• Yates Path Weeder Instructions

Yates Once A Year Path Weeder controls weeds & grasses in paths & driveways for up to 12 months.Features- Kills weeds within 2-3 weeks and stops weed regrowth for up to 12 months.- Treats hard to control weeds such as creeping oxalis, couch and kikuyu.- Comes with measuring spoon.Ingredients208g/kg 2,2-DPA Present as Soldium Salt, 150g/kg Simazine, 50g/kg AmitroleHow It WorksThe Amitrole and 2,2DPA are absorbed mainly by the foliage and kill existing growth. Simazine is a long-term soilsterilant which is absorbed by the roots and kills all seedlings shortly after germination.Directions for useDissolve 100g in 9 litres of water and apply by watering can over 20m2. Apply when weeds are growing actively. Treated areas should be watered five days after application to enable better uptake of the weedkiller by the roots.PrecautionsDo not apply to areas where wanted plants and lawns are growing or will be planted within one year.Do not apply to areas which drain directly into lawns and garden beds. Avoid applying near lawns and shallow rooted plants.Do not allow spray to contact or drift onto plants you do not want killed.

Your new online (M)SDS binder is a place for you to store the material safety data sheets you need to deploy. Other companies are charging thousands of dollars to set up accounts and give you access to their (M)sds online database. Brunnings path weeder is ideal for non-garden areas such as paths, driveways, fence lines and tennis courts. Brunnings path weeder kills weeds within 3-4 weeks and remains present in the soil, preventing weeds for up to 12 months in the correct conditions.

If accidentally sprayed, hose off immediately to reduce injury.All application equipment must be thoroughly cleaned after use.Read safety directions.

August is the height of magnolia season. While many of the deciduous varieties start blooming in July, magnolias reach their peak in August.Deciduous magnolias are garden aristocrats. They’re relatively expensive to buy, slow growing and rather dull for much of the year. In hot summer areas the leaves can develop unattractive burnt edges as the weather gets warmer and drier. But then, when they bloom, all is forgiven. Their endearing habit of flowering on bare stems shows them off at their very best.Newer varieties of deciduous magnolias are being introduced all the time. The Jury family in New Zealand has been responsible for developing fabulous varieties such as ‘Black Tulip’ and ‘Felix’.

‘Star Wars’, another New Zealand introduction, is a cross between the lily-flowered magnolia and the large-flowered M. The blooms are a rich pink with long petals that gyrate in different directions.Evergreen magnolias are increasing in popularity, especially the new types of Magnolia grandiflora. This giant tree from North America is usually considered to be far too large for suburban gardens but, fortunately, in recent years a number of smaller versions have become available.

All have similar, perfumed, large white flowers over many months throughout the warmer weather. The best known is ‘Little Gem’ which, though often described as a dwarf, will still grow into a substantial tree that’s between five and eight metres. It can be pruned a couple of times a year to keep it under control but, remember, this will be an ongoing commitment.Other slightly smaller forms of Magnolia grandiflora are ‘Kay Parris’ and ‘Teddy Bear’. All three –‘Little Gem’, ‘Kay Parris’ and ‘Teddy Bear’– have coppery-brown, felted backs on their leaves.

This gives them an interesting two-toned appearance. For an overall green look, seek out an evergreen magnolia called ‘Greenback’.The plants called michelias (pictured) are now also classed as magnolias. Into this group falls the well known port wine magnolia, Magnolia figo, which is commonly found under its old name of Michelia figo. It makes a thick hedge with hidden flowers that have a pervasive perfume.‘Fairy’ magnolias are descendants of the port wine magnolia crossed with two other varieties. They come in cream or pink versions and produce an abundance of small flowers over many weeks. Caring for magnoliasAll magnolias enjoy deep, rich soil that doesn’t get too dry.

Prepare soil well before planting by digging in – to twice the width of the pot – plenty of organic aged manure or compost.Keep plants watered during dry weather but don’t let too much water sit around their roots. Mulch annually after flowering with a thick layer of organically rich material. Evergreen magnolias can be trimmed but, if possible, pruning should be avoided with most of the deciduous varieties. Feed with Dynamic Lifter Plus Flower Food and watch out for snails chewing on new growth (use Blitzem or Baysol pellets). Is that a hint of spring in the air? Don’t be fooled, because we can still have some very cool and windy days in August.

