Scotts Osmocote Summer Gardening Guide

Around The Garden

• Improve your soils ability to hold moisture by mixing through a good quality compost like Scotts Osmocote Compost Premium Soil Improver and add a layer of mulch (about 4-7cm thick) to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Deep waterings are more beneficial for your plants that short ones. Always water down at ground level and avoid overhead watering which can encourage fungal diseases.
• Keep an eye out for pests like aphids, caterpillars, whitefly and scale that love the warmer weather. If needed use Defender Pyrethrum Insect Spray as per the labels instructions to control these pests.

In the veggie patch

• All of your warm season favourites like tomatoes, eggplants, capsicums and chillies thrive in the summer sun.
• Don’t forget your greens – plant out zucchini, cucumbers, beans, rainbow chard and lettuce (with some afternoon sun protection).
• Corn and pumpkins are a favourite to grow with kids
• Summer loving herbs to plant now include; basil, parsley, rosemary, lemongrass, mint, tarragon and chives
• Be sure to use a quality potting mix like Scotts Osmocote Tomato, Vegetable and Herb Premium Potting Mix

Seasonal Colour

• Fill decorative pots with warm season annuals including petunias, zinnias, impatiens, sunflowers and dahlias. Use them to bring a splash of colour to your outdoor entertaining spaces.
• Keep your colorful displays at their best with regular feedings of Scotts Osmocote Pour+Feed for Flowering Plants

Lawn Care Tips

• Don’t cut your lawn too short in the hot summer months – slightly raising the mower blade to keep the grass a bit longer provides it with natural shade and helps to keep the roots cool
• Topdress and fertilise your lawn in spring or summer. Use Scotts Lawn Builder All Purpose Lawn Fertiliser and a Scotts spreader to easily and quickly apply fertiliser to your whole lawn.