When is the Right Time to Harvest Your Fruit?
When is the right time to harvest? Picking too early or too late can result in underdeveloped or overly ripe fruit. Check out the information below to help you determine when your fruit is ready to be picked. Signs of Ripeness Colour Apples, pears, nectarines – full colour has developed for the variety. Peaches, plums, apricots … Read More
Monthly Gardening Tips & Tasks – November 2024
Spring Gardening Tips in Canterbury As I write, the rain is falling – much-needed to give Spring a proper top-up of moisture in the soil before the demands of Summer arrive. Labour Weekend is the traditional time when the soil and daytime temperatures are warm enough to plant and sow all the plants that need … Read More
Monthly Gardening Tips & Tasks – October 2024
Spring Gardening Tips in Canterbury This Spring is following a typical weather pattern with warm westerlies and brief cold southerlies, which have not yet provided enough rain to meet the annual average. The cold North-Easterlies typical of Christchurch Spring have not been prevalent so far, which may indicate a milder season. Now is the time … Read More
Monthly Gardening Tips & Tasks – September 2024
Spring Gardening Tips in Canterbury Has Spring arrived? It certainly seems so, with some of my fruit trees already in bloom (perhaps a bit early for some), daffodils in full flower, and the grass growing steadily. All the signs point to an early start to Spring, but as we know, the weather is fickle and … Read More
Monthly Gardening Tips & Tasks – August 2024
Winter gardening Tips in Canterbury This month we will notice that the days are getting longer, so we hope that the weather will also begin to get warmer. July has been a month with many dull and cold days, with single-digit temperatures, so I have spent very few hours in the garden or greenhouse. I … Read More
Monthly Gardening Tips & Tasks – July 2024
Winter gardening Tips in Canterbury I have been busy this past month giving talks to garden clubs both in town and out in the country. What I have seen is a very dry province. June was frosty with little rain to recharge the ground with much-needed water. The garden looks very bare with little colour. … Read More
Monthly Gardening Tips & Tasks – June 2024
This year, Winter has arrived earlier than usual with frosty days and snow in May. Although we haven’t had the usual amount of rain, it remains to be seen what the rest of the Winter will bring. I’ve prepared my chrysanthemums, begonias, and dahlias for Winter by either lifting them or moving their pots into … Read More
Monthly Gardening Tips & Tasks – May 2024
May is the cleanup month in the garden, as the leaves are nearing the end of falling and most of the summer-flowering perennials have finished. Spring bulbs need to be finished being planted, and dahlias and tuberous begonias can now be lifted for the Winter. Lawns are still growing, and good weed and moss control … Read More
Monthly Gardening Tips & Tasks – April 2024
Autumn is a bustling season in the garden, marked this year by noticeable daytime temperature drops in March. Despite morning dews, rainfall remains scarce, leaving soil moisture notably low. This month is prime for lawn renovation in preparation for winter. Feeding, weed spraying, top dressing, and resowing yield optimal results while the soil remains warm … Read More
Monthly Gardening Tips & Tasks – March 2024
March signals the start of the change of seasons from Summer to Autumn. As the days become shorter, plant growth slows down, and the tasks around the garden turn towards preparing for the Winter ahead. Watering is needed as we are still in need of rain to keep up good soil moisture for growth and … Read More
Monthly Gardening Tips & Tasks – February 2024
Summer in Christchurch tends to be unpredictable, and this year is no exception. We’ve experienced a mix of hot days and occasional moisture, resulting in a favourable growing season. My stone fruit crops have been abundant, and after their harvest, I’ve applied a fungicidal spray and conducted a light prune to manage unwanted growth. The … Read More
Monthly Gardening Tips & Tasks – December 2023
This month is the start of the Summer fruit season with berry fruits at their peak and stone fruit starting to ripen. With longer days and the warmer temperatures these fruits will ripen quickly so they must be looked at each day and are best picked in the cooler mornings before they get too hot. … Read More
Monthly Gardening Tips & Tasks – November 2023
As the Summer weather arrives many gardeners will be looking to navigate water restrictions and charges. Maximising the effectiveness of hand watering is crucial. In the past I’ve used NovaFlow drainage pipes, these can be buried near trees and shrubs and filled on permitted days or with collected rainwater. This is an efficient way to … Read More
Monthly Gardening Tips & Tasks – October 2023
This month the growing season is well underway. Daylight saving has started and the Spring weather is so far, warmer than usual and the monthly rainfall, below average. This year the fruit set on my stone fruit looks very good, I’ll be maintaining my spray programme to keep pests and diseases under control. The apple … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks – September 2023
Spring has arrived at last with the longer days and warmer sun. The ground is drying out and warming up so let the growing season begin! The lawns will now respond to fertilisers as the grass begins to grow. After the grass has been cut two or three times I like to de-thatch the lawn … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks – August 2023
August Winter Gardening Tips from Michael Coulter August is the month that divides some gardeners; is it Spring, or is it Winter? There are many reasons to say that it is mostly Winter, but we do see the signs of Spring around the garden and in the greenhouse. Early daffodils and many other Spring bulbs … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks – July 2023
This month and the next are the coldest of the Winter so most of the work in the garden is restricted to the fine sunny days. The lawns will not be growing so this is the time to get the lawnmowers serviced and sharpened. I have now lifted all my tuberous begonias and once they … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks – June 2023
Winter has now begun with frosty mornings and the last of the leaves falling from the trees. The weather has a big influence on the type of work that may be done in and around the garden. This year we are entering Winter with wet and cold ground which limits what can be achieved. The … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks – May 2023
We are now well into Autumn meaning so much of the garden work is about preparation for Winter. The rain fall is well above average for this time of the year which has encouraged moss to grow on the paths and in the lawns so treat the lawns with sulphate of iron and the paths … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks – April 2023
We are moving well into Autumn as the trees change colour and there is morning dew on the ground. This reminds us that we need to get on with preparing the garden for Winter! The grass is growing faster and will respond to fertilisers applied now that will keep the grass healthy. Look out for … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks – March 2023
March, is it late Summer or early Autumn? For me it is both, the Dahlias are in full bloom and the early flowering chrysanthemums are also at their best, along with many Autumn flowering perennials all remind me that Summer is coming to an end.
