The Garden Diaries: Victoria in October

Hero plant this month: Palms

The best thing about spring is there are lots of things to plant. 

This month, it's all about palms.  The jungle look is on-trend and palms certainly say tropical jungle. Despite looking tropical, there are plenty that do well in cooler climates like Victoria's. 

For example, Bangalow palms (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana) are popular in Victoria. An adaptable plant, it has a single stem and grows in partial shade to full sun. But if you're in an area that gets frosts, consider a dwarf date palm (Phoenix roebelenii). Ideal for smaller gardens, this elegant palm grows to about 3m tall and grows well in sunny to part shaded position. 

Plant palms in a pot and bring them inside for the jungle look indoors. The kentia palm (Howea forsteriana) adapt well to indoor conditions and thrive in low light. Only water when the top of the soil starts to dry out. 

What else to plant

It's also a great time to plant perennials and annuals. Good choices are French marigolds, and alyssum and for a riot of colour, select petunias. All three are hardy sun lovers. 

There are plenty of edibles to plant too. Capsicums, eggplant, zucchini, and of course tomatoes. There are dozens of tomatoes to choose from. Mix it up with some heritage varieties. They have great colours and flavours.

A favourite is the Black Russian. They are great producers of large flavoursome, reddish-black fruit. 

Maintenance

Spring is a great time to be out in the garden. There is so much to do. Give spring flowering plants a prune to remove spent flowers. This will also encourage bushy growth.

Improve garden beds with compost before planting out vegies, herbs and flowers. Add some dolomite lime where you're planting tomatoes.  Adding some dolomite will help prevent blossom end rot (a brown rot that occurs on unripe fruit where the flower originated). 

Digging all the goodies into the soil will help enrich the soil, increase its organic matter and ensure it retains moisture. 

As plants burst into life, the entire garden will benefit from some fertiliser. Use liquid feed for plants that are actively growing. 

Don't neglect pots either, give them some slow release fertiliser and keep an eye on watering needs. Pots tend to dry out quickly as the weather warms.

Harvest

This month, there's plenty to pick.  Continue to harvest winter sown vegetables. Legumes such as snow peas, peas and broad beans are ready. Harvest continually and they will keep producing. Lettuces and silverbeet are ready to pick as are carrots. Pick bunches of fresh herbs too.

So there you have it, lots to do in the October garden.

Our Perfect Plant Promise

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.

Start planting today

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.