Gardening in North Otago 18th October 2011

A chilly few days and much needed rain here in North Otago, I am finding some soft new growth still being effected by the cold. Hydrangea's, peony roses, agapantha's and even the new growth on roses are not enjoying the cold snap. They will recover and keep growing as it warms up then the the damaged growth can be removed.

As I always go on about each week, weeds are in full force now! I can not believe how many have been pulled from our garden, mostly biddy bid, chick weed and convolvulous. Weeds need to be removed before they make seed or, you will be chasing them forever.

I have been potting up seedlings I have grown from seed, lupins, Oriental poppies, delphiniums, penstamains and nasturtiums. It is best to pot seedlings on into individual pots for roots to become established before planting out.
Strong growing plants like sun flowers and delphinium seeds need to be planted straight into peat pots and once the pot is filled with new roots plant pot and all into the ground, the strong roots will grow out through the pot as it breaks down.

Hosta's are pushing fresh new leaves out for waiting slugs! put sharp gravel under hosta's and spray with fish emulsion to deter them. I have 6 little Peking bantams who take care of snails and slugs in my garden. because they are very short in the leg their scratching is minimal compared to long legged hens.
Companion planting:
With all the planting that is going on right now it is time to think about companion planting again.
Gardeners from the past have documented successful companion planting knowledge down through the years for us to follow. Some plants give off an aroma that is disliked by unwanted insects and others are thought to enhance the growth of certain plants if planted along side them.
Nasturtiums attract caterpillars, so planting it alongside or around vegetables such as lettuces, broccoli and cabbages should mean the nasturtium will get attacked rather than your edible crop.
Fox Gloves have stimulating effects on all plants in the garden, a welcome addition to the flower and veggie garden.
Marigolds have a scent that repels aphids and attracts hoverflies, which are predator insects
Tagetes, the lovely tiny marigolds, or French marigold, are invaluable to companion planting.
Cabbage white butterfly are attracted to their host plant by smell and planting rows of Mexican tagete is effective in masking the smell and reducing cabbage moth damage. A secretion from the roots of the Mexican tagetes deter eelworms so your potatoes and tomatoes are left alone. Tagetes and calendula marigolds planted near tomatoes and roses will reduce aphid attack as the marigolds will attract the hover-flies that are voracious eaters of these pests.
Basil and tomatoes are a well-known combinations, the strong smelling foliage makes these plants great companions.
Garlic, chives and parsley can be beneficial planted with Roses as aphid deterrents.
Dill is popular with bees and attracts them into the garden. Dill planted with corn will ensure a bumper crop, as more bees will be around to pollinate the corn strings.
Sage is also a great herb to plant around the celery crop, as it helps to keep the aphids away.
Hyssop repels white butterfly from cauliflower, cabbage and broccoli and other brassica crops.
Carrots and leeks work well planted together, they both have strong aromas, which repel other’s pests.
Vegetables:
My no dig gardens are growing well and will have benefited from the last rain, the potatoes are up so I have been adding more soil, compost and lastly straw around them as I do in the conventuial veg garden molding up with soil as they grow taller.
The corn is up, and I fee,l benefiting from the warm straw layer they are pushing through, I will plant dill along side to attract the bees.
The dreaded carrot fly is about in October when carrots are being thinned, don't leave any thinned out carrots anywhere near the planted rows for the carrot fly to smell. Plant seed spearingly to avoid thinning. I have heard scattering freshly cut grass clippings along rows disgises the carrot aroma. I have put frost cloth over my short rows weighted down with stones during October, sowing after the first generation is over can also avoid damage.
With all the fruit trees in blossom we need sunny days to keep the bees busy working at pollinating. Keep the water up to them and mulch with unsprayed grass clippings right out to their drip line to keep the moisture there, they have a lot of work ahead of them producing fruit.
Planting by the moon
NEW MOON
Thursday, 27 October 2011
Garden:
Last time to plant comfrey root cuttings
Prick out and transplant all seedlings ready to go into the garden
Plant seeds for summer/autumn flowers, sunflowers, zinnias, cosmos, love lies bleeding, nicotiana and gaillardia
Plant more corn, beans, courgettes, cucumbers, late tomatoes, lettuce and basil (but protect basil from cold nights)
Mulch as many of your vege beds as practical, corn, pumpkins, tomatoes and peppers are easy to mulch and benefit from this.
Orchard:
Check moisture levels under young trees, if no rain keep the water up.
Check all apples trees for woolly aphid ( white furry aphids on branches) sprinkle neem granules on ground around tree and spray tree with garlic, pyrethrum and neem oil (mixed)
Bronze beetles on feijoas, apples and pears indicate water stress, may need spray of garlic/pyrethrum and water well
Mulch berry fruits and organise netting for bird protection.
Our garden is looking very pretty right now and ready for viewing should people be interested in taking a drive out to Weston, plenty of seating so bring a picnic.

Cheers, Linda