This month is all about harvesting fruit and many of our vegetables.
Monthly Tips & Tasks – February 2023
February heralds the beginning of peak harvest time for most of our fruit and vegetables that were planted in Spring and early Summer before Christmas. The flower garden will be blooming as the dahlias, begonias, perennials and Summer annuals reach their showy best.
Monthly Tips & Tasks – December
Michael Coulter shares his Summer gardening tips on everything to do in the busy month of December including fruit trees, flowers and lawns. December heralds the start of Summer and a wonderful time in garden with the ripening of berry fruit and stone fruit not far behind. We have just received a good fall of … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks – November
Michael Coulter shares his Spring gardening tips on everything to do in the busy month of November. From what to plant and when to water. November is the month that our gardens move from Spring growth to Summer. Some of our early plantings will be almost ready for harvesting and the first of the strawberries … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks – October
This month the ground will be starting to warm up and the plant growth will be more rapid. At the beginning of the month prepare the ground for the warmer loving plants which can be planted at the end of the month (tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers etc.). Don’t forget the application of fertilisers, compost and lime … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks – September
September is the real start of Spring, often accompanied by highly unpredictable weather! The 2022 Winter has been one of plenty of rain along with some hard frosts, leaving the ground wet and cold and making it difficult to ready the soil for planting. I think it will be advisable to wait until ground conditions … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks – August
This month we notice longer days and the promise of Spring! However, the soil will be at its coldest and wettest so working it should wait until conditions improve. Winter pruning should be completed by the end of the month and if spraying, treatments done as the buds begin to swell to give the best … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks – July
Welcome to July in the garden. Most of the work needed to be done at this time of the year involves pruning and maintenance around the property. Pruning Before you start pruning make sure you have good tools which are sharp and clean. Spray the plants to be pruned first to help stop the carry … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks – June
June; the month of the shortest day, the start of the colder weather and clean up time in the garden! The last of the leaves will have fallen from trees and shrubs and most of the perennials will have finished, so a good tidy up of leaves and plants can be completed. Before the ground … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks – May
May is the time that the garden slows down ready for the colder winter months. Many of the month’s tasks involve preparing the plants for frosts and wet weather. Spring bulbs should now be planted and once the harder frosts have started, summer flowering bulbs and tubers should be lifted and dried off to be … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks – March
February has been a month of record rain fall and below average sunshine hours but the plants have grown and so have the weeds. March is the end of summer and what I call the harvest month as much of the fruit is ready for picking along with the summer vegetables such as the tomatoes … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks – February
This is one of the busy times in the garden when many of the fruit trees will start to ripen their fruit. Berry fruits are well through their season so a tidy up of any branches that have finished fruiting will give room for new growth in preparation for next year’s fruit. Strawberry plants can look … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks – December
December is a very busy time in the garden! Berry fruit are ripening, plants are growing fast and the first of the stone fruit are ready. Regular weeding and watering are most important at this stage if we expect to get the best from our flowers and vegetables. Once the tops of the spring bulbs … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks – November
Unfortunately Covid-19 is still restricting us from meeting. As I write this I do miss the personal contact at the monthly meetings, but the plants carry on regardless! One advantage of the restrictions is we have plenty of time to spend in the garden and be up to date with every thing that needs to … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks – October
We are now well into spring and the weather has been typically varied from warm to cold to windy. The longer days mean that the plant growth will be rapid but so will the weeds. Preparation for the main planting/sowing for the summer must be well under way. The soil is now in a good … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks – September
Although I have all ready started some early spring work in the garden, this month really is the start of the busy time as the days get longer and warmer. Plants are beginning to grow out of their winter dormancy with fruit trees in full bloom along with spring bulbs and many ornamental trees and … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks – August
August, is it spring or still winter… the annual debate! Most of the work in the garden this month is about completing the winter pruning and spray programme. Later in the month is preparation for early spring work. For gardeners who have a green house with a heat pad early seed sowing may be started. … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks – July
July is better spent indoors and is certainly not the time to undertake any big outdoor projects! The recent rain will recharge the ground water, hopefully we’ll continue to get more before the spring work starts.
As the ground is now very wet it’s important to avoid digging or planting until the moisture in the soil dries out a little. This prevents damaging the structure of the soil.
Monthly Tips & Tasks – June
June means winter is here. Fortunately we’ve had some rain but more is needed to increase soil moisture to a point were it is no longer in deficit.
The last of the leaves will have fallen so now is the time to give the whole garden a good clean up, removing all the leaves, weeds and plants that have finished.
Pruning fruit trees can be started but only on fine sunny days, there is no great hurry yet!
