What's happening (forum)

Wayne starts with ...
With our weather.

How has your weather been this year and how has it effected your crops?

At this time of year we are normally sweating in heat, watering like crazy trying to keep things alive and hoping for storms. Everything is usually brown and bush fires are polluting the air but we have non of that.

Everything is super green, everybody is sick of the rain and it is still cool. Usually we would be cranking up the air conditioners but we are still pulling the blankets at night = crazy.

All up though, it has been a very hard year to try grow vegies in the garden, we have had many problems

Your thoughts?

Time: 5th November 2010 6:23pm

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About the Author Wayne
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Jason says...
Hi Wayne down here in the very far South it's been wetter than usual (usual being the last 10 years). Often in November (or even October lately) the grass is dried out and crunchy under foot just waiting to explode in fire :P. But right now everything is still damp and green. We had a LOT more fungus problems and leaf curl etc then ever before but overall the wet ground and cooler weather is making things grow much better than usual.

Night time temps have been pretty warm? we never saw below 0c this year and most nights right now have been 8c or something like that which is pretty comfy for us it never averages better than 12c even in the middle of Summer. Even the fire/arsonist crews have been managing to burn the forests without getting them totally out of control and ending up with a pile of dead trees and ash :)

Time: 5th November 2010 6:44pm

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About the Author Jason
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amanda says...
It's a La Nina year Wayne!

It's also the driest year on record for WA. Looks like all the rain staying over that side. The forecast is also for increased cyclonic activity this season. Which is WA's (down to Perth - at a stretch)only hope of getting some water now.

So you better buy some gumboots Wayne! :)

I only hope we don't have any of the catastrophic fires they are warning us of.

Time: 5th November 2010 7:08pm

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BJ says...
I think its just about our wettest season on record. Started off great with lots of new growth. Beginning to get a bit of die back from phytophtera. Lost a young mango tree and had big losses in crop on Grumimchama and Lychee, but not so bad as it has translated into lots of good growth that should set up good future returns, root rot permitting.

Plus, we have tomato plants coming up everywhere! In cracks in the pavement in town I am seeing flowering bushes! Ditto pumpkins.

Time: 5th November 2010 7:39pm

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About the Author Theposterformerlyknownas
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Wayne says...
I to have had fungus problems this year and for the first time, Broad Mites, they destroyed my zucchinis [twice] and then a crop of beans before I found the problem.

Jason, the leaf curl I had was diagnosed at our Botanical Gardens as Broad Mites, the leaves were curling like a fist clinching. I tried Eco-oil first and it helped, I then added Eco-neem to the mix and it fixed the problem. Could be worth a try.

It does make me wonder when we hear the wettest months on record and the lowest temperatures on record, it is damn cold here this morning.

Last night on the news, our Central QLD Mango crop has failed for the first time in history with some growers having no fruit at all. You just need to drive around Mackay to believe that, Common Mangoes grow wild here and even those have no fruit.

As BJ says, there are many pluses with this climate change, had the Bowen farmers known this weather pattern was coming they could possibly still be operating.

Strange goings on alright, mind you, I could take a lot more of the glorious weather :-]

Time: 6th November 2010 6:54am

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About the Author Wayne
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amanda says...
Happy sigh.. it's 'raining' here :) Any bets on a cyclone b4 Xmas?

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/enso/


Time: 7th December 2010 12:55am

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MaryT says...
I live 6 km from CBD Sydney and we've had a lot of rain - this morning I found mushrooms growing in all my pot plants (I have a container garden in a car space) and they are in the sun (i.e. when it's shinning).

This morning the sun is out so I am looking forward to sweeping up all the corollas from my giant jacaranda. It's hazardous because of the bees - they keep sucking honey from the fallen bloom and it's easy to step on one or be stung by one.


Time: 7th December 2010 6:48am

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allybanana says...
I left the wooden handled spade in the garden after doing some potting for a week or so, there was red fungus coming out of the wood when i picked it up.

Time: 7th December 2010 10:13pm

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About the Author allybanana
Eden S-East NSW
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amanda says...
The insider tip from the B.O.M. is 'maybe' around the 15th Dec for a cyclone...


Time: 9th December 2010 10:26am

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Wayne says...
Well I hope it's on your side of the street Amanda, the ground is so water logged here that everything will just lay over.

They are still logging the fallen trees from a plantation north of us from when that cyclone came through last January.

Time: 9th December 2010 1:01pm

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About the Author Wayne
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amanda says...
Probably Wayne, Indian Ocean temps warming but I think pacific one's ok. One would hope you dry out a bit and very soon - could be a horrific cyclone season.
Must be the drenching of a lifetime by now??

Time: 9th December 2010 5:59pm

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John Mc says...
Maybee the weather has returned to normal after 10 years of drought. Yippee. Everythings growing better than I have ever seen it grow. Even my three year old Black Sapote seedlings are in flower. I thought plants only flowered early when under stress? Maybe they are, but the growth is tremendous.

