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Warm-temperate
Pest alert: Fruit fly are moving south into temperate
regions. If they are not in your region yet, it is worth
putting out male fruit fly pheromone lures such as Eco-
Organic Garden's Eco-Lure Queensland Fruit Fly Trap or
Wild May Fruit Fly Attractant. Check regularly and at
the first sign of fruit fly, bag or net susceptible fruit and
vegetables,andinstallfemaleandmaleattractinglures.Top tip: New growth of frost-tender plants can be
destroyed by late frosts, so don’t prune susceptible plants
such as lemon verbena and scented pelargoniums until
the last chance of frost has passed. Cut lemon verbena
backbytwothirds,andpelargoniumsbyaboutonethird.Must do: You are more likely to use herbs and leafy
greens if they are growing close to your kitchen. Pot up
some fast-growing greens such as lettuce and mustard,
as well as herbs such as basil, parsley, chervil and dill
into self-watering pots for minimum maintenance and
maximum use. Penny WoodwardCold-temperate
Plant now: Spring is the
perfect time to plant many
different perennial herbs such as
sage, savoury, rosemary, thyme
and oregano. All need compost-
rich, well-drained soils. If your
soil is heavy and stays wet in winter, or
your garden is shady, consider planting these
heat-lovingMediterraneanherbsinpots.Pest alert: The most common scale form as a hard
shell on leaves and stems of plants. The insect is inside.
Like aphid, scale exude a honeydew that attracts ants
that will farm scale. Remove scale by scratching off with
your fingernails, or rub off with an old toothbrush and
soapy water or methylated spirits. Control ants with a
stickycollaronthetrunkofthetree.Top tip: When planting out seedlings or small plants,
surround each with a plastic pot with the bottom cut
out. This will not only create shade and protect from
wind, but also creates a well so that water will be
directed straight to the roots. Penny WoodwardTop left: Prune lemon-scented pelargonium such as
‘Mabel Grey’ after the chance of frost has passed.
Centre: A fruit fly pheromone lure in a grape vine.
Left: Hard shelled scale like these on the back of
the citrus leaf can be removed with a toothbrush
PHOTOS: THIS PAGE, TOP: PENNY WOODWARD/CENTRE AND BOTTOM: ALAMY. OPPOSITE PAGE, TOP LEFT AND BOTH INSETS: HELEN MCKERRAL/FAR LEFT: ALAMY.and soapy water or methylated spirits.