ABC Adelaide's Talkback Gardening

Experienced gardeners are already taking action to protect their plants and gardens from the impending summer heat. One of the most effective ways of adding a layer of protection is mulch.

Before signing off at the Royal Adelaide Show, outgoing Director of the Department of Environment, John Schultz said, "We need more Jon Lamb's to put out more Good Gardening newsletters".

ABC Talkback Gardening broadcast live from the Royal Adelaide Show on the first day of spring,  2023. Guests joining Deb Tribe & Jon Lamb included ABC Gardening Australia presenter and Talkback Gardening expert, Sophie Thomson.

There is nothing like blue skies and sunshine at the end of winter to encourage Adelaide gardeners to start planting and get growing. But, Adelaide Botanic Gardens Head Propagator, Matt Coulter said, "It does need a little bit of help to keep it growing".

Rubus berries, raspberries, blackberries and dewberries can make for a delicious addition to your home garden.

There are some important management issues facing home gardeners this season including bud burst and leaf curl. Paul James shares his expertise with ABC Talkback Gardening.

There has been sustained extreme weather over the past two months in the northern hemisphere in countries like Greece and Canada. That could be normal for SA by 2050. Darren:         The weather just experienced in the United States and Europe will be our normal weather by  2050 – that is assuming we can contain global warming to 1.5° C?

Camellia authority, Camellia judge and Patron of the Adelaide Hills Camellia Society, Jon Hall said, "Camelias thrive in this type of weather".

White garden snails are on the increase in South Australia, introduced to home gardens via pea straw mulch.

Native plants are low maintenance, they attract wildlife, and provide a pop of colour during the cold winter months.

Soursobs are a thorn in the side of gardeners throughout SA. Weed Agromonist, Chris Butler says, "Soursobs dominate the landscape because of the numbers".

It was a wet June in Adelaide, with 125mm of rain recorded compared to an average 71.6mm. Independent Climatologist, Darren Ray says, "Ocean temperatures globally are off the charts".

A combination of wet winter weather and increased mulching has provided the perfect habitat for slugs and snails, says 'snug' expert, Michael Nash.

Covid-19 kickstarted a renewed interest in home gardening and the opportunity for everyone to grow their own produce.

Winter has arrived and weather conditions are likely to be considerably warmer and drier than normal according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

For some gardeners, dahlias are a thing of the past. But, Neville Jescke from the South Australian Dahlia Society says they're making a comeback.

Riverland citrus authority, Ian Tolley shares his expertise on ABC Talkback Gardening, to enable you to confidently manage your citrus trees throughout Adelaide's cold winter months.

For some, fallen autumn leaves can mean a mess. But for those who know, fallen leaves are part of a circular cycle with enormous organic value to trees.

The average rainfall in Adelaide is 44mm in April. So why was last month so wet? ABC Talkback Gardening expert Jon Lamb asks Independent Climatologist, Darren Ray to explain.

You can add spectacular colour to your garden by choosing the best deciduous trees. Amy Woolard from Adelaide Tree Farm shares her expertise.

The recent tomato season was better than anticipated, but it wasn't without it's problems, with many gardeners impacted by slow growing and ripening fruit.

If you want your garden to come alive with colour this spring, it's time to plant your bulbs right now.

The Master Landscapers of SA and Open Gardens SA open the gates to some of SA’s most beautiful, privately owned gardens. Ornamental grasses can turn a garden into a show-stopper.

2023's weather began as predicted, but March temperatures have been a little below average and rainfall a little higher than average. Independent Climatologist, Darren Ray shares his predictions.

It is possible to transform your backyard into a fruit & veg paradise, providing colour, satisfaction and a source of produce to combat the cost of living.

As River Murray flood waters recede, Riverland residents are back in the garden. Internationally renowned horticulturalist, Ian Tolley has the advice to bring your citrus trees back to life.

What makes a wicking bed different to a raised garden bed, and what are the advantages?

There's big benefits to planting your winter and spring vegetables in early-autumn. Edible garden specialist, Steven Hoepfner shared his expertise on ABC Talkback Gardening.

Begonia Society champion, Val Hendy presents a mini-masterclass on colourful, shade loving and easy to grow begonias.

ABC's Talkback Gardening takes a forensic look at garden soils with a special focus on soil temperatures, water and salinity.

ABC Talkback Gardening broadcast live from Open Gardens SA's Harvest Garden Festival on-site at the stunning ‘Bellevue’ in Unley Park.

With the recent Murray River flooding, home gardener's hard work has been submerged. Can you recover your flood-affected lawn?

Brett Draper shares 'wow plants' for your garden, both in sun and in the shade.

Award-winning South Australian landscaper, Jamie McIllwain gives his advice on how to Integrate fruit & veg into your garden landscape.

How does a plant use water to keep itself cool in summer? Understanding that will help you determine how to best water your garden.

