Growth Tonic – Plant of Health Seaweed or Triple Boost

These are tonics and growth promoters for your plants to get moving – they wake up the sleepy roots. Apply all year long but especially pre-spring and into spring. Follow up with a fertiliser like Troforte to make the most of the growing season – strong summer growth is what we want. We would also recommend a regular application of Organic Link to not only feed your plants but to revitalise your soil.

Phosphorous Acid

Some tropical plants like Heliconias can look a bit off if they’re:

• Not in a warm sunny spot
• In heavy soil (like most of Brisbane)
• If we’ve had winter rain

Phosphorous acid (available as Searles Root Rot) is a safe product all year round to combat root rot. It is systemic which means you can use as a foliar treatment for prevention, or as a soil drench for treating a plant that is suffering. Most people don’t know that it’s also a root promoter too!

In winter, Phosphorous acid is especially useful to get plants safely through to the warmer weather.

Heliconias & Gingers

As the weather warms, it is a good time to look at thinning out your Heliconia. Thin out old canes that have flowered by pruning at the base. This allows air flow in and around the plant it also makes room for new growth to emerge and keep your plant looking neat and tidy.

If you have a Heliconia that has been in the ground for a few years, it may be time to divide the plant and reset. Most commercial growers will wait until the minimum temps are 18 degrees before they divide.

Aerate Soil

Turn soil and add compost or soil improver, ready for vigorous new root growth for your spring planting. Soil drench with seaweed or Triple Boost will help.

Weeding

It’s the perfect time to clear the weeds in your garden, it’s still cool and while the weeds aren’t actively growing the ones growing now will flower and seed with the change of temperature. By doing the job now you’ll save yourself lots of work in the hotter months of the year.

Leaf litter

Use to top up the compost or pile together to create a leaf mold that will break down over summer to create an excellent top dress for plants. Avoid Frangipani leaves, these should go straight into the bin.

For tips and advice on the best care for your plants and gardens, drop in and chat with our friendly team, we’re here to help!