Gardening in North Otago September 13th 2017

 

A few dull, cold days last week causing  buds to hold back while waiting for warmth, however  still an abundance of spring splendor about North Otago. 

Roses are top priority 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. 

Hydrangeas are budding to leaf, the perfect time to feed and give a good soak, they respond well to manure, pink need a sweet soil (Lime) blue like acid soil ( Aluminium sulfate) and white brighten a shady corner.

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 here, hosta's are making a move but 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.

Iris's are on the move to flower during the next two months, they are stunning when planted in groups and require water now to get them going and at least half a day of sun and well drained soil to flower. Bearded Irises have rhizomes (fleshy roots) that should be partially exposed to sun, or thinly covered with soil, feed now with a low nitrogen fertiliser such as sulphate of potash. 

Delphiniums are up needing stakes before they make tall stems.

Lawns: are looking for food, have a bag of lawn fertiliser ready for the next rain and keep the mower blades high while grass is recovering from winter. Prepare soil for reseeding bare spots, rough up compacted top soil with a steel rake then spread half an inch of sifted soil and cast a generous amount of grass seed to be raked into sifted soil. Cover with lengths of shade cloth to keep birds off until seed has germinated. Moisture and warmth are the two requirements for successful germination, early morning dampening will allow moist ground to warm during the day.

Vegetables:

Garlic is up and onion seedlings sown earlier can go in, onion seed can be sown in seed trays now to be planted out in 4 to 6 weeks, avoid growing close to peas and beans. Carrot seed can be sown now, mix with fine soil when sowing to avoid sowing thickly and avoid growing close to parsnips, beetroot, dill, brassicas and fennel.

Seed potatoes varieties:

Rocket  early approx 90 days. Swift early, great for growing in containers,  Cliff Kidney approx 100 days Jersey Benne, approx 100 days, Moemoe Maori Potato, approx 100 days. Maris Anchorr Early-main variety, approx 110 days Agria. Main variety, approx 130 daysHeather approx 130 days, Ilam Hardy Good all rounder 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 and lift bottom branches on  gooseberry bush's for easier picking plus get a strawberry bed ready to plant out. I have seen a wonderful selection of berry and citrus bushes on offer in garden centers. 

Cheers, Linda.