Following a wetter-than-average spring, the rain has stopped in SA. Is La Niña in the Pacific ocean still influencing our weather?

Will climate change mean SA gardeners change the plants we grow, or will we change the way we grow our plants?

With South Australia experiencing hot weather post-Christmas, how can you have your garden survive and thrive?

It's Christmas time. What do you get for the green thumb in your family? Talkback Gardening has Christmas gifts for amateurs, collectors and committed gardeners.

Extreme heat is expected in South Australia this summer. How can you ensure your veggies thrive in the harshest of conditions?

Summer has arrived! Weather-wise, what can South Australians expect for the next three months?

Due to South Australia's recent weather systems, leaf curl is affecting peaches and nectarines in large numbers across the state.

SA's variable weather is impacting lawns statewide. Talkback Gardening looks at how fluctuating temperatures and soil moisture affects your lawn.

Trevor Nottle's 'Short History of Gardening in Australia' and your tips for encouraging a green thumb.

South Australia will experience a "typical La Niña summer", with a humid November and warmer weather expected mid-January.

Live from the Mawson Lakes Park Run, founding member of the Barossa bush garden & author of 'Wild Barossa', Chris Hall shares his tips on native gardens.

Citrus gall wasps are set to emerge in South Australia's Riverland late-October. When should you spray your garden to prevent an infestation?

SA's Golden Pea bee is only found in the Adelaide Hills. These native bees need native plants to survive and home gardeners can help..

Gardeners refer to possums as pests, but is it possible to cohabitate with the little marsupials and even learn to love them?

With tropical weather activity on the way, a wet Christmas is forecast for South Australia says Independent Climatologist, Darren Ray.

Spring will be the season Elm Leaf Beetles seek to damage Elm trees. How can you prepare your trees and what actions can you take if beetles target your garden?

Growing vegetables in wicking beds saves time, water and improves the quality of your produce, but adoption has been slow.

A feature of the Adelaide Botanic Gardens display at the 2022 Royal Adelaide Show, the corpse flower can be grown in your home garden.

Live from the Show, Independent Climatologist, Darren Ray's three-month spring forecast and ABC Gardening Australia’s Costa Georgiadis and Sophie Thomson.

Turf specialist Stefan Palm provides tips on how to restore and revitalise your lawn for spring.

It looks like the first half of August will be wetter than average, but what will spring look like for Adelaide gardeners?

Garden Writer Tim Marshall shares his tips for growing the best tomatoes in South Australia.

SA native plant author, Neville Bonney is launching his new book, "From One Small Seed a Forest is Born" and it's set to become a 'bush bible'.

All potting mixes are not as they appear.

Rats and mice are among the many pests that love to prey on your hard work in the garden.

Expert advice to skip the supermarket queue and grow your own fruit at home.

If you want your winter garden to pop, try planting a colourful camelia.

Winter Gardens don’t have to be cold and colourless like the weather.

Independent Climatologist, Darren Ray says the months ahead are looking wet.

When is the best time to prune? This and many other questions are answered when Rosarian Kym Syrus joins Jon Lamb to discuss many aspects of preparing, growing, propagating, and pruning roses.

Deciduous fruit trees have arrived at garden centres. Jon Lamb is joined by Brett Draper with advice on the trees available in winter & how to enter one of the many horticultural competitions at this year's Royal Adelaide Show. Mark Caldicott explains why lawn grubs are feeding on the roots of potted ornamentals.

Climatologist Darren Ray joins Jon Lamb with his predictions on rainfall and temperatures for winter ahead. Melissa Bradley of Water Sensitive SA has ideas on how to capture the stormwater produced by the rain to use in your garden.

Talented landscaper Pam Gurner-Hall joins Jon Lamb with advice on creating a green wall in your garden. Merilyn Kuchell recommends small autumn coloured trees for small spaces.

Rosarian Merv Trimper joins Jon Lamb with concerns about the impact of chemical defoliation of roses. Jon discusses the value of growing your own vegetables.

Christmas for gardeners is celebrated when Jon Lamb and Deb Tribe are joined by special guests Jason Scroop, Chris Perry and Brett Draper. The latest fruit fly information is provided by Nick Secomb of Biosecurity SA.

How should you care for your camelias after the flowers fade? Camelia expert John Hall joins Jon Lamb and Deb Tribe with advice on how to keep your plants in top shape. Alex Chalupa of PIRSA warns about an invasive weed found in an Adelaide garden. Don't forget to enter the Powerful Plant Photo Competition by Tuesday 2 November 2021!

Sheryn Pitman of Green Adelaide explains why the city is only the second National Park City in the world and how to celebrate in June. As the seasons change and the rains arrive, so do the weeds. Chris Butler has advice on how to control them.

What's the difference between fertilisers, seaweed products, and soil and plant stimulants? Organic expert Tim Marshall joins Jon Lamb with advice on what these products do and whether you need to use them in your garden.

