overwintering Winter-Summer in OZ "Comparison" / Aussie Blabberers

[gasificada]

Well, I just got back and I'll put it this way: I was not overly impressed with Masters. The one I went to (Tingalapa), was pretty much like your usual Bunnings (bits and pieces of this and that / no real structure)... but a little smaller. I did only go into the garden section though.

They too were very light on Debco products (but at least they had some) and heavy on Searles. I dunno... it has me thinking: I guess product availability might play some role too--especially as far as soils, potting mixes, etc are concerned.

Ended up walking out with a bag of Searles Organic Compost. Don't know what to expect from this stuff as I've had trouble with Searles products in the past (I actually swore I wouldn't never buy another one of their products again). On paper it sounds good (contains manures, fish, kelp and worm castings) but we shall see. (And yes, after my little speech on only buying from the little guy I should have walked away with nothing... but I wasn't going out in Brisbane traffic for nothing!)

Nearly picked up a bag of Amgrow Black Label SRM but decided it contained too many added whats-its and what-nots. BioActiv compost, Nutrismart ferts... wetting agent (*shiver*). It's a shame 'cause the texture felt good from the outside of the bag--fine, light and airy but still moist. As I'm trying to keep as close to organic growing as possible next season though, it's out.

Speaking of SR mixes, anyone know if it's even worth trying to track a good one down (i.e. do they even exist)?? I just want something I can whack my first pot-ups (from jiffys into small pots) without stuffing around ammending my main mix so it's a bit lighter for 'em....

 

[Trippa]

Was the searles the 5in1 plus soil conditioner/compost??
Well it looks like bunnings is still my go to then.
As for seed raising mix the only specialty seed raising mix I have ever used was Yates black magic sr mix and I don't think you can get that here ??





I don't think debco are the biggest producers there products always seem to be running low or out completely

 

[harry]

Wow... is it just me or does Bunnings just keep getting sh*tter and sh*tter? Went in today to try and track down some Debco SRM and couldn't even find a single Debco product! And to add insult to injury, looks like they have discontinued Triple Boost too. First the short plant tags went (I don't want the long-ass pieces of sh*t--they restrict my babies from getting close enough to my light), then the good jiffys, then the more-bang-for-your-buck perlite, now this crap??

When was the last time you saw Debco SRM at a Bunnings store? The first time I bought it I only came across it by chance at one of the stores. Later when I went looking for it again I was told that they no longer sell it. There were mounds upon mounds of the Amgrow SRM that I will not buy.

I've noticed the trend in bunnings as well. Every product they stock has been steadily changing to the cheaper crappier version that breaks easily so you have to get another. Because they've forced most of their opposition out of business they really don't care. Most people will follow the advertising like cows to the milking shed.

The plastic pots they used to sell were of a sturdier type. The last time I checked I found they had replaced that range with a more flimsy range. The plastic that made up the pots was more reminiscent of that of the pots sold at the Reject Shop.

Speaking of SR mixes, anyone know if it's even worth trying to track a good one down (i.e. do they even exist)?? I just want something I can whack my first pot-ups (from jiffys into small pots) without stuffing around ammending my main mix so it's a bit lighter for 'em....

The Debco SRM was worth tracking down considering my results this past season. The C. Chinense plants did well in small pots filled with it.

Was the searles the 5in1 plus soil conditioner/compost??
Well it looks like bunnings is still my go to then.
As for seed raising mix the only specialty seed raising mix I have ever used was Yates black magic sr mix and I don't think you can get that here ??

I've sighted the Yates SRM at a Mitre 10 store in the past.

I don't think debco are the biggest producers there products always seem to be running low or out completely

My suspicion is the Amgrow SRM is cheaper than the Debco SRM.

 

[gasificada]

Was the searles the 5in1 plus soil conditioner/compost??

Nah, it is the "Searles Real Compost Mix". I don't actually recall ever seeing it before... but then I don't pay much attention to Searles products.

Really what I'm looking for is a good compost I can build on to use as my main growing mix. Not sure exactly where I'm going to go from here but might start with a bag of plain no-added-anythings potting mix and go from there. (Any ideas anyone?)

I also have a bag of the Debco organic compost I picked up a few months ago. Don't know exactly what I'm going to do with that either.

