November in your Tropical garden

Liquid feed annuals fortnightly with Phostrogen Plant Food to encourage good growth and lasting flowers.

Be water smart in the garden this summer. Apply pine bark mulch to garden beds now to help moderate soil temperatures, reduce water loss and suppress weeds. A depth of 5-6 cm will do. Always water the soil well before applying mulch.

Orchids are making lots of new growth at this time of year. Fertilize weekly with Phostrogen Plant Food at half strength.

Re-pot cymbidium orchids which have finished flowering, and have outgrown their pots, with Debco Orchid Media. Cut away any damaged roots.

Lift spring flowering bulbs that have died down and hang them to dry in open string bags. After the bulbs have completely dried, store them in the refrigerator crisper for planting the following season.

Give petunias that have finished flowering a new lease of life - cut them back to 10-12 cm above the ground and apply a soluble liquid fertilizer such as Phostrogen.

Spruce up the garden for Christmas - Plant Impatiens in hanging baskets now to give good colour for the festive season.

With lots of rain and heat, tropical and subtropical regions are experiencing astonishing growth. Protect soils by applying plenty of compost and nutrient rich mulch like Mulch 'n' Feed.

November is a good month to plant seedling tomatoes. Fertilize young plants with Phostrogen Tomato Food to promote strong healthy growth and fruitful plants.