Before you plant anything, watch the sun move around your yard or deck. Decide which part of the garden you want to plant and then watch the direction of the sun.
Does the area get lots of sun or just a little? Does it get any natural rainfall or is it underneath a roof, eave or other tall trees?
When you know your garden a little better, you’ll be able to know what the conditions are and choose appropriate plants.
Tip: get to know your garden.
Look at what plants your neighbours are growing. Which ones are common and thriving? Plant the same type of plant. Chances are, if they can grow them so can you because your gardens will have a similar soil type.
Also, you may want to take advantage of the two free plants available to Brisbane ratepayers per year. These are plants that are recommended and suitable for Brisbane’s climate and conditions.
Tip: plant what others are growing successfully.
It is easier to plant just a few types of plants at first. For example, choose a few plants that all like full sun and put them together in the sunniest spot in the garden.
Put in too many types and it gets hard to remember which ones need a bit more attention than others. Plus it won’t work to put thirsty plants next to drought tolerant ones or ones that need lots of fertiliser next to natives.
Tip: start with just a few similar types of plant.
Plant your new babies quickly after you’ve brought them home from the shops or markets. Plants will never thrive if they are left to wither in their plastic pots for too long. It is always best to get them in the ground or pot as soon as you can.
Tip: don’t delay planting.
When you are planting, spend some time making sure the soil is moist and contains nutrients.
Dig a hole larger than the size of the roots and fill it with water. Wait for the water to drain away and add a handful of slow release fertiliser to the hole. That way, the new plant is guaranteed a good start.
And don’t forget to give it at least a little bit of water every couple of days until it seems established and able to survive on its own. With most natives and drought tolerant plants, that won’t take long.
Tip: prepare the hole.
Generally, I find growing pot plants more difficult than plants in the ground. That’s because if a plant is in the soil it will usually be exposed to at least some water and nutrients. If the plant is in a pot and for example, on a deck, it will totally rely on you to provide everything it needs to survive.
However, if you really want to grow pot plants, buy the best potting mix you can afford. Generally, cheap mixes don’t work well and the more expensive ones have useful ingredients like water-saving crystals and slow release fertiliser that makes it easier for plants to thrive.
Tip: cheap potting mix is a false economy.
For ongoing help and advice read what the ourbrisbane.com gardening expert, Bob Dobbs, has to say. He answers common garden questions from Brisbane gardeners.
And use our guide to plants for Brisbane soils. Just enter your suburb and you’ll find a list of suitable species.
