Gardening in North Otago 15th September 2016

A lovely weekend just past as I write this and with the warmth it's all happening in gardens, a warm wind was experienced so the hoses are out once again to keep moisture up to all the new annual plantings going in. 
Hydrangeas are budding to leaf, the perfect time to feed and give a good soak, a dressing of lime for pink and alum sulphate for blue, coffee grinds and pine needles will also acidify soil.

Roses are top priority right now,Things to watch out for are die back after frost damage, not all branches make the grade, if they have been affected cut them right back to new growth, also watch for growth below the graft, it comes up from the root stock, is usually a different colour and leaf to the grafted branches, cut right out. All roses are grafted onto a strong root stock. 

If you were given a cyclamen in flower back in May it is time to plant it outside in a cool shady spot to finish the growing year. Pot up again just before Winter for indoor flowering.

Perennials are pushing up through the pea straw now, hosta's are making a move but there is still time to put the spade through clumps big enough to divide, slice cleanly through and transplant where needed.

Peony roses are pushing up fast, carefully clear around them to let sun in.

Lawns: are looking for food, have a bag ready for the next rain. Sulphate of iron is great for getting rid of moss in lawns, buy from a garden centre, quantities for a watering can will be on the bag, once watered on effected areas leave until moss turns black then rake out.

Potato info (Tui)

Rocket* Round White White Waxy Fastest producing of early varieties and provides a good yield. Good boiling potato with waxy texture.Very early variety, approx 90 days.
Swift* Oval Smooth & White Creamy yellow Waxy Fast growing with exceptional taste. Great for growing in containers.Will not discolour or disintegrate on steaming.Very early variety, approx 90 days
Cliff Kidney* Kidney Slight pink tinge White Firm, waxy Performs best in soils that contain peat. An excellent, firm boiling potato for early cropping. Best for boiling. Early variety, approx 100 days
Jersey Benne* Oval White White Waxy A medium cropper that can be grown in most soils. Great for growing in containers. One of the most popular varieties for mashing or boiling. Early variety, approx 100 days
Moemoe Maori Potato Round-Oval Purple with deep eyes Creamy white
Waxy Plant from September – November. Will grow in all soil conditions. Reasonable
drought and wind tolerance. Best eaten shortly after harvest. Good for boiling and steaming. Good tasting. Early-main variety, approx 100 days
Maris Anchorr* Oval White White Waxy Yields well in most soil types but likes shelter. Keeps well with excellent cooking qualities. General cooking. Early-main variety, approx 110days
Agria* Long oval Cream Yellow All Purpose High yielder. Stores well. Very versatile cooking qualities. Great for French fries. Best for boiling. Main variety, approx 130 days
Heather Long oval Smooth & Purple White All Purpose Reliable, steady cropper. Good for all general cooking, boils, mashes and roast (no discolouration or disintegration). Main variety, approx 130 days
Ilam Hardy* Oval to round White White Waxy. All Purpose When mature. Very adaptable and will give a good yield over a wide variety of conditions. Light blight resistance. Excellent for boiling for frying. Good all round cooker. Early-main variety, approx 130 days.

Fruit:

Apricot is in blossom looking for bee's and raspberries / gooseberries are showing leaf, still time to thin out a gooseberry bush for easier picking.

Cheers, Linda.