Episode: #3 07/04/07
Presenter: Kim Syrus

James of Aldinga has tomatoes that are finished and wants to know what to plant next. He has been told that some vegetables should not follow another one in the same spot. Rotating vegetable crops helps prevents a build up of soil diseases in the veggie patch.
It is important to swap the families around. Potatoes and eggplants are from the same family as tomatoes, so avoid planting them in the same spot. After tomatoes, look at planting beans from the Fabaceae family, onions from the Alliaceae family or cabbages from the Brassicaceae family before replanting tomatoes again. By rotating your vegetables, you will keep the area free from soil issues. Remember, it is a family problem!
Jason of Sellicks Beach is looking at trimming up a few trees on his property and wants some tips on the best way to cut off these branches. Grab a saw, gloves and more importantly some eye protection and get started.
Trimming Trees:

• Where you want to remove the branch,
• Make a small cut on the underside.
• Start your main cut a bit further up the limb. A sharp saw will get through the branch in no time.
• When you are nearly through, the weight of the branch will tend to pull the cut open, causing it to break and pull off bark as it drops to the ground.
• The little underside side cut, made earlier, will stop the bark tearing too far and scaring the tree.
• Now a final cut will tidy up the limb and help the wound to quickly heal over.

WATERWISE TIP
Mulch is so important. It shades the ground, keeps the soil covered and cool, and helps retain valuable moisture that would otherwise be lost through evaporation. This means water stays in the ground longer making it available for the plants to use.
When choosing mulch, make sure that it suits your yard and spread it evenly over the garden about 70 to 100 mm thick. It is easy to apply. Just remember to keep away from the base of shrubs and trees to avoid any stem or collar rot.