Let's not be deceived, even though August is here, winter really isn't over yet.

This winter the countdown to spring will be most welcome, although we would like to consider that winter has been freezing, the doom and gloom of continued rain has added to the grimness.

My reason for weather watching - is that winter really isn't over so don't be tempted to fertilise lawns or feed indoor plants.

Don't feed lawns until the grass is actively growing, which means when it is being mown.

It is time to eradicate weeds in the lawn, but do be careful with buffalo, it is wise to only treat buffalo once per season and be careful to purchase a product which is suitable.

Spray early in the morning on dry unmown grass, adding a spreading agent, which will encourage adhesion to the blades of grass.

Are the products that weed and fertilise good value?

My answer is, only if your lawn doesn't have many weeds.

A good spring lawn is created by weed elimination, followed two weeks later by a good application of lawn fertiliser.

If you haven't yet completed the rose pruning, when you fertilise, try something a little different. Mix two cups of blood and bone with half a cup of superphosphate, plus a spoonful of dolomite.

Then a month later follow up with Sudden Impact - this method can be applied to both bedded and potted roses.

One of the most important August jobs is citrus maintenance.

Only feed container-grown citrus with a slow-release fertiliser such as Bounceback - never feed with citrus fertiliser as this will cause leaf drop.

Ground-grown citrus should be fertilised out under the drip line with poultry manure, then follow up with citrus food several weeks later and always water well before and after applications.