Lawns getting longer? Time to get gardening
If you’re planting in pots be sure to use new potting mix.
Spring is officially here and it’s the perfect season to grow just about any herb or vegetable plant.
It’s also the best time of year for first-time or beginner gardeners to test out their green thumbs as it’s when you’ll have the most chance of success.
The warmer soil temperatures (which you can spot when your lawn needs mowing again) will give your seedlings the boost they need to get going.
And, with any luck, the weather plays ball and your soil is nice and moist (but not too wet!) from just the right amount of rain.
Ever wanted to try growing something like chilli or pumpkins? Spring’s the time to have a go.
Tomatoes, peas, pumpkins, capsicum, chilli, coriander, broccoli and more are all ready to plant now or will be in the next few weeks.
Make a plan of what you want to plant and then head down to Darraghs Mitre 10 in Feilding, Mitre 10 Levin or Foxton Hammer Hardware to select your seedlings.
Why go there? Because these are the only three shops in the country where you can grab a biodegradable pot for $5 and fill it with any Awapuni Nurseries seedlings you like.
This is the ideal way to buy seedlings if you don’t want lots of one variety and would rather ‘Pick’n’mix’ your plants.
It’s particularly handy if you have a small garden and only need one or two of a particular type of herb or veg like spring onions.
It’s also a good way to buy seedlings if you like to stagger your planting. This is when you plant the same variety (say broccoli or lettuce) every few weeks, so you have a continual supply.
And, the biodegradable pot and cardboard label means there’s absolutely no plastic to get rid of when you get home. Just bury your pot and label and let the worms enjoy.
Once you’ve got your plants home, prepare your soil by adding some compost and a good general fertiliser.
If you’re planting in pots (capsicums and chilli grow well in containers), be sure to use new potting mix.
Then follow the planting instructions for each vegetable or herb.
You can snap a pic of the instructions with your phone when you’re buying your seedlings. Or see www.awapuni.co.nz for more information.
So, what are you waiting for? Take advantage of the perfect time to plant and the perfect way to pick and mix your seedlings, and get gardening!