Gardening in North Otago November 1st 2018

Gardens will be now at the soggy blossom stage after a relatively wind free blooming, pink Kanzan blossom for once was not blown off before it's time allowing trees to create a pink glow about North Otago, and with the bonus of rain last it is such a treat not to be lugging hose's about yet. Soil is warm and moist and ready for planting, weeds are small for hoeing and easy pulling and weed spray is now working in the rough areas, so all is pretty straight forward for those who have time to enjoy the rhythm of spring.

Birds feeding young will be making a mess in gardens and on paths searching for worms, so annoying to have newly planted annuals scratched out daily. I have found strips of shade cloth weighed down with stones covering the front planting will keep the birds off until new plants have settled in and filled out to cover exposed worm filled soil.
Rhododendrons, deciduous azaleas and peony roses have taken over from camellias now displaying a dazzling range of colours, those early flowering rhododendrons can now have spent blooms removed before seeds sets, especially those newly planted, energy is needed for growth not making seeds. There is a point on the spent bloom where it snaps off without disturbing the new leaf growth coming through, once you find this point snapping off past blooms becomes easy.
Roses are budding up, but I see on some of mine green fly has arrived and a few new leaves have had to be removed where I spotted rust....already??? because I mulch thickly in our garden old leaves with rust and black spot spores would have escaped the clean up in early winter, most labels recommend a fortnightly spray with pesticide/ fungicide combined however I follow a once a month routine. It pays to spray on a dull day right now to prevent sun burning through droplets damaging new leaves.
Wisterias are at putting on a display as well now, once flowering is over energy will go into putting out many long leaders, if your wisteria has reached the distance and spread required all of these leaders need to be removed, flower spurs develop on old wood year after year, if new leaders are left they will strive to be aged wood and become heavy un-needed branches.
Lawns: Lush is the word for lawns and the whole country side, long may the moisture and sun continue. Un-sprayed grass clippings can be spread as mulch on gardens to keep weeds down and add humus to soil, only add thick enough to keep out light. Spread around trees and shrubs right out to the drip line to keep moisture in soil but spread it around rather than leaving in heaps.
Fruit: trees and fruit bushes should be well on their way to making fruit with busy honey bees about on fine days. Keeping moisture up when the season heats up is the next job, putting a mulch around all will help retain moisture already in the ground.
Vegetables: what fantastic weather for growing veg, once planted it's all about keeping the weeds down to give them room to grow. Pumpkin plants I put in last week are romping away as are the corn seedlings, planting corn in squares rather than rows will ensure pollination on the lower tassels and add support during strong winds. Potatoes are loving this weather so are worth planting if you have not already done so, tomatoes also will be soon needing staked, if you have no glass or tunnel house plant a couple of cherry tomato plants in pots and place in a sheltered, well lit spot, they will produce all season. Russian red bush tomato's also grow well out side in a warm spot. 

Cheers, Linda.