David (Australia - temperate climate)
Put the seeds in a glass of water. The ones that sink to the bottom are the good seeds...dry them out and store them to plant in Spring. They should be good to keep for 3 to 4 years. You can start them in pots 4-6 weeks before Spring, then plant the seedlings in early Spring.
Reply
Rockmelon (also Canteloupe) 20 Dec, teigan (Australia - temperate climate)
Does this just apply to rockmelon/ melon varieties or other seeds?
Reply
Rockmelon (also Canteloupe) 01 Mar, Michael (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Thanks David, will follow that advice and give them a go in spring.
Reply
Beetroot (also Beets) 26 Feb, Brenda (Australia - arid climate)
Hi John can please tell me what sort of soil and fertilizer should I use for growing Beetroot. Thanks Brenda.
Reply
Beetroot (also Beets) 26 Feb, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Beetroot likes good, friable soil. it is a heavy feeder but too much nitrogen will cause large tops and small roots. Plenty of well rotted manure or compost added to the soil, say 1-2 buckets per square metre would be great, but use what you can. With root vegetaables consistent watering is essential. This keeps the beets growing and will avoid woodiness in the roots. If you have just grown lettuces or another leaf crop the soil should be ideal as the lef crop will have used up some of the nitrogen. If you do end up withh large tops, eat them. Beetroot and silver beet are botanically the same plant and the leaves are very nutritious. All the best.
Reply
Onion 25 Feb, Eric ryan (Australia - temperate climate)
Can I grow onion in Hervey bay qld the sweet variety preferably
Reply
Onion 26 Feb, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Onions like a cooler climate but you could try Creamgold (Pukekohe) in late March or April for late spring/early summer harvest. As an alternative try shallots or potato onions. Onions don't like too much manure/fertiliser and need an open sunny spot with good airflow to avoid mildew problems. All the best.
Reply
Showing 5041 - 5070 of 13866 comments
Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.