But the days are getting longer and many plants are starting to stir. Vegies to sow in August – Capsicums and chillisThese summer-loving fruiting plants take some time to get to picking stage so it’s best to get them started as early as possible. This will often mean sowing seeds into pots of that can be kept indoors.

The plants will then be ready to go outside when the warm weather arrives. Is a hot favourite that’s good for pots.Don’t forget, too, that August is the month for starting – either indoors in cold areas, or in outdoor pots where it’s warmer. Flowers to sow in August – SnapdragonsSnapdragons are a bit out of fashion but they deserve to be more widely grown. Kids love putting their fingers into the flowers and running the risk of being ‘snapped’. Yates seed range has two popular varieties: is a tall (to 60cm) grower with ruffled flowers.

Is much shorter, hence more versatile in the garden. Feed in AugustAugust is an important pruning month for many shrubs. After pruning, feed with some organic. These supply slow release nutrients and encourage biological activity in the soil. Feed citrus with. August pest watchThere’s lots to do in August to control pests. Spray roses with after pruning.

Spray peaches and nectarines with or Liquid Copper as the buds show colour. Keep protecting azalea flowers with Zaleton (don’t forget it can now be used for myrtle rust).

Cut off this season’s galls (lumps in stems) from citrus plants. Feed in AugustThis is a good month to feed the garden with Yates top quality Blood & Bone. It helps condition the soil and releases slowly so that the goodness becomes available just in time for the spring growth spurt. Prune in AugustFinish rose pruning. Cut back camellias as their flowering comes to an end. Prune citrus (if required) after harvest and remove this season’s gall wasp lumps.

Prune poinsettias and other winter bloomers as flowers fade. In late August prune summer bloomers such as gardenias and hibiscus. Trim ornamental grass clumps – they can be cut almost to ground level at this time of year. August job fileAugust is the best month to clean up the lawn before spring. Use BuffaloPro or Weed ‘n’ Feed to get rid of weeds like dandelions, clover and, especially, bindii before it sets seed.

Then, when the warmer days arrive, the lawn will quickly re-grow and fill in the gaps. August pest watchWatch for aphids on new growth. Keep in check by hosing off or removing by hand but, if numbers increase, protect ornamentals with Yates Rose Gun Advanced, and edibles with Nature’s Way Insect & Mite Killer Natrasoap.Spray lawns with Weed ‘n’ Feed to control broadleaf weeds and feed the lawn.

Just be sure the product is suitable for your grass – BuffaloPro is the best choice for buffalo lawns. Plant of the month – Blossom TreesBlossom trees (pictured) are in full swing now. These do best in cool climates but can grow happily where it’s warmer if well mulched and watered in dry times.Remove any fruit that develops and prune blossom trees once flowering is over.

Funny leaf colours?Odd patches in leaves?Lack of flowers or fruit?These are some of the plant problems that puzzle gardeners.Yates Product of the Month for September 2014 is the range of nine Yates Garden Health Packs. This spring Yates have partnered with Abbott’s Village Bakery to bring home-grown fun, flavour and freshness back to Aussie sandwiches. Purchase any promotional pack of Abbott’s Village Bakery bread and go online to redeem your FREE packets of Yates seeds to grow your own sandwich fillings at home.There’s eight fun and easy seed varieties to grow including tomato, lettuce, cucumber, carrot, beetroot, capsicum, basil and rocket. What flavour combinations will you create? Maybe you’re a raw food fan who loves the earthy flavours of rocket, carrot and beetroot on Abbott’s Village Bakery Farmhouse Wholemeal?

Maybe you’ll create a punchy pesto or a zesty tomato and capsicum chutney to bring bold colour and flavour to your favourite or Light Rye sandwich? What ever your taste, have fun and feel great about growing and creating your own fresh flavours at home.h3. Growing TipsSun, plenty of water and fertiliser are the keys to success when growing vegies. Before you start growing, make sure you select a suitable position for your vegies. Vegies will need at least a few hours of sun every day – more in cooler areas and less where it’s really hot in summer. Growing vegies in pots can be a good option if you’re short of sunny spots because they can be moved to take advantage of whatever sun you have.

