Episode: #12 18/11/06
Presenter: Kim Syrus

You have to be very careful when you are spraying weedicide like Zero around your plants. While they are great at getting rid of weeds, the spray will also cause serious problems to your other garden plants if accidentally sprayed.

Always spray on a still day and preferably in the morning. Try spot spraying the weed with a solid jet rather than a mist. Use a barrier like a piece of cardboard between your garden plants and the weeds. If you do accidentally spray your plants, quickly wash them with the hose or watering can.

These sprays are great at removing problem weeds from the garden, but please, for your plants sake, be sensible with their use.

With hot days upon us, keep a close check on your potted plants. Drooping foliage means your plant needs water. It is also a sign that your plant may need re-potting.

Root bound plants need desperately to go into a larger pot. If root ball is thick, it will also need to be trimmed back and teased out. Use a serrated knife to cut off the base and spread the roots. Because roots have been removed, you will also need to balance the plant by cutting back the top as well.

Now time to pot up. Hydrate some water crystals and add some seaweed extract. Tip in some premium potting mix and then add this brown brew and stir. Now put in the plant and top up and water.

Phillipa of Blackwood wants information on what type of fertilizers will get her plants flowering for Christmas. Well, with Christmas just over a month away, she will need a quick acting feed that her plants can use straight away. Here are a couple that will do really well

A fertilizer like Thrive Flower and Fruit has a good balance of nutrients, including Potassium, and will encourage great flowering. Mix it into a watering can, shake and simply water in.

Or, use granular Garden Gold which also contains a wetting agent to encourage penetration of water and nutrients into the soil for up to 3 months.

Zero Glyphosate Weed spray

• Ready to use
• Non selective control of all grasses and broadleaf weeds.
• Effective, economical and easy to use in rockeries, garden beds, paths, driveways, fence lines, lawn edges and before planting new lawns and gardens.
• Kills the weeds, roots and all.

Thrive Soluble Fruit and Flower

• Complements Thrive Soluble all purpose plant food.
• A trusted, safe, easy-to-use formula.
• Ideal for feeding indoor & outdoor plants.
• Promotes prolific flowering and abundant fruit.
• Convenient handy pack - measuring spoon and resealable pack included.

Waterwise Water Storage Crystals

• When added to potting mix or garden soil, the crystals absorb up to 500 times their own weight in water.
• The water is released over a period of time as the plants require it.
• Reduce water usage and increase the times between watering.
• Effective for up to five years and biodegrade harmlessly.
• Prevents the soil from drying out, improves soil aeration and drainage.
• Potassium based.

Dynamic Lifter Seaweed Tonic

• Rich source of micro-nutrients, alginic acid, essential amino acids, minerals and other complex organic compounds. 
• Improves nutrient uptake, increases root development, encourages stronger stem growth, increases photosynthesis, increases yield and gives produce a longer shelf life and improved quality.
• Contains Molasses which provides a food source for beneficial soil microbes which make nutrients more available to the plant and improve soil structure. 
• Wetting agent improves water penetration, reduces water usage and improves soil structure.
• Improves retention and plant uptake of essential nutrients.

Garden Gold Fertiliser

• A complete fertiliser for feeding all types of indoor and outdoor garden and potted plants
• Rich in nitrogen for healthy green lush foliage, with balanced phosphorus and potassium for strong root growth and beautiful flowers
• Contains MoisturAid wetting agent to encourage penetration of water and nutrients into the soil.
• Contains fast acting nitrogen for quick results, and slow acting nitrogen to feed plants for up to 3 months.
• The release of nitrogen is controlled by moisture and soil microbes, and matches the nitrogen requirements of plants.
• Low application rate therefore very economical.