It was a good hot weekend to help ripen the tomatoes, but also a drop in temperature during the week. Certainly slows everything down. Good rain though, we were starting to cry 'drought!' and experiencing water restrictions. A very important time to control weeds as they drop their seed at this time of year, especially the thistles. Thistle seed can travel miles, causing big problems next season. Autumn is natures time for planting, when there's heat and moisture plants have a chance to establish before winter. Traditionally it is time to plant Broad Beans, Sweet Peas and Onions on St Patrick's day. Berry fruit need some attention, prune out old canes in Raspberries and Gooseberry and remove internal branches to encourage an open plant. It is also a good idea to sow green crop on any unplanted beds. Collect all autumn leaves for the compost bin - they are invaluable. Best colour at the moment are Cyclemen for indoors or Potted Cushionmums. Vege gardens are slowing down outside and many are planting in the tunnelhouse or glasshouse now. Give the tomatoes a good tidy up and cut back and remove any plants that have stopped producing, as they will attract whitefly and disease.
 

WHAT SHOULD YOU BE DOING?:
Collect your 'Lets Go Gardening' magazine, autumn edition. Rose catalogue out now, make sure you order soon to avoid disappointment. Time to order fruit trees and even shelter trees, it's only six weeks away from digging trees again for our open ground sales. Also spring bulbs available so be in to purchase them soon.

 
THIS WEEKS SPECIAL:
North Rd Special.
Duck decoy's, from $79.98, box of 12.
 
Tweed St Special.
Yes we've had a container load of sandstone pots, with some at heavily reduced prices. (Some maybe damaged)
 
THIS WEEKS PRODUCT:

Precision secateurs.
Precision ground blades. Hard chrome plated. Mar quench hardening. Non-slip lightweight grips. Anatomically shaped handles. Perfection everytime. Only $54.99
.
 
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 favourite 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 lemons.
Last week winner was : Grant and Heather Halder
 
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: Viridiflora
Last weeks winner: VL Sim
 
SUPERSAVE PET DEPOT:
Super special. Nutrience original dog food. Normally $105.98, now only $86.98.
Marina goldfish starter kit.
Was $59.99 now $45.98 for 14LT.
Was $74.99 now $56.98 for 21LT.

 
RECIPE OF THE WEEK:

Feijoa Jam Recipe
Ingredients:
2 lbs feijoas, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup water
Juice and zest of one lemon
4 cups white granulated sugar, warmed

Directions:
Place feijoas in a jam pan or large, wide saucepan and add water, lemon juice, and zest. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat and cook until fruit is soft about fifteen minutes. Add warmed sugar and stir until it dissolves. Bring jam to a rapid boil and boil without stirring until the mixture reaches the setting point, about 20 minutes. Pour jam into warmed, sterllized jars, cool and seal. Jam can be eaten immediately.
Makes 6 to 8 cups
 

JOKE OF THE WEEK:
Q:What trees have fingers?
A: Palm trees!