Use a top quality potting mix (like Yates Premium) in pots, and enrich the soil in garden beds by digging in plenty of old manure or compost.The new liquid Thrive Vegie & Herbs is the perfect, fast acting food to choose for the edible garden.Yates seed packets carry lots of helpful information and guidelines for achieving success, but here are some extra tips for growing your fresh and tasty vegies and herbs.– Australia’s favourite tomato! Start seeds in pots of Yates Seed Raising Mix and transplant the seedlings after they’ve germinated. Dust regularly with Yates Tomato & Vegetable Dust to protect from common tomato problems.– Capsicum is related to tomatoes so enjoys similar growing conditions – i.e.

Plenty of sun, regular feeding with Thrive liquid Tomato Food and protection from pests like fruit fly. Yates website has all the tips.– An oldtime variety with strong orange roots that can be picked when very young. Sow direct in rows and thin crowded seedlings.– So easy to grow and you can add both the leaves and the cooked roots to your sandwiches.– These sweet little cucumbers don’t need peeling – just slice and eat. Plant some flowers nearby to encourage pollinating bees to visit.and – These small- growing lettuce varieties do well in pots. Sow into good quality potting mix, keep in sun or light shade and feed weekly with high nitrogen Thrive Soluble All Purpose or the new Thrive Liquid All Purpose.– Rocket lives up to its name – it’s just about the fastest growing and easiest plant in the edible garden.– Add extra flavour to summer sandwiches with a few sprigs of sweet basil.This offer is available from September 8th while packet seed stocks last. September’s the month to prepare for summer colour in the garden and, fortunately, at this time of year, plenty of flowers can be grown from seed.Once the soil has lost its chill many flower seeds can be sown straight into a pre-prepared garden bed. In colder areas, though, you’ll either have to wait till it’s warmer, or start seedlings in pots that can be kept in a warm spot.Sunflowers are the blooms that we most associate with summer.

And they’re so easy to grow from seed they’ll make a great school holiday seed-sowing project for kids. My favourite is the Yates mix called, but most kids will be sure to vote for the extra tall with its classic, sun-facing, large yellow heads., like sunflowers, have seeds that are a satisfying size to handle. Get onto nasturtium sowing quickly, though, because they don’t like germinating when soil conditions become too hot. Not only do nasturtiums have bright and colourful summer flowers, every part of the plant is edible. And, if you want to set kids a dexterity challenge, get them to roll beads of water around on the nasturtium leaf without allowing the drops fall over the edge.are another group of summer flowers that children will enjoy growing. They love the feel of the papery petals and appreciate their long-lasting qualities.

Did you know that the French call them immortelles because of their long life?are probably the most widely grown summer flowers. Although they can be started from seed, petunia germination can be a little challenging. The seeds must be exposed to some light but this, of course, makes them vulnerable to drying out. Lightly press the tiny seeds into the surface of some. Keep the pot in a shaded spot and cover with plastic wrap or a sheet of glass. Avoid dislodging the tiny seeds by watering with a mister or by wetting from the base. After germination, transplant to larger pots and then into a sunny spot in the garden.are cheery summer flowers that have made a fashion comeback in recent years.

Yates Gold Medal is a big grower that can reach up to 1.2 metres in height. Lilliput is smaller – to 5ocm – with fully double, dome-shaped blooms. Pinch out the first buds to encourage sideways branching. Both varieties are ideal for picking, too.(pictured) produce bright tufts of feathery blooms in tropical colours of red, yellow, orange and pink. 'Kewpie Mix celosia’:/products/seeds/flowers/waterwise-celosia-kewpie-mix/ grows from Yates seeds and just loves the warmer months.

This variety only reaches a compact 20cm so looks fantastic crowded together in a pot.Keep flowering plants looking good by removing dead blooms, cutting back leggy plants and continually feeding with or the soluble. Use a to treat most of the common pests and diseases. Spring flowersRoses are at their best in the spring garden. Watch for pests like aphids – they breed at an alarming rate as conditions get warmer. Spring rose leaves are usually fresh and green, without the unsightly fungal spots that spoil them later in the season. Keep them that way with a regular spray program using or, for larger gardens,.Plant out summer bloomers such as alstroemeria, calibrachoa (e.g.