Monthly Tips & Tasks – May
May heralds the end of autumn and the beginning of winter so many of the tasks this month involve cleaning up around the garden and doing repairs and maintenance on green houses, shade houses and any structures used for climbing plants. Autumn has been mild and dry so far, so many of the plants have not yet dried off (dahlias and begonias) or frosted back. This may delay lifting them for the winter but if you want to plant some of the winter /spring plants you can lift them and place them in trays to dry off. Spring bulbs will need to be planted before the end of the month as the colder wetter weather will make it more difficult once it arrives.
Monthly Tips & Tasks – April
April is the real month of autumn when the trees put on their spectacle of coloured leaves. Although we are approaching the end of the growing season for summer fruit, vegetables and flowers, we still have time to prepare the ground for the autumn planting of trees and shrubs.
This is a busy month for bulb planting and for winter annuals such as pansies, violas, polyanthus, primulas, wall flowers, forget-me-nots and poppies.
Monthly Tips & Tasks – March
This month is the transition from summer to autumn and a very busy time in the garden. Nights are cooler and morning dew is on the grass.
Pip fruit harvest time is here with apples and pears at their very best. Choose only the very best, sound fruit for storage over the winter and the second quality fruit for now, or to make into sauces or jelly.
Monthly Tips & Tasks – February
February heralds the beginning of peak harvest time for most of our fruit and vegetables that were planted in Spring and early Summer before Christmas. The flower garden will be blooming as the dahlias, begonias, perennials and Summer annuals reach their showy best.
Monthly Tips & Tasks – December
The longer days of Summer are here along with the warmer days and nights which means plants will grow rapidly. There are many tasks in the garden that will need to be attended to on a regular schedule.
We have had some useful rain in the last month but not enough to sustain good plant growth so watering is needed. Watering is best directed to the areas of the root zone of the plants and given a good soaking so that they may need to be watered about once every 10 to 14 days dependant on how hot and windy the weather has been.
Monthly Tips & Tasks – November
As I write this it has been raining overnight (18mm) which is the first real rain that we have had over the last month, the plants will really appreciate this and it will mean a few days without the need to water the garden.
I noticed that some plants are showing signs of significant frost damage which is causing the leaves to be rather distorted. This may appear as if the plants have been harmed by a herbicide, given time they should grow through the damage.
The frost may have also caused the fruit set on stone fruit plants to drop so it may be a light crop this year.
Monthly Tips & Tasks – October
Spring has now arrived and in my garden plants are really moving into growth. The weather has been on the dry side with only 4mm of rain at the time of writing, for August we would expect 40mm so it is dry. The Spring bulbs will need to have some water if this dry spell continues so that they can grow well and be in good condition to produce flowers next year.
The apricot, peach and nectarine are in full flower now which is about 2 weeks earlier than usual so hopefully there will not be any hard frosts that can damage the flowers. The soil is now dry enough to dig over and work up to make a good friable soil ready for seed sowing or the transplanting of seedlings. read more…
Monthly Tips & Tasks – September
Spring has now arrived and in my garden plants are really moving into growth. The weather has been on the dry side with only 4mm of rain at the time of writing, for August we would expect 40mm so it is dry. The Spring bulbs will need to have some water if this dry spell continues so that they can grow well and be in good condition to produce flowers next year.
The apricot, peach and nectarine are in full flower now which is about 2 weeks earlier than usual so hopefully there will not be any hard frosts that can damage the flowers. The soil is now dry enough to dig over and work up to make a good friable soil ready for seed sowing or the transplanting of seedlings. read more…
Monthly Tips & Tasks – August
August is a month of transition from the cold of Winter to the more changeable weather of the late Winter and early Spring at the end of the month. I can already see the daffodils budding up and other plants around the garden showing the signs of the coming season.
The pruning of fruit trees, roses, grapes and any other trees should be completed by the end of the month. Winter spray of copper and conquer oil should be done before the buds completely burst into leaf to get the most benefit from the sprays. As the soil becomes more workable gardens should be cultivated, green crops and compost dug in to prepare the ground for planting or seed sowing in a few weeks time. Some early seeds may be sown indoors so that the seedlings will be ready for planting out in about six weeks time. This month is still a good time for the planting of deciduous fruit trees, citrus and other shrubs.
Monthly Tips & Tasks – July
July is the month where the real Winter weather kicks in. The trees have lost all their leaves, the ground is cold and wet and the garden looks gloomy. But there is activity in the ground, my daffodils are just starting to come through, my snow drops are almost in flower and some of the primulas are beginning to flower.
We are past the shortest day although we will not notice the days getting longer for a few weeks yet. On the fine sunny days take the opportunity to prune fruit trees, roses and other deciduous plants.
We are now thinking about the tasks that we will need to do in the Winter. Pruning, planting new trees and the final clean up of the leaves and weeds in the flower and vegetable gardens. Dahlias and chrysanthemums will benefit from lifting out of the ground and stored in a cool dry place protected from the frosts and wet (chrysanthemums are put into trays of potting mix or compost and put into a greenhouse or a sheltered spot).
Monthly Tips & Tasks – June
Winter has arrived and the weather is much cooler but we are still below average for rain fall and the soil is noticeably drier below the top by a few millimetres.
We are now thinking about the tasks that we will need to do in the Winter. Pruning, planting new trees and the final clean up of the leaves and weeds in the flower and vegetable gardens. Dahlias and chrysanthemums will benefit from lifting out of the ground and stored in a cool dry place protected from the frosts and wet (chrysanthemums are put into trays of potting mix or compost and put into a greenhouse or a sheltered spot).
