Get ready for the cold
Move your houseplants nearer to the light
Often the coldest days of winter occur in July, so it is not the easiest of months for gardening. However, there are many tasks requiring attention — pruning, mulching, and spraying, so take advantage of those fine days when you get them!
HOUSEPLANT CARE
Pay close attention to your houseplants, observing how they are growing in the colder winter months, remembering that many of our houseplants come from very warm, tropical countries. Move them closer to windows for more light and warmth if needed, but not in the direct path of heat-pumps or drafts. Water only as required, rather than on a regular, scheduled basis.
PLANNING ON RAINY DAYS
Use rainy days or downtime planning your summer garden. For instance, think about expanding your vege garden to provide even more crops for your family (container gardening is a great way to utilise space too).
Read new season seed or plant catalogues to find new and interesting varieties to grow for spring and summer. Be sure to get your orders in early!
VEGETABLE GARDEN
Vegetables to be harvested in July
include, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbages, cauliflower, carrots, celery, leeks, lettuce, parsnips, peas, silverbeet and spinach. Where required, plant new seedlings of broccoli, cabbages, lettuce, kale, silverbeet and spinach.
Broad beans should be growing vigorously and may need support to prevent them blowing over in the wind. Hammer one metre stakes at
regular intervals alongside the row of beans. Then stretch and tie gardening twine (or even old pantyhose), horizontally about 30cm high between the stakes (add another at 60cm if your plants are taller).
■ For more gardening advice or information on the wide range of Daltons products visit www.daltons. co.nz.