Has autumn been replaced by an early winter? Climatologist Darren Ray joins Jon Lamb with his seasonal outlook for gardeners. Horticulturalist Brett Draper has gift ideas for a green Mother's Day.

Rats, ants and European wasps are all causing mayhem in our gardens. Pest advisor, Gavin Hutton joins Jon Lamb with advice on the latest and safest control products and strategies .

How do you maximise your productive yield in a small garden? Roger Carthew, productive garden specialist joins Jon Lamb with advice on how easy it is to increase fruit and vegetable production in small gardens.

The roses of the present are very different from those of the past. What will roses of the future look like? Rosarian Merv Trimper joins Jon Lamb to examine trends in roses as the National Rose Trial Gardens of Australia and the Rose Society of SA combine resources to stage the "People's Choice" judging and colourful Annual Autumn Rose Show.

When will there be a break in the season? Climatologist Darren Ray joins Jon Lamb with his April seasonal outlook for gardeners. Jon has more insights to share from the 2022 tomato season survey.

Indoor plant expert Haidi Sutherland joins Jon Lamb with new ways to propagate house plants. Jon has preliminary results from this season's tomato survey and it's been an excellent one for many South Australian gardeners.

Bush tucker expert Mike Quarmby joins Brett Draper with his top five Australian native foods to grow in your backyard and advice on how to care for them.

When you plant in autumn can determine how much produce you will harvest. Jon Lamb is joined by expert Dominic Cavallaro with tips on growing your veggie yield. Stefan Palm explains why non-wetting soils could be causing the brown spots in your lawn.

When will there be a break in the season? Independent Consulting Climatologist Darren Ray joins Jon Lamb with his autumn seasonal outlook for gardeners. Fruit and nut expert Chris Perry on the rising popularity of mango plants in SA.

Climate change is altering growing conditions in SA. Joe Keilenowski of Joe's Connected Garden joins Jon Lamb to discuss the impact of climate change and whether it might lead to more tropical fruits in SA home gardens.

You can determine when your roses bloom! It's all in the timing says Gavin Woods, one of South Australia's top Rosarians, who joins Jon Lamb with advice on how to ensure your roses are at their best when you want them to be, and how to plant new roses when old ones run out of steam.

Jon is joined by arborist Michael Palamountain and fruit and veggie grower Joe Keilenowski to discuss beetles attacking elm and fig trees.

Climatologist Darren Ray joins Jon Lamb and Leigh Radford with his seasonal outlook for gardeners. Jon discusses fuchsia care and the incidence of elm leaf beetles.

The summer rain provides an opportunity for gardeners. Urban farmer Steven Hoffner joins Jon Lamb and Deb Tribe with tips on making the most of the wonderful planting opportunities for a late crop of summer vegetables. Turf consultant Stefan Palm has advice on the best and most cost-effective pop-up irrigation systems.

What is needed to create a productive fruit and veggie garden? Roger Carthew, landscape construction consultant joins Jon Lamb and Deb Tribe with advice on how to get started and achieve the best results from your effort. Jon has tips for battling downy mildew.

There's a renewed interest in gardening — but it isn't translating into new membership.

Top grower Chris Screas shares a radical way of keeping your fuchsias alive over Summer. John explains how to take advantage of the hot weather (and reduce waste) by solarizing your old potting mix.

In his seasonal outlook for gardeners climatologist Darren Ray says we haven't seen the last of our dry conditions and Jon Lamb shares some secrets to courtyard gardening.

Special guest Penny Woodward joins Jon Lamb and Deb Tribe with advice on harvesting garlic and other summer herbs. Organic expert Tim Marshall shares his admiration for Peter Cundall, the late great garden innovator and communicator.

Horticulturalist and garden centre manager Brett Draper joins Deb Tribe as guest gardener with advice on how to care for your garden in the warm weather ahead. Climatologist Darren Ray gives his summer seasonal outlook for gardeners and his prediction for the weather on Christmas Day.

Plant enthusiast Linda Niemann joins Deb Tribe as guest gardener. Indoor plant expert Haidi Sutherland has advice on how to care for your plants as the season changes from spring to summer.

The mild weather has been great for weeds but not for lawns. Turf consultant Stefan Palm joins Jon Lamb and Deb Tribe with advice on how to remove weeds and bring your lawn back to its green glory. Jon has advice on the late arrival of citrus gall wasps.

You've planted your tomatoes, now what should you do? Expert Penny Woodward joins Jon Lamb and Deb Tribe with great advice on how to get a top crop this season.

Independent Climatologist Darren Ray joins Jon Lamb and Deb Tribe with his seasonal outlook for gardeners. The winners of the Powerful Plant Photographic competition are announced (pic above by Lyn Schneider) and Jon discusses promiscuous pumpkins!

No wonder Adelaide is the rose capital! Dianne vom Berg of the SA Rose Society joins Jon Lamb and Deb Tribe. The Powerful Plant Photographic Competition is launched and we hope you enter.