Monthly Tips & Tasks – May
May is the month that we see the days getting much shorter and cooler so we need to get the gardens ready for the coming winter.
There is not much to do in the way of seed sowing and seedling transplanting but we can plant trees and shrubs so that they can make new roots and get established before the colder wetter ground of the late winter. Once the leaves have finished falling we can think about pruning fruit trees and getting the sprays on for pest and disease control in the coming growing season.
The last of the spring bulbs should now be planted; be careful to mark were they are so that you do not damage them when weeding near the time that they will be emerging. read more
Monthly Tips & Tasks – April
The corona virus has made much of what we do very uncertain in our every day lives but our gardens go on following the change of season into Autumn unaffected by this pandemic. This may be a good opportunity to spend more time in our gardens and catch up with projects we have wanted to do but other activities have not allowed us the time. Autumn is a busy time in the garden as harvesting fruit and Summer vegetables will be finished by the end of the month and preparations from the Winter must be well under way.
Monthly Tips & Tasks – March
As I write this we are still experiencing changeable Spring weather, but in spite of this there has been plenty of good plant growth. Although we have had some rain it has been intermittent and the warmer temperatures have meant that some watering is still required. The planting of Summer vegetables and bedding plants should be completed by Christmas to give the plants time to grow to maturity. read more…
Monthly Tips & Tasks – February
As I write this we are still experiencing changeable Spring weather, but in spite of this there has been plenty of good plant growth. Although we have had some rain it has been intermittent and the warmer temperatures have meant that some watering is still required. The planting of Summer vegetables and bedding plants should be completed by Christmas to give the plants time to grow to maturity. read more…
Monthly Tips & Tasks – December
As I write this we are still experiencing changeable Spring weather, but in spite of this there has been plenty of good plant growth. Although we have had some rain it has been intermittent and the warmer temperatures have meant that some watering is still required. The planting of Summer vegetables and bedding plants should be completed by Christmas to give the plants time to grow to maturity. read more…
Monthly Tips & Tasks – November
The very changeable Spring weather of the last month will hopefully change to the more settled warmer weather that we expect this month. We are now in the month which we do most of our planting and sowing. In the vegetable garden it is time to plant and sowing of all the warmer loving plants. Many of the earlier planted crops will begin to grow faster and be ready for harvesting. Weeding and watering will be needed as the temperatures increase and the days are longer. Fruit trees will be getting to end of their flowering so the time for treatment for codling moth, caterpillars and aphids will be here. Soft fruits will be starting ripen so will need to be covered to protect them from the birds.
Monthly Tips & Tasks – October
This Spring is bringing the usual mixture of warm and cold weather – potentially a problem for the garden as we start to get ready for the planting and sowing time. To get the most from our plants we should really wait until conditions are consistent for the soil and the weather settles down. The Spring bulbs are in full bloom and will benefit from a fertiliser to build up the bulb for next season; removing spent flowers will also help. Spring flowering trees and shrubs should be pruned straight after flowering to ensure good growth for the next season’s flowers. Read more
Monthly Tips & Tasks – September
September is the month in which Spring growth really gets going. The Spring bulbs are in full bloom and deciduous plants come into life.
The weather is still very changeable and there is always the danger of frosts that can damage new growth; this makes for a very busy time in the garden.
Ground preparation for sowing seeds and transplanting seedlings should be completed, old Winter crops removed to make way for Summer plantings and the last of Winter pruning completed.
Monthly Tips & Tasks – August
We have now had some good frosts that have cut back many plants in the garden so it is a good idea to lift some of them to overwinter. Plants that benefit are dahlias, begonias (tuberous and fibrous types) and some perennials.The pruning of fruit trees and roses may now be completed and they can also be given their Winter sprays. These tasks are best done on a fine sunny day.Green houses should be washed, disinfected and any repairs completed in readiness for the start of Spring.All crop residue should now be removed from the garden or green house and either composted or disposed of.Prunings from the garden I shred up and add to the compost heap. My heap is protected from the wet and cold and turned over two or three times to ensure good quality compost is available for digging in later.New season fruit trees are now arriving in the garden centres. Make sure you get in early for the best trees.Strawberries and cane fruits can be planted now. It’s a good idea to try and get cultivars that will fruit at different times to achieve a longer harvest time ( ie. early, mid season and late types).Spring bulbs will be starting to emerge through the ground so be careful when weeding not to damage the shoots.If you have a heat bench or pad you can start sowing some early seeds to be ready for early plantings. Do remember the days are still short though and even with additional heat plants will take longer to grow now than in the Springtime.Early potatoes can now be sprouted (chitted) ready to plant in a few weeks in a well protected part of the garden.New season roses are also becoming available, make sure you get in early as some of the new introductions sell out very fast.
Monthly Tips & Tasks – July
We have now had some good frosts that have cut back many plants in the garden so it is a good idea to lift some of them to overwinter. Plants that benefit are dahlias, begonias (tuberous and fibrous types) and some perennials.The pruning of fruit trees and roses may now be completed and they can also be given their Winter sprays. These tasks are best done on a fine sunny day.Green houses should be washed, disinfected and any repairs completed in readiness for the start of Spring.All crop residue should now be removed from the garden or green house and either composted or disposed of.Prunings from the garden I shred up and add to the compost heap. My heap is protected from the wet and cold and turned over two or three times to ensure good quality compost is available for digging in later.New season fruit trees are now arriving in the garden centres. Make sure you get in early for the best trees.Strawberries and cane fruits can be planted now. It’s a good idea to try and get cultivars that will fruit at different times to achieve a longer harvest time ( ie. early, mid season and late types).Spring bulbs will be starting to emerge through the ground so be careful when weeding not to damage the shoots.If you have a heat bench or pad you can start sowing some early seeds to be ready for early plantings. Do remember the days are still short though and even with additional heat plants will take longer to grow now than in the Springtime.Early potatoes can now be sprouted (chitted) ready to plant in a few weeks in a well protected part of the garden.New season roses are also becoming available, make sure you get in early as some of the new introductions sell out very fast.
