Question Time 55!

In this episode:

Raised garden bedsAdvice on lining treated-pine vegetable beds, including food-safe PE, LDPE or PVC options and contacting Modbox about food-grade liners.

Lilly pilly beetleHow to manage recurring beetle damage on lilly pillies, including the discussion of Eco-Neem and Eco-Oil, regular feeding and improving soil health.

Building better vegetable bedsDo you need every soil additive on the market? Keith discusses the importance of building a healthy, nutrient-rich soil rather than overcomplicating the process with too many products.

Pruning camelliasHow much can you safely reduce an established camellia? Advice includes staged pruning and cutting above dormant buds to encourage new growth.

Growing strawberriesWhen to feed, how to maintain productive plants and how to propagate new plants from the first and second runners.

High-pH bore waterA useful discussion about testing total dissolved solids (TDS), managing irrigation and improving soil conditions where bore water has high calcium content.

Conifer diebackPossible physical causes of dieback in pencil conifers, including bird and possum activity, and an alternative approach to shaping damaged trees.

Native frangipaniAdvice on managing high soil pH and improving growing conditions through soil aeration, lignite humate, rock dust and mulch.

Plants mentioned

• Lilly pilly – Syzygium spp. (including the 'Backyard Bliss' cultivar)
• Camellia – Camellia spp.
• Crepe myrtle – Lagerstroemia spp.
• Strawberry – Fragaria × ananassa
• Tomato – Solanum lycopersicum
• Broccoli – Brassica oleracea var. italica
• Citrus – Citrus spp.
• Native frangipani – Hymenosporum flavum
• Elm – Ulmus spp.
• Pencil pine – Cupressus spp. (the exact species is not identified in the episode)
• Gum tree – Eucalyptus spp.
• Oxalis – Oxalis spp.

Products and resources discussed

• Clyde Compost – compost, soil blends and potting mix. Use code MUDDY15 for 15% off.
• Neutrog Sudden Impact for Roses – discussed for feeding strawberries and other flowering and fruiting plants.
• Neutrog Bush Tucker – Australian native plant fertiliser.
• Wild May Fruit Fly Attractant – discussed for fruit fly management.
• Munash Rock Dust – discussed as a source of minerals and trace elements.
• Eco!-Neem and Eco-Oil – discussed for lily pilly beetle management.
• Lignite humate – discussed for improving soil conditions and addressing high soil pH.
• WormTech – a soil and compost blend discussed for raised vegetable beds.

Congratulations to Zoe, this month's winner of the Plant Runner Q&A prize!

For more gardening advice and information, visit muddyboots.net.au

Happy gardening

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