Going back to our roots

The impact of the COVD-19 virus has meant many kiwis are getting back into the garden or trying gardening for the first time. Becoming more self-sufficient by growing your own vegetables and fruit is empowering and will help you feel more productive during lockdown.

EXISTING VEGETABLE GARDENS:

The last of the summer vegetables are now harvested so remove finished crops. Collect seeds such as tomatoes, beans, sunflowers etc.

Dig over your existing soil to approximately one and a half spades deep. If possible, add Daltons Compost to improve soil texture and structure and mix it in well.

Winter vegetables to be planted as young seedlings or sown as seed directly into the garden include; beetroot, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, lettuce, onions, peas, bok choy, radish, silverbeet, spinach, (turnip, swede in colder climates), and kale. If you are not able to access seedlings, consider buying seeds online from somewhere like kingsseeds.co.nz It takes longer but is better than missing out. Rotate areas where you have grown specific crops - to help manage the soil nutrient balance.

STARTING A NEW VEGETABLE GARDEN

The site of your garden is essential to its success – whether in the ground or a raised bed. It needs full sun (or as much as your backyard can provide) during the growing season, shelter from cold, strong southerlies and positioning in a well-drained part of the garden. Also, think about how close you are to a water source for easy irrigation.

The quickest way to get a vegetable garden up and running is straight into the ground. This works well if you have a relatively flat area that is north facing, open and sunny.

If you have access to materials, and for ease of access when planting, caring and harvesting, a raised vegetable garden is ideal. Raise the soil level using treated timber or bricks etc to about 300mm high and fill with Daltons Garden Time Compost and existing soil (mix in well).

GROWING IN CONTAINERS

You can successfully grow winter vegetables in pots or containers; try silverbeet, spinach, spring onions, brussel sprouts, broccoli, peas, bok choy and winter lettuce etc. Container size is important - people tend to select smaller pots but be sure the container is big enough. Position pots or containers in a warm sunny, north facing position away from strong winds.

TOP TIPS

• Stagger plantings (every 2-3 weeks) to provide

continuous harvesting

• Use jars or plastic bottles to put over seedlings

and protect them at night.

• Have good garden hygiene practices which includes cleaning up any dead leaves or foliage, and regular weeding. This helps to keep pests and diseases at bay.

Visit www.daltons.co.nz for free gardening guides and information on the wide range of Daltons products.