Monthly Tips & Tasks – June
June brings the end of the growing season with the shortest day about the 20th of the month. We know also that the coldest time of the year will be with us for the next two months.So there is not a lot of gardening to be done other than pruning and cleaning up plus maintenance of the hard landscape areas.We all find that in our seed storage there will be plenty of used seeds that have passed their use by date or have lost labels. Now is the time to go through the seeds and get rid of any unwanted ones, and make a list of those we will be needing in the Spring.
Monthly Tips & Tasks – May
May is the middle of the Autumn and we now see the trees dropping their leaves. The days are shorter and noticeably cooler so much of the garden work is controlled by the weather.
Monthly Tips & Tasks – April
April is when Autumn really gets going, the days are noticeably shorter and night temperatures cooler. The trees are starting to colour up and drop so we need to be preparing the garden for Winter.
Monthly Tips & Tasks – March
We are now in Summer with plenty of hot weather and the usual periods of wind and little rain, all of which puts stress on plants and gives us the problem of keeping them growing and healthy.
Most of the berry fruits are finishing and the stone fruits are reaching their main production now, then to follow is the pip fruit.
The fruit crops that we are harvesting now are the results of the cultivation that we gave them over the last Winter and Spring so if the results are not up to expectations then review what was done to identify what needs to be done to improve the next crop.
Although winter is still a long way off we do need to be prepared. Spring bulbs will soon be in the garden centres but it is still too soon to plant most of them so choose the best quality bulbs and keep them until the time is right in the Autumn.
Most of the tasks around the garden at this time of the year is what I call maintenance gardening; weeding, watering, pest and disease control and of course, harvesting.
Monthly Tips & Tasks – February
We are now in Summer with plenty of hot weather and the usual periods of wind and little rain, all of which puts stress on plants and gives us the problem of keeping them growing and healthy.
Most of the berry fruits are finishing and the stone fruits are reaching their main production now, then to follow is the pip fruit.
The fruit crops that we are harvesting now are the results of the cultivation that we gave them over the last Winter and Spring so if the results are not up to expectations then review what was done to identify what needs to be done to improve the next crop.
Although winter is still a long way off we do need to be prepared. Spring bulbs will soon be in the garden centres but it is still too soon to plant most of them so choose the best quality bulbs and keep them until the time is right in the Autumn.
Most of the tasks around the garden at this time of the year is what I call maintenance gardening; weeding, watering, pest and disease control and of course, harvesting.
Monthly Tips & Tasks – December
December is the real start of Summer and after a very changeable Spring we look forward to a more settled and warmer time. Overall Spring has been a good growing season and as a result there has been a good set of both stone and pip. Because of this there is a need to thin out the developing fruit so that the size and quality of the crop is achieved.
The planting of Summer annuals needs to be completed and with the possibility of water restrictions mulching in as much of the garden areas as possible should be done to help retain soil moisture.
Monthly Tips & Tasks – November
November for me is the busiest time of the growing season with much to do and plenty to enjoy.
The weather is as expected in the Spring, changeable but showing signs as predicted, trending towards dryer than average, slightly warmer and sunny. This makes the season earlier so the need to mulch around the garden to help retain moisture becomes important.
Monthly Tips & Tasks – October
June has been a very frustrating month in the garden with little sun and plenty of rain and drizzle. Because of these conditions I have done little in the outside garden but have spent time in the greenhouses doing maintenance and sorting out plants that are past their best.
This weather pattern looks as though it may continue for some time so we will have to wait until we get some good sunny days for that outside work. There is no need to worry as there is still plenty of Winter to come to get those outside tasks completed.
Monthly Tips & Tasks – September
June has been a very frustrating month in the garden with little sun and plenty of rain and drizzle. Because of these conditions I have done little in the outside garden but have spent time in the greenhouses doing maintenance and sorting out plants that are past their best.
This weather pattern looks as though it may continue for some time so we will have to wait until we get some good sunny days for that outside work. There is no need to worry as there is still plenty of Winter to come to get those outside tasks completed.
Monthly Tips & Tasks – July
June has been a very frustrating month in the garden with little sun and plenty of rain and drizzle. Because of these conditions I have done little in the outside garden but have spent time in the greenhouses doing maintenance and sorting out plants that are past their best.
This weather pattern looks as though it may continue for some time so we will have to wait until we get some good sunny days for that outside work. There is no need to worry as there is still plenty of Winter to come to get those outside tasks completed.
Monthly Tips & Tasks – June
In May we are well into Autumn and Winter is about to start. This means that we will slow down on what we need to do around the garden.
Most of the work involves general maintenance and cleaning up, in and around the garden by removing weeds, crop residues, lifting Summer perennials and bulbs and preparing ground for new plantings later in the Spring.
Monthly Tips & Tasks – May
In May we are well into Autumn and Winter is about to start. This means that we will slow down on what we need to do around the garden.
Most of the work involves general maintenance and cleaning up, in and around the garden by removing weeds, crop residues, lifting Summer perennials and bulbs and preparing ground for new plantings later in the Spring.