Time: 9th December 2010 7:01pm

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Violet_Cactus says...
John Mc, if this is normal weather I'm in heaven.

Time: 9th December 2010 10:29pm

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About the Author VioletCactus1
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amanda says...
East from our place 2day - thanks to all the folk who manage to get these fires under control - as the flames were huge at the top of the ridge every time the wind gusted.

ps - looks like a tropical low forming on Wed 15th! Go B.O.M!?
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1

Time: 11th December 2010 11:43pm

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Jantina says...
Scary picture amanda, hope it's all died down now.

Time: 12th December 2010 7:43pm

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amanda says...
Yup all ok - but amazing the contrast in our pics between East and West Aust isn't it...

Time: 13th December 2010 11:02am

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Jantina says...
Yes it is, we have tanks overflowing and of course further east there's all that flooding. I'd send you some if I could!

Time: 13th December 2010 10:53pm

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Brad says...
WA fires are doing the Daley's rounds. Karnup (Kath) had one, then amanda and this afternoon my suburb burnt out 32 hectares and homes were threatened for a little while.

Hope snottiegobble isn't next

Time: 14th December 2010 12:00am

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About the Author Brad2
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snottiegobble says...
So do I, mate. They suspect another arsonist bastard for the fires further up. I just cannot understand the mentality of these lunatics!

Time: 14th December 2010 1:17am

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amanda says...
Smoke, blood and oil...a little always looks like a lot!? That fire 5kms from our house - had a close look today and the hill didn't look any dfferent than normal...just a bit burnt. Small wood - but extremely dry.

I am not particularly worried for our property to be honest - I have an outer fire break and a double-width inner also (not legally required) I mow all the dead grass before fire season, within the house paddock (and have 14 high pressure taps here too)
I try to plant fire retardant trees etc, especially closer to the house. The cool, green "wet" zones are close to the house (herbs, veg etc)

Make sure all tap fittings are non-plastic etc - so they don't melt when u need them most. Make sure u have water in your rain water tanks 'always' (even scheme water) - you never know when it may save your life.



Time: 14th December 2010 1:35am

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Brad says...
the local paper website snaps


Time: 14th December 2010 1:36am

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amanda says...
Hooray for WA!! We had a huge tropical style downpour last nite....bliss. Time to get busy in the garden guys - looks like the weather is breaking at last..? (happy sigh!)
Well...I am excited at least ;-)

Time: 25th April 2011 11:34am

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snottiegobble says...
Yes Amanda, things are looking up with quite a few good showers down here adding up to about 12mls. Even the moaning frogs are moaning & jumping into peoples swimming pools.( had 4 donated to me so far)

Time: 25th April 2011 11:59pm

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About the Author snottiegobble
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snottiegobble says...
Amanda, 42 mls over 3 days & still happening between sunshine spells! Just planted my spuds & snowpeas.

Time: 27th April 2011 1:06pm

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amanda says...
Nice one :) we got 20ml...bliss...
Putting spuds in next week too!

Time: 29th April 2011 1:10am

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About the Author amanda19
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amanda says...
Just wanted to say I am so excited about the forecast for tomorrow: "Showers increasing" .... fingers crossed!!!
I am sooo looking forward to spending a rainy day (a whole one!) inside with the family :)
Don't know what happened to autumn - but maybe it's winter in WA at last... :)

Time: 14th May 2011 11:42am

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About the Author amanda19
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snottiegobble says...
Amanda, 24 in Gero! You must be freeeeezing!!! Raining in Mandurah when we left at 4pm today but nothing here as yet 9pm. The bush is looking very drab now in need of it. Fingers crossed!
Still it was 16 in Melb so would you swap?

Time: 15th May 2011 11:15pm

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amanda says...
LOL! I had to put my thermals on this morning SG! sooky huh? Only got 5ml boo hoo! But the charts looking excellent for some serious rain.

No spring last yr - and no autumn this yr. My passionfruit is loaded with flowers these last 2 weeks...it's literally humming with bees...silly thing ;-)

Time: 16th May 2011 12:00am

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amanda says...
LOL! I had to put my thermals on this morning SG! sooky huh? Only got 5ml boo hoo! But the charts looking excellent for some serious rain.

No spring last yr - and no autumn this yr. My passionfruit is loaded with flowers these last 2 weeks...it's literally humming with bees...silly thing ;-)

Time: 16th May 2011 12:00am

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amanda says...
Yesterday....bliss! :) Good to see u all got a heap of rain down south too guys!
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1

Time: 18th May 2011 4:38pm

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snottiegobble says...
Er! what rain Amanda? We got nuisance value drops up to 2 mls! But as La Nina has now left the building we can hope for more! Big Mullaway caught off the beach this morning so sea temps already dropping.
Sorry you folks in the East but here we need El Nino to survive!

Time: 18th May 2011 11:14pm

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snottiegobble says...
At last!! 46mls mostly overnight & still counting with the odd shower!

