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 can change rapidly—so gardeners, beware!
By the start of the month, all pruning of fruit trees and roses should be completed, along with preventative sprays for leaf curl and scale insects. Hardy vegetable seedlings can now be planted in well-prepared ground, and seed potatoes should be set out in trays for chitting, ready to plant when the shoots are well developed.
Much of this month’s work involves preparing growing areas in the greenhouse or garden: digging in compost, adding fertilisers, and clearing out the last of the winter crops. Rainfall for the year is still about 100 millimetres below the annual average, leading to a soil moisture deficit at 10 cm. If this trend continues, mulching to conserve soil moisture will be crucial.
Raising seeds in the greenhouse for later planting is a priority, but success depends on careful attention to hygiene in containers, seed trays, and tools. While raising your own seeds is satisfying, there are a few key points to remember: don’t sow seeds too thickly, maintain the right germination temperature, use only clean potting or seed-raising mix, harden off seedlings gradually before pricking out, and don’t let seedlings become leggy before pricking out. Following these basic principles will lead to successful plant raising.
The new Spring growth on many perennials, such as chrysanthemums and dahlias, provides excellent material for cuttings, offering the chance to increase your plant numbers. Spring-flowering shrubs should be pruned as soon as they finish flowering, allowing new growth to produce next season’s blooms.
With the lawns growing again, moss control can be applied after the grass has been cut 2-3 times, followed by fertilisers. Remember not to cut the grass too low—raise the mower height. Any repairs to hard-wearing areas of the lawn can now be made, allowing time for the grass to establish before the summer heat arrives.
This month is as much about planning as it is about physical work, so take the time to think about how you can improve your garden without creating more work.
Enjoy the Spring! Michael Coulter
Remember: questions can be posted on HortTalk our online facebook group or you can email Michael directly at: coultchrys@xtra.co.nz