Monthly Tips & Tasks – April
March is the month that we see the start of the change of season from Summer to Autumn with the days getting shorter and the trees beginning to show signs of colour. The tasks in the garden also change as we continue to harvest the Summer grown crops, Summer flowers start to fade and lawns will grow with the cooler temperatures and morning dews. Our thoughts must turn now to Winter and preparing the garden for those plants that will provide vegetables and flowers during the Winter and following Spring.
Monthly Tips & Tasks – March
March is the month that we see the start of the change of season from Summer to Autumn with the days getting shorter and the trees beginning to show signs of colour. The tasks in the garden also change as we continue to harvest the Summer grown crops, Summer flowers start to fade and lawns will grow with the cooler temperatures and morning dews. Our thoughts must turn now to Winter and preparing the garden for those plants that will provide vegetables and flowers during the Winter and following Spring.
Monthly Tips & Tasks – February
Early Spring has arrived with the usual changeable weather typical for this time of the year. This year is no different with the challenge of wet ground from the wet Winter just finished and with the soil at field capacity we will need to be careful when working the ground so as not to damage the soil structure. READ MORE
Monthly Tips & Tasks – December
Early Spring has arrived with the usual changeable weather typical for this time of the year. This year is no different with the challenge of wet ground from the wet Winter just finished and with the soil at field capacity we will need to be careful when working the ground so as not to damage the soil structure. READ MORE
Monthly Tips & Tasks – November
Early Spring has arrived with the usual changeable weather typical for this time of the year. This year is no different with the challenge of wet ground from the wet Winter just finished and with the soil at field capacity we will need to be careful when working the ground so as not to damage the soil structure. READ MORE
Monthly Tips & Tasks – October
Early Spring has arrived with the usual changeable weather typical for this time of the year. This year is no different with the challenge of wet ground from the wet Winter just finished and with the soil at field capacity we will need to be careful when working the ground so as not to damage the soil structure. READ MORE
Monthly Tips & Tasks – September
Early Spring has arrived with the usual changeable weather typical for this time of the year. This year is no different with the challenge of wet ground from the wet Winter just finished and with the soil at field capacity we will need to be careful when working the ground so as not to damage the soil structure. READ MORE
Monthly Tips & Tasks – August
August is the last month of Winter or the start of Spring? This is my annual quandary because it is a bit of both; cold and wet at the start then becoming milder as the first signs of growth and flowers appear. This is the time when we should complete Winter pruning and spray programmes on fruit trees and plant new fruit trees, and berry fruits.
Monthly Tips & Tasks – June 2017
From Michael Coulter The weather has cooled down and we have started to have frosts as the late Autumn, early Winter season arrives. We can now think about those tasks that will need to be done over the next few months, many which we can only do when the fine days allow us to be … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks – May 2017
From Michael Coulter Autumn is really with us the weather as been wet and windy which has effected the plants in our gardens causing an early end to some of our crops and also some damage to trees and shrubs.Repair damaged branches to trees and shrubs by cutting back to healthy branches close to a … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks – April
From Michael Coulter Autumn is almost here and the first of the trees are showing colour and the mornings are cooler with dew on the lawns. This is a busy time as we need to get our gardens ready for the coming season as well as making the most of the fruit, vegetables and flowers … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks – March
From Michael Coulter February has been a windy, dry and warm month which has kept me busy in the garden trying to keep up with all the work as well as the extra watering needed to keep the plants healthy. All my stone fruit has been harvested and I am now looking forward to apples … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks – February
From Michael Coulter January has been a month of real challenges in the garden this Summer with winds, hot days followed by cool days and some rain. Despite this I have had plenty of good growth and fruit to harvest although some plants are running a little later than usual. Much of the work to … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks – December
From Michael Coulter December is the start of the Summer weather and plants are now well into their rapid growth with many of the Spring-planted crops ready for harvest. Many of the pest and diseases that attack our plants will also begin to appear so we will need to take action to mitigate the damage … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks – November
From Michael Coulter Spring weather has at last given us some rain so the top soil now has some good moisture but the sub soil is still dry, this means that we will still have to water our gardens to keep the moisture up where the plants are growing. The warmer temperatures plus humidity from … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks – October
From Michael Coulter Spring is well and truly here. The cherry blossoms are in full bloom and the city is clothed in a kaleidoscope of Spring flowers of all colours and types. We are still in need of rain to get the soil moisture up to a good level for the coming growing season. I … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks – September 2016
From Michael Coulter September, the start of the very busy time in the Spring garden. As I write this it is raining, I hope that we get a good amount as we really need some to give the soil a moisture boost to start the season off. I have noticed that some of the Spring … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks – August 2016
From Michael Coulter August sees the transition of the seasons from Winter to early Spring. The days are getting longer and the sun has more warmth. This time of the season can be very challenging in the garden; it can be very cold to quite warm which tells us that we must get on and … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks – July 2016
Winter has started with some changeable weather and frosts but so far there has not been any extremes. Now that the shortest day is past, our thoughts turn to the Winter work around the garden. Pruning fruit trees and roses are the main plants for this time of the season but other shrubs and trees … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks – June 2016
June is the start of Winter, the last of the leaves have fallen and lawns and most plants have stopped growing. Much of the work around the garden is about protecting plants from the cold weather, this means moving any pots of tender plants into areas that are protected from the frosts, cold winds and … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks May 2016
