Selwyn Times: September 09, 2020

BACKYARD CRITTERS
Mike Bowie is an ecologist who specialises in
entomology (insects and other invertebrates).
Each week he introduces a new species found
in his backyard at Lincoln. His column aims
to raise public awareness of biodiversity, the
variety of living things around us. Check out the full list of
invertebrates found at www.inaturalist.org/projects/backyardbiodiversity-bugs-in-my-lincoln-section
THERE ARE an estimated
80,000 species of millipedes
worldwide. In New Zealand
the millipede fauna is poorly
known as their identification
can be challenging. However,
approximately 60 species have
been described from New
Zealand, while about 100 species
require scientific description.
Twelve exotic millipede species
are common in urban gardens
and urban forests of New
Zealand, having been introduced
from Europe.
Millipedes are distinguished
from centipedes by having
two rather than one pair of
legs on most body segments.
Their antennae consist of 6-8
segments and contain various
sensory organs, including
receptors for smell, taste, touch,
and temperature. New Zealand
millipede species are usually
2-5cm in length and are brown,
grey or black in colour.
Most millipedes are detritivores
and fungivores, feeding on
decaying vegetation, dead wood,
and similar materials.
Occasionally, millipedes
may feed on living plant tissue
including roots, tubers and fallen
fruit, and can become pests in
high densities. They are very
important in soil ecosystems,
breaking dead wood and plant
debris into smaller pieces, preprocessing
the organic material
for further decomposition
by fungi, bacteria, and
microinvertebrates.
Millipedes lack a waxy layer on
their cuticle, and will desiccate
if exposed to dry air, so prefer
damp, protected habitats.
They have separate sexes and
after mating, female millipedes
lay hundreds of eggs, often
building a protective nest.
The slow-moving and nonbiting
millipedes discourage
predators by rolling into a ball or
tight spiral, exposing only their
tough exoskeleton.
Latest Canterbury news at starnews.co.nz
Citrus love full sun
EVERY GARDEN deserves a
citrus tree.
In all but the coldest
districts, citrus trees feature in
backyards. They’re incredible
survivors, but will perform better
and bear wonderful crops if
they’re well cared for.
Where to grow citrus
Plenty of sun
Citrus trees need to be in full sun.
If you’re short of sunny spots in
the garden, grow citrus in pots that
can be moved to take advantage of
changing patterns of sunlight.
Although citrus are traditionally
grown in terracotta, these pots
can be heavy (and expensive!).
There is a perfect solution
– Tuscan pots are lightweight,
surprisingly inexpensive and have
that wonderful Mediterranean
look that goes so well with citrus.
Tuscan pots come in a range
of sizes. The large 50cm size is
big enough to grow almost any
type of citrus tree happily for
many years.
Good drainage
In the garden citrus must have
good drainage. In heavy clay soils
it’s best to put some extra effort
into preparation.
Before planting, raise the level
of the bed as much as possible,
dig in some coarse sand and
plenty of old organic matter
(compost, aged manure or
commercial soil improver).
Feeding citrus
Before planting
Mix some organic pellets into the
soil before planting. It won’t cause
root burn, even if it accidentally
contacts some of the roots.
Established citrus
Feed with citrus food at least
twice a year.
Citrus are very greedy plants
and, because of the extra
demands imposed by their
heavy crop, it’s always best to
use a specifically formulated food.
Occasionally switch to organic
pellets to improve the levels of
microbial activity in the soil.
Citrus in pots
Wednesday September 9 2020 Selwyn Times
GARDENING 25
BOUNTY:
A lemon tree
will thrive in
the sun once
established.
To reduce the risk of root
burn, citrus in pots should be fertilised
with a slow release plant food.
Citrus pests and diseases
Scale
Symptom: Lumps on fruit and
leaves that can easily be scratched
off.
Remedy: Scrub gently with a
soft brush and soap.
Cold damage
Symptom: Curled-up leaves.
Reddish-brown patches on back
of leaf
Remedy: Move potted citrus to
warmer position.
Verrocosis
Raised, warty lesions on outer
skin.
Fun and exercise
all year round
Lagoon Pools import and install quality fibreglass swimming pools. To compliment the pools
they supply good quality equipment including salt water chlorinators, heat pumps, pool lights,
fountains and water features, swim turbines, spa jets, robotic pool cleaners and a range of covers
and roller systems including hidden and automated.
Imported from Leisure Pools in Australia, their Vinyl Ester pools are strong with six layers including
protective armour. Each pool is strength tested and has a lifetime structural and osmosis warranty.
Lagoon Pools owners Julie and Warren are dealers for Leisure Pools in the North Canterbury to
Southland area, and agents for the Elite Hideaway Roller system.
Call Lagoon Pools on 0800 927 282 or 349 2160, email info@lagoonpools.co.nz or visit:
www.lagoonpools.co.nz They are open by appointment only.
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P 03 347 7465 E maxine@cthl.co.nz
www.cthl.co.nz
Mon-Fri: 7am-5pm Sat: 8am-12pm
www.lagoonpools.co.nz
03 349 2160
0800 92 72 82