A few years back a rather wise man said: “Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s”. Fair call; unless that Caesar happens to be Nero, who created a new Olympic event – the 10 horse chariot race – just so he, as the only entrant, could win gold!
So, let’s forget about the trials and controversies of Olympic champions and emperors this month as we render unto gardeners hints and tips for achieving ‘green’ medal distinction on our own home fields!
General Gardening
Be loyal to your soil! The name of earth may have turned to mud these last months, but without it where would we be? Take some time to condition soil by digging in a little compost as the weather warms. Because soil becomes compacted over winter, this will also assist with drainage.
Weed as needed to reduce competition with emerging seedlings. Apply snail bait to keep creepy-crawlies at bay.
The weather can get on our nerves, but it’s ok to get a little ‘snippy’ in the garden. Prune in preparation for new spring growth. As plants conserve their energy during dormancy, generally speaking, they are better able to handle pruning at this time of year.
Flowers
Musician Jon Lord, may have gone up in ‘smoke over the water’ recently, but this month gardeners will probably be more concerned with the death of whitefly than a former Whitesnake! In warmer regions whitefly, green fly and aphids may make some noise, so a little Tui Eco-Pest may be just the ticket to ensuring a good show for new shoots.
Here’s a tip, whether you’re a Bouquet, or just a plain old Bucket, pick hyacinths to bring winter colour indoors and keep up appearances!
Sow & grow: roses, boronias, hollyhocks, calendula, marigolds, lavender, violas.
Vegetables & Fruit
If they can’t stand the cold, don’t put them in the garden! While we may all be anxious to promote growing for next season, it pays to check when the last frosts are expected in your region, and which plants are not too thrilled by chills, before planting.
Seed potatoes will be available this month for sprouting, including early varieties such as swift and rocket cliffs kidney.
Don’t turn down the crown! Continue planting out asparagus crowns and divide rhubarb crowns as needed.
Frosts will still be nipping in August, so keep an eye on more sensitive plants, covering them with frost cloth where applicable, and moving containers where possible.
Strawberries can be planted out in some areas, and will benefit from a little chill-out time. Click here to ensure you’ll have more in ‘straw’ come summer!
Fruit trees will require pruning to promote new growth. Also stake a claim on future harvests by staking young trees, as this will help their roots become better established.
Whether wanting to plant one, or an entire orchard of fruit trees, click here http://www.garden-nz.co.nz/latest-news/news/planting-seed-for-orchard-plan.html for some useful advice and guidance.
Sow & grow: coriander, parsley, carrots, pip and some stone fruit trees, seed potatoes, beetroot, asparagus, radishes, tomatoes, raspberries, blackberries.
Indoor Gardening
Tomato seeds can now be germinated indoors to be planted outside in spring, and ready in time for a ‘saucy’ summer!
Other new-season vegetable seeds in trays should be ready for planting outdoors once the last frost has passed.
Remember that, as indoor temperatures – particularly in the home – can vary substantially during the day, some plants may struggle. Watch out for affected plants and move as required.
Lawn Care
When temperatures climb, the rate of grass growth will increase. Although many may see it as a ‘shaving’ grace to reach for the mower, it’s best to give lawns a little time for new growth to become established. Keep on top of mowing however, gradually lowering the lawnmower’s height setting as the winter season comes to an end.
Fertilising is important to give lawns a head start on spring. Pick up a testing kit from the local garden centre to help determine where, when and how much fertiliser should be applied. Also consider mowing in spiked shoes to aerate compacted winter soil.
The weather may still be a little foul this month but, as gardeners, we know that four seasons in one year suits us just fine. So don’t be a wet blanket; get out and about and enjoy the last of winter 2012!