It's a shame... I really wanted to give the Debco organic mix a burl this season but who knows if I'll find a bag before it's time to pot up!

Well it looks like bunnings is still my go to then.

If you have a Masters local enough, I would still check it out. If they are as much like Bunnings as they seem, availability from store-to-store will almost certainly be different.

I don't think debco are the biggest producers there products always seem to be running low or out completely

Indeed it does appear that way.

When was the last time you saw Debco SRM at a Bunnings store? The first time I bought it I only came across it by chance at one of the stores. Later when I went looking for it again I was told that they no longer sell it. There were mounds upon mounds of the Amgrow SRM that I will not buy.

I'm not sure. I have definitely seen it at Bunnings on a few occasions (maybe not recently?) but SR mixes are something I don't really pay attention to either.

So the Amgrow SRM... is it the piles of added everythings that turns you off too?

The Debco SRM was worth tracking down considering my results this past season. The C. Chinense plants did well in small pots filled with it.

Well, I am trying to find it! I definitely have to start branching out and start checking out the smaller guys...

I actually read some bad reviews on the stuff the other night (chunky mix, etc) but at this point, I am taking your word for it being a quality mix, harry, and will continue to track it down and find out for myself.

On another note... remember when we were talking about the Debco Green Wizard regular potting mix... did it have an added wetting agent at that stage? It does now but I'm sure it didn't! (http://retail.debco.com.au/products/generic/green-wizard-regular)

 

[Pablo_h]

Harry suggested last year I just email Debco and that's what I did. Someone from debco replied and told me of all the bunnings stores that had their SRM and their organic potting mix.

I think I just emailed debco@debco.com.au with my location and products wanted. I think what stores carry the debco products depends on how much turnover the stock has, and the debco sales guys relationship with that bunnings store purchaser, ie how well they sell. I noticed everywhere that bunnings normally had at least a debco specialist native potting mix and cactus potting mix or something like that, and most had pot mate, so all bunnings deal with debco, but they don't all carry the more generic mixes like SRM and organic, but some do.

edit: BTW their find a stockist search on their website is useless. It points to 3 bunnings stores only. Bunnings stores I know don;t have SRM, and it doesn;t list the ones that do. Also, yeah, only lists bunnings stores and no other nursery.
That being said, support the little guy is great, but every nursery I've been to seems to only sell their own brand mix, or some generic brand no one has heard of. So I doubt you'll find Debco except at bunnings.

 

[MiLK_MaN]

I have 120 seedlings already, and there's so much more I want to grow :/

My plants have not died from last year yet, but are starting to look sickly. I'm going to start misting them weekly with seaweed, and see what happens. I need to top the garden beds up, but can't get to them yet since the plants are still over a metre tall with a thick canopy. I just can't bring myself to chopping them back, I'm just interested in how they go and whether I can get some Chinense outside of my black pots to overwinter outside with no protection.

 

[megamoo]

Yep its time to start isn't it. Hopefully in the next few days I'm going to soak and plant a crap load of seeds. I've got some big ideas this season

 

[Trippa]

Milkman did you get my pm??

 

[gasificada]

Yep its time to start isn't it. Hopefully in the next few days I'm going to soak and plant a crap load of seeds. I've got some big ideas this season

Put my first lot down last Thursdee. Just wish the little buggers would hurry up and pop now!

Chinenses, a few wilds and a few hybrids this lot (oh and a pube ) and next lot will be Annuums and Baccatums in a few weeks.

Final list is 40 plants now... double what I had planned but still less than last season. And if things get a little unmanageable again this season, I've selected around 10 of those plants I'm willing to throw overboard to help lighten the load if need be.

 

[gasificada]

Gas you can buy triple boost online from the manufacturer batphone.com.au

Hey Trips..... I just found out that Plant of Health/Batphone/The Fertilizer Shop (?) is up here in QLD... just out at Geebung... and open to the public.

 

[Trippa]

Hey Trips..... I just found out that Plant of Health/Batphone/The Fertilizer Shop (?) is up here in QLD... just out at Geebung... and open to the, public.

Sweet. Pity I just finished my position at kedron or I would have jumped across there. My new position/job/company is in the cbd of brissy and will be catching train each day so more of a mission now. But maybe worth a Saturday morning mission if its open??

