Sit back and tuck in

As plants thrive it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labour

November has got to be one of the most enjoyable months for gardeners with prolific growth everywhere, lashings of colour and scents and plenty of tasks to keep busy!

Strawberries

Strawberry plants should be producing masses of ripe berries in November and plants require minimal care so more time for eating them! Cover strawberry beds with bed netting now as somehow birds always seem to find strawberry patches!

Roses

Another rewarding month for rose growers in the home garden. Many varieties are at their best in November! Continue dead-heading finished flowers and apply rose fertiliser every 4-6 weeks until mid-December. Spread compost around roses to encourage healthy root growth.

Hedges

November is the perfect time for the first new season’s trim of hedges.

A ‘little and often’ technique is recommended for maintaining a dense, bushy hedge. This is especially important with newly planted hedges. Water deeply and fertilise regularly to encourage vigorous growth.

Fruit Trees

All fruit trees are in full growth mode in November so continue to apply side dressings of fruit tree fertiliser to all trees, especially newly planted specimens. Irrigate deeply, mulch to reduce water loss and suppress weeds. As mulch breaks down it will eventually improve the soil around the fruit trees as well.

For more gardening advice or information on the wide range of Daltons products visit www. daltons.co.nz.

Ornamental Trees and Shrubs

Prune young trees to encourage the development of a strong framework that will later support mature growth. Fertilise all plants regularly with general garden fertiliser. Mulch to prevent water loss over the hot summer months and help keep weeds at bay. For more gardening advice or information on the wide range of Daltons products visit www.daltons.co.nz.