Million Bells), portulacas, dahlias and daylilies. Sow seeds of,. Spring lawnsThe lawn comes back to life in spring.

Feed with an organic fertiliser such as or the super concentrated DL for Lawns that has added nutrients. There’s even a new, neighbour-friendly, reduced odour version.

Spring’s a good season, too, to rejuvenate the lawn by spiking with a fork to aerate the soil. Topdress with a sandy mix to fill any hollows and, if the grass is very thin, thicken by oversowing with a fast-germinating seed mix such as. If you had problems with insect pests damaging the lawn last year, treat with. It comes in an easy hose-on formulation and will provide protection for months. Spring nativesMost native plants will appreciate a cut back but it can be difficult to know when to prune them After flowering is the general advice, but this is tricky when many plants seem to be in flower all the time. Take advantage of any slight lull in the blooming because, even if you have to sacrifice a few flowers, the end result will be worth it.

Try to avoid cutting back into hard, leafless wood. After pruning, feed with a specific native plant fertiliser such as for Natives or,. Spring vegies & herbsSpring’s an important season for the home vegie patch. It’s time for sowing or planting all the warm season vegies such as beans, tomatoes, sweet corn, capsicum and eggplants.

After the soil has lost its chill, sow seeds of members of the cucurbit family. This group includes pumpkins, zucchinis, squash, cucumbers and melons.Basil is the major herb for spring sowing and planting but others such as dill, thyme and rocket will also take off in the spring weather. And it’s a good time to plant coriander which is best started from seed as it doesn’t like being transplanted. In early spring you can sow coriander into a full sun position but, as summer gets closer, it prefers to go into a semi-shaded spot. Spring potsCheck potted plants, especially if they haven’t been touched for a number of years. Remove some old potting mix and replace with fresh mix. Or, better still, pot into a larger container, using.

Hooray for spring, the season when it’s a joy to watch everything in the garden come back to life. Vegies to sow in SeptemberSeptember’s a good month for sowing silverbeet, a leafy vegetable that is one of the easiest for beginners. Yates seed range has a choice of traditional, (which is a little smaller), the long-cropping, colourful or red-legged (chard is the popular European term for silverbeet). Flowers to sow in SeptemberOur number one flower pick for September sowing is always. Because this sunny summer flower is easy to grow from seed but, most importantly, every packet sold raises funds for Retina Australia. The total donated from packet sales over the years has now reached more than $112,000, all of which goes towards research into genetic eye diseases.

Feed in SeptemberIt’s hard to know what to recommend feeding in the September garden because the answer’s just about everything. Don’t forget to look for the new with a range of special formulations to suit the most popular plant groups. They’re easy to measure and mix, the labels won’t wash off and they go to work quickly to promote healthy spring growth. Prune in SeptemberThis is a busy month for cutting back anything that has finished flowering. Tidy cold damaged parts of plants like mandevillas and hibiscus. Thin out crowded sections of passionfruit, citrus and camellias to allow plenty of sun into the centre of the plant.

Tip prune fuchsias to thicken new growth. September pest watchSnails and slugs just love tender shoots, so protect seedlings with Blitzem or Baysol pellets. Use Yates Liquid Copper on green tips of apples to control black spot.

Many other fruits trees such as cherries, pears etc. Need to be sprayed with at bud swell or while shoots are still very small. September job fileThis is the ideal month to create a herb patch. Group dry climate herbs, such as oregano and sage, together and keep them away from the herbs (like parsley, basil and mint) that enjoy more moisture and fertiliser. Plant of the month – Wattle (pictured)Since 1992 September 1 has officially been Wattle Day. You can mark this special day by wearing a sprig of wattle but it would be even better to plant a wattle in your garden. With almost 1000 native species and, these days, many attractive cultivars, there’s one to suit every landscape.

