Plant now

Spring may be soggy, but it’s one of the liveliest periods of the gardening calendar. Here’s how to make the most of it.

Gardening in October

• Spring calls for flowers! Plant perennial and summer flowering bulbs now, such as calla lilies, begonias and dahlias.

• The time is ripe for sowing your favourite flowering annual seeds directly into the ground: we love sunflowers, marigolds, nasturtiums and alyssum. Carnations, petunias and gerberas are best started in trays for transplanting later.

• Bring colour into your garden with hanging baskets and terracotta pots of flowers.

• Spring is perfect for planting new roses – just be sure to give them a good helping of compost and perhaps a slow-release fertiliser for an extra boost.

• While the ground is still wet, it’s prime time for slugs and snails. Keep them under control with organic deterrents, or surround plants carefully with a mix of crushed eggshells and co ee grounds.

• Plant your favourite produce ahead of summer. October is the traditional month for planting tomatoes, but you could also pop beans, radishes, beetroot and pea seedlings in the ground – or sow the seeds for lettuce, cucumber, courgette and capsicum. Summer salads sorted!

• Get fresh herbs such as basil and parsley in the ground so that new plants have gained a footing before last year’s go to seed.

• We all know we need to drink more water as the weather heats up – and so do your plants! Increase your watering schedule for plants in pots and containers as the mercury climbs.

• While you’re at it, be sure to repot your houseplants if you haven’t already – including any orchids, after flowering.

• Feeling fruity? Now’s the time to plant rhubarb, tamarillos and passionfruit.

• Sow new areas of lawn now for plenty of bright green growth to match the change of season.

Gardening in November

• If you haven’t already, plant your favourite summer veg now: think cucumbers, lettuce, sweetcorn, eggplant, capsicums and chillies. November is also an ideal time to plant watermelon.

• Tomatoes will be running wild at the moment, so keep on top of staking and give them a regular drink. Planting basil next to your tomatoes will also improve their flavour!

• Seed potatoes can still go in the ground now – or in a large tub.

• For a summer of butterflies, pop some swan plants in your backyard – available at all good plant stores.

• It’s finally warm enough to plant all chrysanthemums and dahlias, for a gorgeous colourful display over the summer. • Liven up your pond with water lilies and other pond plants, which love the warmer weather.

• As the weather heats up, watering becomes a priority. Make sure you’re giving your garden regular deep watering, water pot plants daily and consider installing in-ground watering systems or automatic sprinklers to keep things cost-e ective and eco-friendly outdoors!

• To keep your lawn green, make sure you give it a regular drink.

• Evoke the tropics with sun-loving hibiscus – plant new season plants in a warm spot.

• Pop mulch and feed around the bases of perennials, trees, roses and shrubs to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds over the summer.

• Herbs add flavour to just about any dish, so get your herb garden going again if you’ve let it slip! Parsley (and rocket) are best in the shade, to reduce the chance of bolting, while basil likes part to full sun and thyme, rosemary and oregano thrive in full sun. Plant your herb garden in pots if space is limited!

• Keen to grow fruit but short on space? Now’s the season to plant dwarf citrus, which grown only 1.5-2 metres tall. They can even be grown in pots with a nutrient-rich potting mix and will fruit generously in the cooler months.

For more tips and advice visit kings.co.nz.