End of the month and we're into some autumn temperatures, even the plants have noticed the change with some changing colour already. Good colour at the moment with Cushionmums in full flower - good for pots and Flamboyant begonias are extra bright and good in dry places. Last week for planting winter veges, they should be in by the end of the month to get the growth before we reach the colder months. Dig the potato crop and store in sacks in a dark place. Sow green crop, Lupins, Mustard, oats and cover with peastraw, it supresses weeds. Mostly weeding, watering and harvesting this time of year. Keep the tomatoes picked as they ripen, and fertilize with potash to give them good flavour and colour. Doesn't hurt to cut them back, leaves and tops to encourage the fruit to develip - same with Cucumber and Corgettes, too many coming ready at once now. Mildew is starting to appear now, so cut back the infected leaves and discard them.
 

WHAT SHOULD YOU BE DOING?:
Stacking firewood for the winter. Mulching the garden with peastraw to break the frosts to come. Start cutting back plants that have finished flowering. Good time to cut hedges, they will have a chance to put on some new growth before winter. Give the compost bin a kick start with compost maker or even empty it onto your dug potato patch. Make room for all the autumn leaves to come..

 
THIS WEEKS SPECIAL:
Fanders poppy seed. Only $7.99 or $4.98 with this newsletter.
$1.00 is donated to the RSA.
 
THIS WEEKS PRODUCT:

Seasol, seaweed concentrate, complete garden health treatment.
500ml only $11.99.
100% organic.
Stimulates root development.
 
FRUIT OF THE WEEK COMPETITION:
Diacks have a new section to our weekly newsletter. There will be a fruit of the week and you are able to win this tree/bush just by entering your favoutie recipe for this fruit. This is open to all across NewZealand and will be couriered free of charge to the lucky winner.
 
This weeks recipe is for Lime
Last week winner was :Kay Smith
 
PLANT OF THE WEEK COMPETITION:
Take a look at the plant attached below and if you recognise it e-mail us with your answer. If you are the first to guess correctly you will win!
Last weeks answer: Verbascum
Last weeks winner: Greg Simpson
 
SUPERSAVE PET DEPOT:
Nutrience Derma promotion.
Aqua one at 883 internal filter for aquariums, up to 350lt.
Was $99.98, now $59.98.

 
RECIPE OF THE WEEK:

 
Kiwi version of a Greek Salad:
 ¼ cup green pitted olives - halved
¼ cup black pitted olives - halved
a few torn fresh lettuce leave ? any variety
3 or 4 thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes in oil ? drained slightly
½ roasted red pepper in oil ? drained slightly
100 gms crumbled feta cheese
 ¼ finely sliced red onion

 Toss together, sprinkle with balsamic vinegar and a little shredded parmesan cheese just before serving. (No oil is needed in the dressing as the oil left on the tomatoes and peppers seems to be enough)
Makes a great summer side dish or a light lunch

 
JOKE OF THE WEEK:
Q:What kind of socks does a gardener wear?
A: Garden hose!