Yates Seed of the Month for October 2014 is the which is great fun to grow because it contains seeds of a lucky dip selection of Chinese cabbages, Tatsoi and Chinese broccoli. This blend of easily cultivated Asian greens is perfect for stirfries.You don’t even need a garden bed to grow this mix because the Asian vegies in the blend are all compact varieties so they can be sown into a pot or trough on a balcony. They’ll grow so quickly in spring that you’ll be harvesting them within a matter of weeks.Start by preparing the soil or potting mix where the plants are to grow. Mix in some organic compost and some.

Water the soil and allow to drain, then spread the seeds and cover lightly (ideally with a sprinkling of ). Keep moist while the seeds are germinating.

Just remember that, after they’ve emerged, the seedlings may need to be thinned out so that they don’t end up too crowded.Feed every couple of weeks with and make sure the plants don’t get too dry. A layer of mulch around the plants will help keep moisture in the soil.Start harvesting when the leaves are big enough to pick. Tender young leaves can be tossed into salads but the mix will probably be most widely used to add flavour and texture to Asian-style stirfries. Yates Product of the Month for October 2014 is the NEW, which is an economical concentrate that makes up to 150 litres of flower-promoting fertiliser.The range of Yates Thrive Liquids has been introduced this year to celebrate Thrive’s 50th Birthday and Thrive Roses & Flowers Liquid Plant Food carries on the great Thrive heritage of providing good food for plants. But the packaging of Thrive Roses & Flowers Liquid Plant Food is totally modern, with an attached, no spill cap that also acts as a measure and a label that won’t wash off, even if the bottle is left outdoors in the garden.The front of the pack carries an image of a beautiful pink rose and it’s probably fair to say that the rose is our favourite flower, but this fertiliser is also suitable for most other flowering plants.The liquid formulation means that the fertiliser is absorbed by both the roots and leaves, which promotes a rapid growth response. The nutrients are specially balanced to promote flowering and, just as importantly, plant health. In particular, a high proportion of potassium encourages blooming and strengthens plant cell walls, helping to provide flowering plants with extra protection from stress and disease.

This spring Yates have partnered with Abbott’s Village Bakery to bring home-grown fun, flavour and freshness back to Aussie sandwiches. Purchase any promotional pack of Abbott’s Village Bakery bread and go online to redeem your FREE packets of Yates seeds to grow your own sandwich fillings at home.There’s eight fun and easy seed varieties to grow including tomato, lettuce, cucumber, carrot, beetroot, capsicum, basil and rocket. What flavour combinations will you create? Maybe you’re a raw food fan who loves the earthy flavours of rocket, carrot and beetroot on Abbott’s Village Bakery Farmhouse Wholemeal? Maybe you’ll create a punchy pesto or a zesty tomato and capsicum chutney to bring bold colour and flavour to your favourite or Light Rye sandwich? What ever your taste, have fun and feel great about growing and creating your own fresh flavours at home.h3. Growing TipsSun, plenty of water and fertiliser are the keys to success when growing vegies.

Before you start growing, make sure you select a suitable position for your vegies. Vegies will need at least a few hours of sun every day – more in cooler areas and less where it’s really hot in summer. Growing vegies in pots can be a good option if you’re short of sunny spots because they can be moved to take advantage of whatever sun you have. Use a top quality potting mix (like Yates Premium) in pots, and enrich the soil in garden beds by digging in plenty of old manure or compost.The new liquid Thrive Vegie & Herbs is the perfect, fast acting food to choose for the edible garden.Yates seed packets carry lots of helpful information and guidelines for achieving success, but here are some extra tips for growing your fresh and tasty vegies and herbs.– Australia’s favourite tomato!

Start seeds in pots of Yates Seed Raising Mix and transplant the seedlings after they’ve germinated. Dust regularly with Yates Tomato & Vegetable Dust to protect from common tomato problems.– Capsicum is related to tomatoes so enjoys similar growing conditions – i.e. Plenty of sun, regular feeding with Thrive liquid Tomato Food and protection from pests like fruit fly. Yates website has all the tips.– An oldtime variety with strong orange roots that can be picked when very young. Sow direct in rows and thin crowded seedlings.– So easy to grow and you can add both the leaves and the cooked roots to your sandwiches.– These sweet little cucumbers don’t need peeling – just slice and eat.

