Gardening in North Otago 4 July 2011

Wow, how about these hard frosts we are now getting. The brilliant days that follow give us here on the coast at least half a day to work in the garden after the thaw. No such luck further inland with frozen ground, the perfect garden planning time to be a step ahead before spring.

Rose pruning continues here in my garden, still time to get this task done. The time by which rose pruning should be completed varies by several weeks from the warmest to coldest gardens. It should be done and dusted by the time buds break.

The bulk of new seasons bare rooted deciduous trees are arriving into retail shops now, continue planting but avoid times when the ground is frozen or excessively wet. Young deciduous trees and shrubs can also be moved at this time, trim damaged roots and cut back any that are inconveniently long.

Evergreen trees and shrubs are on offer as well, but don't be in a hurry to plant them. Keep in bags outside in a sheltered place to harden off, they can sit like this and be planted out at the end of winter. Choose now and plant later to give them a good start.
Make sure to read the labels to know how high and wide a shrub and tree will grow, some, like natives grow fast and when mature will throw considerable shade. When planting along side the house ask advice.

Compost heaps work much more slowly than in the summer but there is still some decomposing going on if there is adequate moisture and covered to keep warmer than cold winter nights. Old carpet underlay or straw are good for this

Boost bedding plants with fish based fertiliser or a little dried blood.to encourage buds during these sunny winter days.

Fruit & Veg.
Finish planting deciduous fruit trees and bushes in a sunny site, avoid frosty hollows for early starters such as plums and pears.
Frosty sites are no disadvantage for soft fruits as winter chills will stimulate fruit buds.

Continue to shelter citrus in frosty gardens, they should be offering a lot of fruit to pick now ( marmalade sounds good )

In cold areas start garlic off in containers and plant out later when the ground warms up.

Cheers, Linda