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WHAT TO plant now

The height of summer is upon us – it’s time to show your garden some watering love and reap the fruits of your year!

GARDENING IN FEBRUARY

1. Water, water, water. February can be dry, so make sure your garden is vibrant and healthy by giving it a regular good drink!

2. Regularly harvest mid-season stone fruit, berries and citrus crops. Picking fruit every day will encourage your plants to keep fruiting! The same applies to your summer veg – pick peas, beans, eggplant, cucumbers and courgettes every day to extend the harvest.

3. Harvest melons when the stem begins to break away from the fruit.

4. Keep your household covered for salad by planting last summer crops of lettuce and herbs. If you have a greenhouse, you can also keep growing tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and even eggplant.

5. Think ahead to the cooler months and get winter veg seeds in the ground now – we love Brussels sprouts, spinach, carrots, silverbeet, cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower.

6. February is prime tomato season. If you’ve got a glut, why not try preserving some? The Edmond’s Cookbook tomato relish is a classic.

7. Spring bulbs hit garden centres in February, so it’s a great time to think ahead. Pick up tulip, da odil, anemone or ranunculus bulbs and begin planting them now, through to late autumn. Your garden will look incredible come spring! Note that if you live in a warmer area, it’s best to chill your bulbs in the fridge for 6 weeks first to improve their growth. Bring to room temperature before planting.

8. There’s no reason the coming winter should look grey, either. Sow winter flower seeds now, such as polyanthus, calendula, poppies, snapdragons and pansies for a riot of colour through the cold months.

9. Lawn lover? Keep weeds under control during summer with a high-quality spray, and make sure your grass is getting enough water!

GARDENING IN MARCH

1. If you haven’t already thought about your spring garden, now’s the time to get those bulbs in the ground! Da odils are a great place to start and can be planted from now to the end of May – they like full sun and well-drained soil. If you live in a warmer area, it’s best to chill the bulbs for 6 weeks in the fridge prior to planting to stimulate growth.

2. Slugs and snails can pose a threat to emerging bulbs so pop some pellets around new plants – or make a natural deterrent using co ee grounds and eggshells.

3. At the end of the summer growth season, pull out any herbs and veggies that have finished producing. They’re excellent fodder for your compost bin – and don’t forget to harvest any seeds to save for next year!

4. Early autumn is a great time to plant some new herbs. Best at this time of year? Rosemary, mint, parsley and chives.

5. As the weather cools o , it’s an ideal time to plant a hedge – or sow a new lawn, if yours has taken a battering over the hot months.

6. In early autumn, aphids and whitefly are common – blast with your hose or spray with warm, soapy water.

7. Thinking about your winter veg? Get cabbage, Brussels sprouts, spinach, carrots, silverbeet, leeks, bok choy, cauliflower and broccoli seedlings in the ground now – your future self will thank you!

8. Alternatively, give your veggie patch a break over the cooler months. Instead, regenerate the soil’s nitrogen levels and improve soil structure by sowing a crop of mustard seed.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY KINGS PLANT BARN

en-nz

2023-01-26T08:00:00.0000000Z

2023-01-26T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://good.pressreader.com/article/282784950576612

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