Plant some flowers nearby to encourage pollinating bees to visit.and – These small- growing lettuce varieties do well in pots. Sow into good quality potting mix, keep in sun or light shade and feed weekly with high nitrogen Thrive Soluble All Purpose or the new Thrive Liquid All Purpose.– Rocket lives up to its name – it’s just about the fastest growing and easiest plant in the edible garden.– Add extra flavour to summer sandwiches with a few sprigs of sweet basil.This offer is available from September 8th while packet seed stocks last. Visit the Abbott’s website to redeem your seeds –. October is weed month and, with spring now well established, weeds are appearing all over the place. The first and simplest way to deal with weeds is to dig them out. Sometimes, though, the problem is so bad you need to resort to a weedkiller or, to use the technical term, a herbicide.

Because different herbicides have different uses, it’s important to choose the right one for your purpose. Selective Weedkillers For LawnsSelective weedkillers remove one type of plant from another and are mostly used to get rid of weeds from a lawn.

These weedkillers work by targeting the botanical differences between broad leaf (non-grass) weeds and the lawn grasses. Here are some examples: Yates Bindii & Clover Weeder:.is a concentrate that must be diluted with water and sprayed or watered over the lawn as instructed on the label.

The weeds gradually die over a few weeks. Spring is a great time to apply this herbicide as the grasses grow quickly to fill the gaps. If you don’t have a sprayer, or you’re weeding just a small area of lawn, you can use (pictured) that comes in a trigger pack. Both of these products are unsuitable for buffalo lawns.Yates BuffaloPro:.is a similar selective weedkiller that can be used when treating weeds in buffalo lawns.

Yates Path Weeder Instructions

It’s available as a concentrate that must be diluted, or in a hose on bottle. The great advantage of the hose on is that the water coming through the hose does all the work. In spite of its name, BuffaloPro can be applied to all types of lawns, not just the popular buffalo.Weed ‘n’ Feed:.products are also used to remove weeds from lawns but, in this case, they also feed the grass so that it recovers quicker.With all these selective weedkillers, it’s important to follow the instructions. That includes applying the product over the designated area.

Apply too much and you can damage the grass, too little won’t do the job. Non-Selective Weedkillers:These are total weedkillers that kill every plant they contact. Clearly, this means that they can’t be applied to lawns and must be used with extra care.is a glyphosate-based, total weedkiller. Zero’s available in a number of different sizes and can be purchased as a concentrate or a ready to use.

The concentrate is particularly economical because of its strength (490 grams per litre), which means it goes a lot further when it is mixed. Glyphosate works by disrupting the plant’s growth and travels through the plant’s system and down to the roots before killing the plant. Depending on growing conditions, this can take some time so, for faster results, you can use the version that comes in a trigger pack.Once the weeds have gone, the area can be re-planted. If you want to be sure of where you’ve sprayed, add some of the to the mix which will leave a blue covering on the sprayed sections for a few days and makes it easy to check if you’ve missed any weeds.is the product to choose for killing unwanted weedy trees, or bushy weeds like blackberry and lantana.Another type of total weedkiller in the Yates range is called Path Weeder. Leaves a residue in the soil that stops new plants from growing for up to twelve months. So it’s obviously not the product that you use in garden beds or anywhere you want plants to grow, but it’s ideal for driveways, courtyards and areas like tennis courts. October is a good month to think about caring for your orchids as many orchids have finished flowering and are about to go into their major growth period.

Cymbidium CareCymbidiums are the most popular orchids. They’re the ones with the tall flower spikes and bulbous swellings at the base of the long strappy leaves.

This is the best time of year to tidy them up and get them ready for the new growing season.Start by taking a good look at the orchid to see if the clump is crowded enough to need dividing. Sometimes this decision is easy: the bulbous bases are so crowded together that they’re almost bursting out of the pot. Or there are a lot of dead bulbs in the pot.

With either of these situations, it’s worth re-potting. But don’t rush into it – a plant can stay in the same pot for a number of years. And remember, after orchids have been divided it can take two or three years for them to reach flowering stage again.