 

[gasificada]

Sweet. Pity I just finished my position at kedron or I would have jumped across there. My new position/job/company is in the cbd of brissy and will be catching train each day so more of a mission now. But maybe worth a Saturday morning mission if its open??

Not by the looks of it.

See if you can make the hours out here: http://batphone.com.au/index2.php?page=shop.infopage&vendor_id=1&output=lite&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=29

Tuesday and Thursday 8:30? - 4:00??

Monday and Friday 8:30? - midday

Damn that's some crappy hours!

 

[Trippa]

Not by the looks of it.

See if you can make the hours out here: http://batphone.com.au/index2.php?page=shop.infopage&vendor_id=1&output=lite&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=29

Tuesday and Thursday 8:30? - 4:00??

Monday and Friday 8:30? - midday

Damn that's some crappy hours!

They are some of the crappiest hours ever

 

[Mezo]

Yeah but id love to work them hours.

Stores here in country NSW often don't even open on a Saturday? if they do its only till 11.30am.

Mezo.

 

[Pablo_h]

Trying to germinate in winter sucks and is stupid if there's no frost.
Way harder to get seedlings and germinate seeds. Next year going all out in april without heaters, monitoring moisture and temps etc. They germinated better in april without help and I just stuck them out in a cold frame box outside and got a head start.
Edit: obviously only applies to parts of oz that doesn't freeze in winter. So your mileage may vary, but doesn't make sense in WA, NT or QLD to wait until winter IMHO.
Everything I sowed in april turned out fine, everything I sowed in winter is a PITA as now it's cold and wet, as is most of spring.
edit: Not calling anyone out for their choices or methods, just annoyed at my self for keep on trying this winter/spring germination thing. Makes no sense here.

 

[Trippa]

If nothing else though having a bit of a gap in your growing season with less plants can also give you a chance to break bug/disease cycles and generally clean up the garden. If you start plants in April (when I still had all my plants) you have to tend to them while your others are still producing and possibly pass on issues to them (if you have any).
Great if you have the space though.

 

[Mezo]

Well its working for me (so far) i thought you blokes must know something i don't? could t figure why everyone was not getting this years plants started? Im from Perth & now reside on the border with QLD & thought id start them off before winter set in.

Im still sprouting in my wedding marquee, although its very slow now, very slow as the temps drop off at night. But the winters are pretty identical between WA & the north east cost (with the exception of south of Perth) and as for NT do we have any growers up there?

Hard to say where is pepper growing nirvana in Aussie? WA summers are whey to hot & you can loose everything with a few days of 40`s, and over hear the same time of year its dominated by the wet season, but i guess if your plants are mature enough by the time the rain comes it shouldn't be so much of a problem as that intense WA heat.

What do i know im just a tourist anyhow, all i know its whey better growing here than in the northern hemisphere & them long cold bitter winters, but then again them cold winters kill off all the bugs. Ideally we would all like to have a youbeaut greenhouse growing hydroponically.

Mezo.

 

[megamoo]

This is what you can do with youbeaut hydro greenhouse.


I'm focussed on the cold at the moment because its a chilly morning and the minimums for the next three days are 4, 3 and 2

Winter solstice today tho. Shortest day of the year, just going to get more sunshine from here on

 

[Mezo]

That`s cheating, thats Luigi & its not a greenhouse.

Yep today is the shortest day of the year & it was today i saw tomatoes on my vines for the first time, gotta love this Aussie climate.

Mezo.

 

[gasificada]

Australia is great!

Fatalii - taken just this morning:

Still flowering and producing too but bloody possums keep snapping up the baby pods. Damn things have stripped the plant of leaves too:

Stupid things got into a mature pod the other night... should've been mad when I saw bits of it spat out around the place but pissed myself laughing instead.

Also had a surprise waiting for me this morning... first one up for next season:

Aji Amarillo x Yellow T Scorp F2. Looks like it may be a helmet-head though.

(And somebody remind me to use a permanent marker next time, won't ya? That sh*t better not be toxic... it keeps running down the plant tags!)

Shortest day today? I could've sworn we have already passed that! For about a week now it's felt like the days have started getting little longer again....