February Gardening Update

Canterbury Gardens in Summer

The weather over the Christmas period was not very summer-like. Below-average temperatures, dull, cloudy days, and double the usual rainfall made gardening quite a challenge. The silver lining for me was the excellent crops of raspberries, strawberries, and blackcurrants.

Tomatoes have been slow to ripen, and my stone fruit was small and eaten by blackbirds. On the positive side, the lawns have stayed green, so I treated them for weeds and applied a slow-release fertiliser to keep them going through the rest of summer.

Plant growth has been vigorous in the trees and shrubs, so a summer prune will help keep them in shape. There has been less damage from the usual insect pests, but as the weather starts to warm up, keep an eye out for aphids, mites, and caterpillars. The humid conditions have encouraged mildew, rust, and botrytis fungi, so now is the time to use preventive sprays. Always remember to follow withholding periods for sprays on fruit and vegetables, and ensure all produce, whether from your garden or the store, is washed before use.

Spring bulbs that have dried off can now be lifted and cleaned, ready for replanting in autumn. Doing this every few years helps keep them healthy and vigorous. Perennials have enjoyed the conditions and are providing one of the best flower displays I’ve seen in years. Later perennials are growing strongly and will need support when they bloom.

In the vegetable garden, it’s a busy time harvesting many spring-planted crops, while also preparing for the planting of winter crops. Brassicas will require close attention to keep them growing well in the warmer days and to watch for the white butterfly. Once the stone fruit harvest is over, I like to apply a fungicide for long-term control of leaf curl and botrytis.

The flower garden is in full bloom, and removing spent flowers will keep the display looking its best and encourage successive flowering. As for weeds—this year has been a battle! I’ve found that two hours in the morning with a hoe, tackling them while they’re small, is the easiest way to stay on top of them.

Happy Gardening,
Michael Coulter

Remember: questions can be posted on HortTalk our online facebook group or you can email Michael directly at: coultchrys@xtra.co.nz