How to re-pot your Cymbidium Orchid:. Remove the plant from the pot.

Sometimes it’s even necessary to break the pot in order to free the orchid. Take a knife or another strong tool and use it to lever between the bulbs (pictured). Separate the clump into at least two sections. Remove most of the leafless, dead-looking or squashy bulbs. You can leave a single row of these back bulbs next to the leafy shoots. Check the roots for damaged, rotted or tangled sections. Remove these.

Choose new pots. Are ideal because they have plenty of drainage holes. Good drainage is critically important for orchids. Pack some orchid potting mix into the base of the pot. Sit the orchid in the pot and fill around it with the mix.

Make sure that each bulb is sitting above the mix. Water well and sprinkle some pellets of on top of the pot. Begin feeding with every two weeks.

After Christmas, to encourage flowering, use fortnightly.Caring For Other OrchidsMoth orchids (Phalaenopsis spp) are becoming increasingly popular. These can be kept indoors permanently in a well lit position but will, once it’s reliably warm, appreciate a spell outdoors in a lightly shaded spot. These plants really appreciate humidity, so keep them well watered in hot weather and mist over the leaves regularly.

Moth orchids can produce new shoots and buds from the stem that flowered last year, so only trim dead sections from flowering shoots.Moth orchids can be re-potted into fine orchid bark every three years or so. Feed during the warmer months with every two weeks. Watch for mealy bugs – a will take care of most of the common pests and diseases, including mealy bug.Slipper orchids, so-named because their flowers resemble a dainty piece of lady’s footwear, will appreciate similar care. A break outdoors can be good for these plants, too, but, because they’re naturally understorey dwellers, they can tolerate more shade. Growing from seed is one of the most fundamental and, therefore, most satisfying of gardening activities. The fascination of starting a plant from the very beginning and watching life spring from something so small and lifeless-seeming is irreplaceable, and spring is one of the best seasons for sowing plants from seed.To successfully germinate a seed needs three basic things – water, oxygen and the right temperature.

Other seeds have more specific requirements hence it’s important to check the sowing times and information on the seed packet before you start. Tomatoes, for example, won’t germinate if the temperature is too low. Sowing Vegetables From SeedMany spring-planted vegetables grow easily from seed. This list includes beans, sweet corn, zucchinis, pumpkins and cucumbers. All of these will get the best start if they’re sown right where they’re to grow.

On the seed packet this is often termed ‘sowing direct’ and its great advantage is that the young plants don’t have to suffer the stress of being transplanted. Most importantly, however, all of these seeds need warm soil for germination so, if you’re in a very cold climate, it’s best to either wait a bit longer or to start the seeds in pots of Yates Seed Raising Mix. Keep the pots in a warm spot and carefully transplant the seedlings once the weather’s warmer.Some seeds are particularly prone to rotting away if they stay wet for too long. This especially applies to larger seeds like beans and sweet corn that contain large quantities of starch. If these seeds are given too much water they’ll rot and simply disappear.

You’ll achieve best results with beans if the seeds are sown into damp, well-drained soil and not watered again for a few days – usually after the bean plants have emerged. Sweet corn packet directions often suggest maximizing chances of success by sowing two seeds together.

Then, if both germinate, the weaker plant can be removed.Zucchinis, pumpkins and their relatives are planted into ‘hills’, small mounds of improved soil. The mounds help to guarantee good drainage for both the seeds and plants. Like corn, with these plants it’s best to sow more seeds than you need. Excess seedlings can be removed or carefully transplanted. Sowing Flowers From SeedMany flower seeds are difficult to germinate because they’re so small. In fact, some flower seeds are so tiny they’re like dust.

Many of these tiny seeds have evolved to germinate on the soil surface where they are directly contacted by light. This means achieving the tricky balance between keeping the seeds moist, but not burying them.Examples of such tiny, light-sensitive seeds are petunias, begonias and impatiens.

