This is my personal growing calendar for Perth conditions during the month of April.
The main calendar page is here and explains why I am doing this and what you can expect.
Conditions:
Still warm but beginning to cool some with daily maximums in the mid 20C. Rainfall is supposed to be double that of March. All this calls for a change in what and where we plant.
Plant:
- artichokes
- asparagus
- beetroot
- broccoli
- brussel sprouts
- cabbage
- cauliflower
- chrysanthemums
- garlic bulbs – thanks Ben and Jean Davis for your tips, apparently you refrigerate the bulbs for about a week to improve germination success. You best get a wiggle on though!
- kale
- leaf beets (perpetual spinach)
- leeks
- marigolds
- mizuna
- nasturtium flowers
- onions
- parsnip
- peas
- potatoes
- radish
- snow peas
- spinach
- spring onions
- swede
- tomatoes – cherry
- turnips
Harvest:
- beans – the last crop
- beetroot leaves
- chili peppers
- choy sum
- coriander
- land cress
- leaf beets (perpetual spinach)
- limes (common)
- lime leaves (kaffir)
- mediterranean herbs – thyme, oregano etc
- mint
- pak choi
- radishes and leaves for salads
- tomatoes
My star performers:
- bhut jolokia peppers
- cayenne peppers
- coriander
- leaf beets (perpetual spinach)
- limes (common)
- radishes
My strugglers:
- beans – I think because I didn’t replenish their soil’s nitrogen enough after a very bountiful crop.
- jalapeño peppers – I think because I didn’t replenish their soil’s nitrogen enough after a very bountiful crop and fungus took control. Sprayed lime sulfur and we are back in business.
Jobs:
- if asparagus fronds are yellowing (they really should have already), trim to 2 cm above the ground
- keep an eye on mildew etc as the warm weather and rainfall are perfect conditions
- make snail traps
- keep weeds to a minimum, the rainfall can lead to weed explosions
- add 1.5kg of Dynamic Lifter Fruit Blend to each large citrus plants (follow the product’s instructions for younger/smaller trees or those in pots)
- slow feed your roses for the coming ‘chilly’ weather and watch for pests
- preserve chilis by freezing, pickling and drying
- care for your chilis by spraying with pyrethrum to keep grubs at bay
Don’t:
- harvest any asparagus.
Nursery seedlings (that caught the eye):
- anise hyssop
- artichokes
- asparagus
- bananas
- bay
- beans – snake, runner, french and broad
- beetroot
- berries – logan, black and blue
- brussel sprouts
- cabbages
- carrots, wide variety
- cauliflowers
- comfrey
- garlic
- jalapeno chili peppers
- kale
- leeks
- lemons
- lettuce
- nasturtium flowers
- onion – wide variety
- passionfruit vines
- peas – notably dutch heirloom
- potatoes – including sweet
- rhubarb
- rocket
- silverbeet
- tomatoes – wide variety