May is the busy month of the Autumn as Winter approaches there are many tasks in the garden to be completed before the cold weather arrives. Leaves need to be collected and made into compost. Paths kept clean and treated for moss and lawns repaired and treated for weeds. The planting of Spring bulbs and … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks April 2016
April really is the start of Autumn, the leaves are changing colour and the mornings are cooler. I have been busy picking my apples, tomatoes, peppers and sweet corn all of which I have had a very good crop this year. I am also busy getting the last of my Winter vegetable crops planted and … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks – March 2016
March late Summer and the start of the early Autumn season is a time of harvest and preparation for Winter crops. Apples and pears are at their very best and nothing can compare with the flavour of tree ripened fruit. There is still plenty of colour in the flower garden, to keep the flowers in … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks – February 2016
Summer is a real mixed bag of weather with some hot days and then some quite cool days, still not much rain and plenty of wind. Many of the early Spring sown or planted crops are now finished so they can be pulled out and the ground prepared for the planting of Winter crops. Leeks, … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks – December 2015
From Michael Coulter December, the beginning of Summer and all those flowers, fruit and vegetables to grow and harvest. We are well behind on our rain fall and the ground is very dry so we need to manage our watering well to ensure that our garden will produce good results. Mulching will become more important … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks – November 2015
From Michael Coulter November is one of the really busy times in the garden as it is the end of Spring and the start of Summer. With the warmer and longer days plants and weeds grow at a very rapid rate as do many of the pests and diseases that will attack them. The weather … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks – October 2015
Spring has finally arrived albeit about 10 days late. We are still behind on rainfall and the risk of frosts is still with us so we need to approach the season with some caution and patience. October is one of the very busy times in the garden as much of what we do now determines … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks – September 2015
The end of Winter and the start of Spring is the beginning of the growing season and when work in the garden really determines results for the coming growing season. The old saying, “well begun is half done” can be applied to the garden, so start the season off properly by doing the right tasks … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks – August 2015
August in the garden is a month when we can start to think about Spring and the tasks to come. Although the days are noticeably getting longer there is still plenty of cold and frosty weather to come. Many Winter tasks can be completed, like pruning and Winter spraying. Moving deciduous fruit trees and other … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks – July 2015
July is one of the coldest months of the year and there is not much plant growth (weeds seem to be the exception) so much of the activity in the garden involves pruning, general clean up and maintenance. There are pruning demonstrations to be held on Saturday 4 and 11 July which will help to … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks – June 2015
As Winter approaches work in the garden slows down. With shorter and colder days it is better to choose the days that are fine and sunny to do the work as much that needs to be done is not as urgent as in the Spring and Summer. So far the weather has been quite mild … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks – May 2015
May is the start of many tasks around the garden to prepare for the coming Winter. With shorter days gardening time is reduced but do remember to keep your Winter garden safe. Treat paths and decks for moss and keep leaves off drives and paths where they may become a hazard, especially when wet. Cut … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks – April 2015
Michael Coulter’s Top Tasks April is a busy month in the garden with the start of Autumn and cooler nights mean that we must get ready for the coming Winter. The Summer annuals are at the end of their flowering season so they need to be removed and the ground worked over and rested before … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks March 2015
Michael Coulter’s Top Tasks We are now getting well through Summer and have had to put up with some challenges, hot and dry weather especially, which has effected how the garden has responded. In the vegetable garden regular deep watering has given me abundant crops of high quality produce but I have needed extra fertilisers … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks February 2015
Michael Coulter’s Top Tasks February is one of the busy months of the gardeners’ year, during this time we are harvesting fruit and vegetables, weeding, watering, Summer pruning fruit trees, dead heading flowers and roses and getting the garden ready for the coming Winter. Tree ripened fruit is for me the real highlight at this … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks January 2015
Michael Coulter’s Top Tasks January is the month of many tasks in the garden. To keep plants healthy and in full production it is important to have a regular schedule of work that involves weeding, watering, harvesting and replanting for a continual supply or fruit, vegetables and flowers. It is better to try and have … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks December 2014
Michael Coulter’s Top Tasks Now is a very busy time in the garden. Plant growth is rapid and we need to keep on top of the many tasks that need to be done. The weather has been very changeable with a lot of wind. This means that we will have to keep up the watering … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks November 2014
As I write this it is Labour weekend, the time that we gardeners start to plant the warmer loving plants in our vegetable and flower gardens. The weather will still be changeable so we need to watch out for any late frosts on our more tender plants. We have had little rain and the ground … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks October 2014
The month of October is one of the busiest times in the garden. The days are now longer than the nights and along with the higher temperatures plant growth from now on will be very rapid. Flower Garden Keep the water up on daffodils so that they grow well to produce next season’s flowers, also … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks September 2014
The days are getting longer and at the end of the month daylight saving starts, meaning plants begin their growth, flowers burst out and our garden work really gets under way. One of the best tips at this time of year is to do today what needs to be done as tomorrow may be too … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks August 2014
August is one of the coldest months of the year but it is also the Winter month closest to Spring so our thoughts must now turn to the tasks needed to be completed as Spring approaches. Much of the work is preparation for the sowing of seeds, planting and cleaning up of weeds. As the days lengthen day time temperature can be quite warm which can bring on new growth but be aware that nights will still be cold and there will be plenty of frosts to come.
