Autumn is the best season – and busiest
By HEATHER BUTLER

THE season that gives us the best weather of the year is autumn.  Cool, brisk mornings followed by 'just right' days and evenings toasting toes in front of the fire.
Well, enough of that shilly-shallying!  Autumn is also one of the busiest months of the year, horticulturally speaking.

Spring bulbs need to be planted once the soil temperature has dropped so that they won't rot.

The pruning needs to be done so that plants have the time to heal before the worst of the Winter frosts start in earnest.

The vegie patch either needs refilling for those Winter veg, or a green manure crop can be planted to be later dug in.

Roses need to be enjoyed as their Autumn flush is usually better once the heat of Summer has finished.

Winter annuals can be planted so that they will flower in the coldest months to put some cheer into your days.  

Primulas are terrific in full sun and full shade, pansies and violas love the sun, and polyanthus and primroses enjoy a bit of sun but give you a better display if protected.

Cinerarias need protection from frosts, but their vibrant colours are
worth the effort, and snappies are great in dwarf and tall varieties to
give you a rainbow of colours.

Last but not least, the weeds are still growing and setting seed, remember
the old adage- one year's weeding saves seven years seeding.  

Basically what this means is that some seeds stay viable for a long time in the soil, and if you can prevent too many seeds getting into the soil in the first  place you will save yourself a sore back!

PS This really is the best season of the year in Tassie, so the most important thing to remember is to enjoy it!
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Copyright 2007 Corporate Communications (Tas) Pty Ltd publishers of Eastern Shore Sun.

Independent news and commentary on community issues and events, business profiles and sport.

Editor: Ingrid Harrison
Publisher: Corporate Communications (Tas) Ltd
Writers: Ingrid Harrison (editor), Beverley Brill, Heather Butler

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