Time: 20th May 2011 5:11pm

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amanda says...
Fantastic SG! What a land of contrasts we live in hey. We literally claw our way up to 200mm in winter here - and yet that is just business as usual up north and over the side...

Personally I feel good about our cognizance in saving water and planning for our water-future here in WA. Out of adeversity comes inspiration..? :)

I can remember quite naturally leaving the tap running when I brushed my teeth, as a child. Now my 7yr old is the water-cop around here!?
It's amazing how much we have actually changed - without even realising it...
I was also in Cairns not so many years ago when water meters were installed for the first time...I wonder how many towns still live the luxury of life without water bills now..?

Time: 20th May 2011 9:47pm

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snottiegobble says...
Yes exactly Amanda, There are still many people who think water is a right & not a gift! They still chill out under the shower for up to 30 minutes oblivious of the water wasted for their personal satisfaction. The little shower timer in our house is never used due to it being TOO SLOW!

Time: 21st May 2011 12:36am

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amanda says...
We got 61 mm of rain last night! that's practically a flood for us these days!? ;-)

Time: 30th May 2011 4:48pm

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Jason says...
Lets hope your mulch hangs onto it :)

Time: 30th May 2011 5:40pm

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snottiegobble says...
43 mm in our neck of the woods yet you dig down 10 cm & its bone dry. Thats our sand for ya!

Time: 31st May 2011 1:27pm

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Jason says...
It takes 20 mm here to even get past the grass :0

Time: 31st May 2011 1:38pm

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Wayne says...
So how dry is it down your way?


We are just starting to dry out thank heavens. The crush [sugar cane harvest season] has started so we do not want much rain at all until Xmas

Time: 31st May 2011 3:57pm

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Jason says...
It not dry here at all, apart from during summer when the grass is crunchy enough to explode on fire from just a spark. that's dry

Time: 31st May 2011 4:35pm

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Julie says...
I got 40mls yesterday, following Friday's rain - 40+mls.
Despite my usual watering regime (twice a week, all I'm allowed) my citrus are practically bare of fruit. All summer they looked droopy and sad, even after watering. Only about 1/3 the usual quantity of mandarins. Boo hoo!

I'm beginning to wonder if it's worth it. I have too many Navel orange trees and two yellow grapefruit no-one seems to eat any more, which were here when I moved in. I end up usually giving heaps away. The thought of cutting down perfectly good trees apalls me, but I'm beginning to think that way.



Time: 31st May 2011 5:24pm

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snottiegobble says...
Julie you once mentioned the neighbour`s tree roots encroaching your property! (I have the same prob) but only one side TG. Maybe the roots are affecting the mandarins badly. I have to say the other neighbours mandarin was so laden this year I had to remove bags full of fruit just to stop the branches from splitting. ( Oh yes! my side if the fence!)

Time: 31st May 2011 8:58pm

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Julie says...
sg, I was just thinking about that this morning! The oranges are not far from a huge Camphor laurel, and I suspect that during our very hot, dry summer, it sucked all the water from the orange trees.

Somewhere on this site was mentioned a way to kill a tree by putting Roundup on the roots. I'm tempted!

Time: 1st June 2011 6:21pm

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Roleystone WA
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snottiegobble says...
Julie ,drill lots of holes of about 15 cms & 6 -10cms deep in all the roots visible above ground. Use a small funnel to pour the glyphosate to near the top of each hole. As soon as pos. seal all holes with silicon. Much easier if its your own tree of course!

Time: 2nd June 2011 12:52am

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amanda says...
I'd just like to say that this is the best winter, in the Mid West, that I have seen in 6yrs!
It's such a great feeling to know that we will be heading into summer with adequate sub-soil moisture for the first time in ages!

I am really excited to see what growth this spring brings - as I have not seen these parts looking so emerald green and lush for a long time :)

I am on my mower every 2 or 3 days now! I hope it keeps coming for us here in WA - so desperately needed. I had carnage in my garden last summer...

Champagne weather at last! Yay! :)

Time: 2nd August 2011 9:45am

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About the Author amanda19
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snottiegobble says...
yes Amanda, great rainfalls, but the accompanying constant wind gusts for the last week ,oh boy, they shredded my greenhouse!

Time: 2nd August 2011 7:12pm

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MaryT says...
After one of the wettest July in decades we had a week of sunshine and summer temperatures but it is raining again in Sydney. I am finding a lot more (and bigger) earth worms invading my container garden. Never had to worry about them much but they are looking scary.

Time: 7th August 2011 1:50pm

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John Mc says...
With the latest lot of rain it's the pefect time to get out and fertilise your citrus trees.

Time: 7th August 2011 6:30pm

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MaryT says...
Thanks for the tip, John Mc - I'll be fertilising in the rain :) Yes, that is perfect timing.

Time: 7th August 2011 7:10pm

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MaryT says...
Just put B&B all over the place and right on cue it's started to rain! Yay

Time: 8th August 2011 2:49pm

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