Monthly Tips & Tasks July 2014
We are having a very wet Winter so far so this will restrict much of what we can do in the garden during this month. It will be better to wait for improved weather so that we will not do any harm in and around the garden. Most of the work needed to be done … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks June 2014
Flower Garden Now is the time to get the last of the Spring bulbs planted especially tulips and lilies. As the ground allows plantings of polyanthus, pansy, violas and other Spring flowers can continue. New stock of roses are arriving in the nurseries so get in early to get the best choice of plants. Prepare … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks May 2014
Flower Garden Carry on with bulb planting. Remember many bulbs do just as well in pots. Plant Spring flowering plants such as polyanthus, primulas, pansies, poppies and forget-me-nots. Lift dahlias and begonias after frosts, cut back the tops and store in a cool dark place. Cut back by about 1/3 chrysanthemums as the flowers finish. … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks April 2014
Flower Garden As summer flowers pass their best remove them and prepare the ground for planting for Winter/Spring flowers like pansy, wall flowers, polyanthus and violas. Now is bulb planting time. Choose good firm unblemished bulbs and plant as soon as possible so they get a good start. Sow sweet peas now in good deep … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks March 2014
Fruit & Vegetable Garden Time to plant winter veggies like cabbages, cauliflowers and broccoli. Any ground that is going to be vacant you can think about putting a green crop in – lupins, barley and mustard all help to improve the soil structure. Keep picking tomatoes and removing lower leaves to encourage fruit to ripen. … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks December 2013
Great weather. Been looking on the computer.Rainfall been below normal and well below normal across most of the South Island. Temperatures were above average throughout most of New Zealand. Had a few winds. Of the main centres, Auckland was the warmest, Dunedin the coolest, Wellington the wettest and Tauranga was the sunniest. Christchurch was the … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks November 2013
It has been rather windy. I lost a few panels on my growing tunnels although the last couple of days have been really nice. We can still expect the odd windy spell. It has been an interesting spring. N.I.W.A. said a number of weather records around the country were broken in October – some a … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks October 2013
My first day in shorts. It has been a marvelous spring. Things are earlier than usual. Don’t go putting in warm loving plants just yet. Put tomatoes in a warm corner, but not outside. It’s still too early. The nor’ easter is a most limiting wind. The NIWA weather outlook: September 2013 was characterised by much … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks September 2013
September – All About Gardening With Michael Coulter You know its springtime….the body starts to seize up. Meant to get a Southerly last night but I think it took a detour. Typical Canterbury weather. Warmest August on record for New Zealand. Record high August mean temperatures recorded throughout N.Z. This made the warmest August on … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks August 2013
AUGUST – ALL ABOUT GARDENING With Michael Coulter N.I.W.A said, ‘Mild winter – outbreaks of southerlies’…They were exactly right. It was the 4th – warmest July on record for N.Z… Very warm in the South, dry in the North. A very warm July was experienced in the South Island. Mean temperatures for July were well … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks July 2013
JULY – ALL ABOUT GARDENING With Michael Coulter Overall, temperatures for winter 2013 are likely to be above average, with warmer temperatures in Canterbury. However, don’t be fooled, as frosts, cold snaps and even snow conditions should be expected in many areas from time to time. That’s just typical of winter. We have had a … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks June 2013
JUNE ALL ABOUT GARDENING With Michael Coulter Winters here. NIWA has said that what we got the last few weeks is basically what we’ll get all through June. May was cold. Hate winter. Hate cold. Overall, temperatures for winter 2013 (June – August) are very likely to be above average across the entire country. However, … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks May 2013
MAY 2013 ALL ABOUT GARDENING With Alan Jolliffe Michael is away on chrysanthemum duties so I’m in the hot seat this month. The only reason I have a laptop with me is that I’ve left my papers at home. In your garden – autumn. ‘What a mess’ This is the time to think…….what did I like … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks February 2013
What works quickly as a ground cover?
Little nandinas. Otherwise known as Heavenly Bamboo plants. They are completely unrelated to bamboo. Plant them close enough so they look as though they are talking to each other. With using bark as a ground cover….use nuggets and not chips.
Monthly Tips & Tasks January 2013
It’s been a darn good summer and tested us as gardeners. Extremely sunny across New Zealand. The combination of northwest winds and the ‘blocking high’ resulted in record January sunshine across the eastern South Island. Temperatures were above average. Of the six main centres in January 2013, Auckland was the warmest, Dunedin the coolest, Wellington … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks December 2012
Many of our members are establishing new gardens on old sites post-earthquake. This might pose some problems so look out for: Interference from surroundings such as established big trees over the fence that might take all the nutrients and moisture from the soil. You will need to compensate for this at least until your new … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks November 2012
With Michael Coulter How’s your Spring? It has been a traditional hot/cold start to spring. It was predicted. It was relatively stormy October, with more frequent southwest winds and lower pressures than usual affecting New Zealand. These south-westerly winds produced a rather cool October for the south and the west of the South Island. Of … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks September 2012
August – All About Gardening With Michael Coulter Michael opened with last night’s brilliant display of lightning and roaring thunder, followed by ‘golf-ball sized’ hailstones. ‘’I lost about 100 panes in my glasshouse’’ he said. Hailstones in some suburbs measured about 3cm in diameter. Metservice weather forecaster, Allister Gorman, said hailstones larger than 20 millimetres … Read More
Monthly Tips & Tasks August 2012
August – All About Gardening With Michael Coulter It was good to see a book on New Zealand’s Native Trees was crowned New Zealand Post Book of the Year at a recent gala dinner in Auckland. Seven years work, more than 100,000 four-wheel drive kilometres and countless hours walking in dense forest paid off for … Read More