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Weeds have been prolific this summer and continue to thrive in this warm period following the unseasonably heavy rains. Mulching has been a priority in the backyard organic garden, both to supress weeds and to retain moisture in the soil. Continue to mulch, or as I did in spring, spread a layer of manure, followed by a layer of overlapping newspapers and then mulch with whatever organic matter you have available. This will supress even the most determined of weeds.It will also supply your soil with organic matter, building and strengthening the soil for the future.
Tomatoes should be developing nicely by now and unstaked plants will begin to be weighed down by fruit. Protect the fruit by mulching with straw. This will prevent your tomatoes from becoming blemished by contact with the soil.
Continue to harvest ripening crops like beans (which will continue to crop for a several more weeks), brassicas and leafy crops and keep sowing seeds or planting seedlings in any bare patches of soil. February is one of the best months to sow carrot seeds and plant brassica seedlings. Carrot seeds need to be kept moist until germination, and should be watered daily to prevent drying out. Carrots sown now will keep you suplied through winter and into the beginning of spring, as will brassicas. Also plant lettuce, leek and silverbeet seedlings and sow swede seeds.
Pinch off growing tips from pumpkin vines longer than 3 metres and mulch and water sweetcorn plants heavilly.
Fruit trees can be pruned as soon as fruit has been harvested.
Continue to plant herbs and shrubs. February is also a good time to take cuttings of perennial herbs.