Weather Patterns

There have been strange weather patterns all around Australia over the past year. With the end of the El Niño and the beginning of the La Niña period there have been some curious changes in the weather. In Adelaide and most of South Australia it has been extremely dry. In Perth there's been more humidity than usual, and it didn't really start to warm up until February. In the northern areas of Australia there's been a tremendous amount of rain with above average rainfalls in Darwin, Cairns, the Brisbane area and as far south as Sydney. Victoria and in particular Melbourne's weather over the past year has been good for the garden with sufficient rain.

Humid and wet areas

In areas where there is increased humidity and an above average rainfall there have been problems with mangoes and other plants. Lawns aren't growing well and there are lots of fungus diseases like powdery mildew on cucumbers and grape vines. If your plants are suffering a fungus disease, spray with Baycor. Alternatively you could use Mancozeb on mangoes and other plants susceptible to fungus disease. As the months go by many plants will start to die because of root rot. Plants that are prone to root rot include daphnes, boronias and some Australian native plants (grevilleas and banksias). An application of Phosacid 200 may give them a better chance of recovering.

Hot and dry areas

In areas where there is a below average rainfall and temperatures are higher than usual, make sure the garden beds are mulched and watered well. Talk to your local nurserypeople about the sort of things to do in your garden to overcome problems.

Availability

Baycor fungicide comes in a pressure pack (350mL) and costs around $11. Mancozeb fungicide (150g) costs around $11.

Both these products are available from nurseries and garden centres around Australia. Phosacid 200 costs around $20-$25 and comes in a five litre container, which could last the average home gardener many years. This product is manufactured by Craig Mostyn & Co Pty Ltd. Phone: (02) 9475 3200. Look for it at rural suppliers such as Elders Stockmans or ask them to order it in for you.

Copyright CTC Productions 1999