Ready for the chill
The cooler months are ahead and now is the time to prepare
Whilst plenty of veges are still producing and harvest is still ongoing, there is certainly a noticeable chill in the air. As the leaves turn golden, gardeners prepare for transition. It is time to preserve the excess produce and prepare garden beds for the cooler months.
Here are some tips and things to do at this time of the year:
Garden maintenance
Pull out the vegetables as they die off. Look out for slugs.
Clean up continues: trim hedges, mow lawns, keep the weeds out.
Lift and divide clumps of perennials.
Edible garden
Brassicas thrive this season: Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower.
If you would like some variety, try adding beetroots.
You may also want to consider planting onions, carrots or leeks where you had brassicas last year.
Move the brassicas into a new bed with good quality soil. Brassicas are heavy feeders and they need well-draining soil.
Space brassica varieties about 50cm apart. If you have limited garden space, growing cabbages in containers (about 30-35 litre containers) could be your option. Approximately, you may plant five cabbages in a 35 litre container.
Try planting spring onions in the same container as a great companion plant for cabbages.
If you have an abundance of tomatoes or zucchinis, it's now a good time to start preserving them (eg tomato or zucchini relish).
Flower garden
Keep your flower garden blooming with beautiful stock flowers. They have stunning displays, a perfect choice for cut flowers, and indoor floral arrangements.
It's also a great time to plant pansies.
Herb garden
Consider growing strong-smelling herbs like thyme and sage. They are useful companion plants to brassicas (broccoli & cabbages) as they help repel pests.
Natives
Autumn is the time to plant a wider range of natives. Natives love the cooler breeze and they appreciate wet weather. If you are located in the warmer regions of New Zealand and you are considering planting natives now, put them in a sheltered area and water them regularly until more rain comes and the days are shorter.
Landscaping options
Ornamental grasses like black mondo grass and carex are popular choices for newly built homes and sections because of their sleek, stylish, minimalist look.
For more information and inspiration visit awapuni.co.nz