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This month in South Australia, it's all about palms.
Plant them in a sheltered position, away from hot and cold winds. Water deeply and regularly when it's hot and dry.
Palms are ideal planted around a pool. They make a bold statement, look tropical and don't make a mess. There are palms that grow well in pots too. For example, the rhapis or lady palm. These palms do well away from full sun and draughts and love a well-lit position.
Another favourite is the kentia palm (Howea forsteriana). These are long-lived palms, that adapt well to indoor conditions and thrive in low light. Only water when the top of the soil starts to dry out.
October is a great time to get shrubs established before it's really hot and the soil is still moist.
Rosemary is a great choice, with its pink, purple or blue and white flowers and fragrant foliage. Plant in a pot near the kitchen, hedge it in the garden or for a ground cover, try the prostrate variety ‘Blue Lagoon'.
Other hedging or screening plants are Murraya paniculata with its beautiful, white fragrant flowers. Another favourite for South Australian gardens is Viburnum tinus or Laurustinus. From the Mediterranean, it's hardy in full sun or shade.
For striking foliage Nandina ‘Moonbay' is a perfect option. Its fine leaves look beautiful in the garden and they also give great colour.
Don't neglect the food forest either as it's a great time to get some vegies in the garden. Planting lettuces in succession will give a constant harvest. Sow tomato seeds this month and put in some basil too as it's a good companion to tomatoes.
Sweet corn is another favourite, but you'll need to keep the water up to it. Plant in blocks for better pollination and increased yield.
There's lots of garden maintenance to do this month. Tidy up perennials, such as liriopes. Remove any dead leaves or spent flowers.
Fertilise the garden. In addition, regular doses of seaweed solution is a great tonic. It helps strengthen plant cell walls and boosts root growth.
Spread mulch too. Pea straw or Lucerne are good alternatives. These mulches nourish the soil as they break down.
There's nothing better than picking your own produce and in October winter vegies are still coming into their own. Harvest Asian greens and broccoli before they go to seed. Pull carrots when they're young to help thin the crop or leave to grow larger. They should still be sweet. Strawberries start ripening too. Pick them before the birds and other pests get to them.
So make the most of the spring weather in South Australia and get out into the garden.
Remember the Perfect Plant Promise. All our plants (except seedlings) are guaranteed for 12 months. If you're not 100 percent happy, return your plant (with the receipt or tax invoice) and we'll refund it.
Check out the wide range of plants online or visit your local Bunnings Warehouse to find out how you can bring your garden to life.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
