Autumn weather is perfect for gardening and at this time of year there are so many plants to choose from. Happy gardening.
Time to sow Flanders PoppiesNovember 11th will commemorate the centenary of Armistice Day, which is the date when the First World War ended in 1918. It is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by Australians and New Zealanders in wars and conflicts.
Often recognised as the emblem of Remembrance and Anzac Days, Flanders Poppies have a beautiful rich red flower with a dark centre. You can create your own Flanders Poppy display at home, by sowing Flanders Red Poppy seed during autumn. The poppies will flower around 20 weeks after sowing.
Tips to help create a patch of gorgeous poppies:
In a sunny location out in the garden, enrich the soil with some Yates Dynamic Lifter Organic Plant Food. It’s a rich source of organic matter that will help improve the structure of the soil, encourage earthworms and beneficial microorganisms and provide the establishing seedlings with gentle, slow release organic nutrients to promote good early growth.Scatter seed direct into the garden where the poppies are to grow, as they don’t transplant well. Cover lightly with some Yates Seed Raising Mix so the seeds are only around 3 mm deep.Water the area gently after sowing and keep the soil moist as the seedlings establish. It will take 10 - 14 days for the seedling to pop up.Once the seedlings are a few weeks old, you can start to feed them each week with a high potassium plant food such as Yates Thrive Flower & Fruit Soluble Fertiliser, which encourages healthy growth and helps promote lots of flowers. To help create bushier, stronger poppies, pinch out early buds.Potted poppies: Yates Flanders Red Poppy can also be sown into pots filled with a quality potting mix such as Yates Premium Potting Mix.Grow your own gourmet quincesQuince is a fruit that can’t be eaten raw as it’s tough and very tart — however don’t let that put you off as it can be used in a variety of gourmet recipes. Quince paste is a delicious addition to a cheese platter and quinces can also be made into jellies and jams as well as stewed, poached and roasted.