Sprinkle these seeds onto the surface of some Yates Seed Raising Mix and moisten by immersing the bottom half of the pot in a container of water. Remove from the container when the moisture glistens on the surface of the mix.As a general rule, the larger the seed, the more deeply it should be sown. Some of the bigger flower seeds – such as sunflowers and nasturtiums – can be sown straight into a prepared garden bed. Sunflowers like warm soil where as nasturtiums prefer it slightly cooler. Vegies To Sow In October – BeansOctober’s the month to think beans. In warm areas sow seeds into a well drained garden bed or, where it’s cooler, into pots or seed trays that can be kept in a protected position.

The latter can be transplanted when the soil has lost its chill. Take care not to overwater beans through the germination period.Yates is a favourite low growing bean. Is a climbing bean that continues cropping for many weeks.

Flowers To Sow In October –October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is why it’s such a good idea to sow seeds this month. You see, for every pack of seed that’s sold, Yates donates 40c to the support group, Breast Cancer Network Australia. Not only does this seed packet raise valuable funds, the flowers, with their sweet perfume and varying shades of pink and white, are low growing (hence ideal for pots) and are very attractive. Feed In October – LawnsIt’s easiest to feed lawns with a slow release lawn food (like ) that will last for a few months but, if you’re having a special spring event, you can spruce up the lawn in a hurry with hose-on. Prune In OctoberPrune rambling roses after flowering. Lightly trim lavenders and water some of the new Yates Liquid Dolomite Lime onto the plants.

Prune blossom trees once their spring show is over. Deciduous shrubs that make a grand display in spring – weigela, mock orange (Philadelphus sp.), forsythia, spirea etc – can be cut back once their flowering’s finished. When you’re pruning these shrubs, be sure to remove some of the oldest canes completely by cutting them off close to ground level. October Pest Watch – Lawn PestsIf you had problems with lawn pests last season, now’s the time to begin protecting the lawn with Yates easy hose on.

It will keep the lawn pest free for months by controlling both leaf-eaters like army worm and root-eaters such as grass grub. October Job FileFork lightly over garden beds, taking care to avoid disturbing roots. Sprinkle pellets and water well before spreading a layer of organic mulch. Make sure mulch doesn’t come into direct contact with the base of plants – always leave a small air gap. Plant Of The Month – Aquilegia (pictured)Also called columbines, aquilegias are much loved because of their quaintly shaped flowers, that come in pastel bicolours, and their soft ferny leaves. If you don’t have any on show in your spring garden, think about sowing or planting them next autumn.

Yates Product of the Month for November 2014 is.Weeds seem to pop up everywhere in spring, which is why it’s handy to have a trigger pack of Zero Rapid Weedkiller that you can pick up and spray as soon as you spot any pesky invaders. And now, while the weeds are actively growing, is the best time to treat them (ideally before they have the chance to form flower heads or seeds).comes in a convenient 750mL ready to use trigger pack with an adjustable nozzle that can be twisted to deliver either a direct jet or a broad spray. Zero Rapid can be used to kill weeds and unwanted grasses in garden beds, paths, driveways, along edges and anywhere else you want those annoying weeds gone, roots and all.Zero Rapid Weedkiller works twice as fast as the original Zero formula, which mean that weeds die faster and you can re-plant sooner into the spots the weeds have vacated.Zero Rapid Weedkiller is effective and economical and ideal for busy homeowners who want to treat weeds with ease and quickly see visible results. Yates flavour-filled Seed of the Month for November 2014 is the, the unusual beans with purple pods that turn green when they’re cooked.November’s a great month to sow Purple King beans. The soil is warm enough for successful seed germination and there’s still plenty of growing time.

Climbing beans need about 10 – 12 weeks to grow and develop their plant structure before they begin to form pods. But once they start cropping, they’ll produce beans for many weeks.Sow seeds into pre-dampened soil and wait for a couple of days before watering again.

Too much water will cause the seeds to rot before they germinate. Sow next to a support that, ideally, runs north to south so that it gets maximum sunlight. These beans can grow up to two metres tall, so the fence or trellis needs to be close to this height.Pick the beans while they’re relatively young. They’ll be tender and less stringy in the early stages, and frequent picking will encourage more beans to form.Kids just love Purple King beans.

Usually kids prefer to eat their beans raw but, in this case, they’ll want them cooked as this is the only way they’ll get to see that magical transformation from purple to green.