Fact Or Fiction?

Lawn care and gardening in the cooler months.

- Adam Woodhams

1. It’s best to plant citrus trees in winter so they’re ready come summer.

FICTION: In all but the warmest parts of the country, winter is not the time for planting citrus or, for that matter, most plants, small or large. The soil is too cold and it tends to stay wet for too long, increasing the risk of harm to new plantings. You’ll also find most garden plants are dormant during the cooler months, so they simply won’t grow or establish. Winter is, however, the ideal time to be planning where your new citrus might go and getting ready for planting at the first sign of warmer weather.

2. Root vegetables are best grown in winter.

FACT: Root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, beetroot and potatoes, as well as leafy greens like English spinach, silverbeet and pak choy, are all excellent choices for the cool-season veggie garden. They will tolerate both shorter daylight hours and the cooler weather. The big bonus of the wint er veggie patch is that it’s almost maintenance-free. A little water once a week if it’s dry, watch out for the odd bug, and that’s about it!

3. Plants should be watered in the morning during winter.

FACT: It’s best to water in the morning to give both soil and plants a chance to dry before night falls and with it, the temperature. When you can, aim to water the soil, avoiding the foliage. And don’t just water by habit. Always check the soil is heading towards dry before watering. Using these techniques will reduce the risk of fungal diseases and rots. Soil can stay cold and damp for weeks, so it can be a slow, silent plant killer.

4. Keep your grass cut short over winter.