Gardening in North Otago August 19th 2020

Early Spring at Rockvale Gardens 

 So far still no rain as I write this meaning we are going into spring very, very dry as all Farmers and Gardeners will know. In the garden hoses need to be on the go, a good soak around the roots of trees and shrubs is more beneficial than sprinklers on for short times. Mulching after soaking holds moisture there where needed. Everything is ready to push new growth out right now which uses a huge amount of new growing plant energy requiring feeding as well as moisture but compost/manure will not get to where it is needed without rain.

If we do get our share of rain in early spring the benefits from good deep moisture will be obvious from now through to early summer.  This week I have been doing the final winter clean up around the gardens I don't mulch with pea straw.,these gardens get a covering of the lovely black compost we get each year from the Pukeuri freezing works, which allows the spring bulbs to push through and take center stage for the next couple of months. I do have pea straw in other areas where bulbs are growing and now that I can see where they are popping up I push the straw away from them to give them light. It is at this time of the year I notice yellowing of some plants, the ground gets depleted of nitrogen during winter especially when plants are shallow rooted like camellia and rhododendrons, and potted plants with roots out grown containers. With applications of complete plant food and compost this condition will be rectified. Plant specific slow release fertilisers on offer make it easy to choose the right one and each time it rains or you water the garden food is released to plants. If you have not trimmed back ornamental grass's yet do it now, rake out the old seeded ends and clean out the dead thatch around the base, it's amazing how much you will need to cart away after this but they will look wonderful and will grow back to their soft wafting shape in no time.  I'll bet the weeds are growing well at your place as they are at mine! sprayers will be out again on patio areas and driveways. With the ground being so soft hand and hoe weeding is really easy, get them out before they take off and seed everywhere, or dig them in before they seed. 

Lawns After frosts moss will be thriving in lawns, pathways and garden structures. I have been working my way around the garden seating and ornamental pots and statues with soapy water and a firm brush. Moss in lawns as I wrote last week is taken care of with sulphate of iron watered on then raked off when black. Moss on path and driveways can be killed by using inexpensive laundry powder sprinkled on and wet with a light hosing to get it working.

Grass is showing growth now so the first feed can be given and watered in.

Vegetables:  Here on the coast get spring sewing's off to an early start now, use a row of cloches if you have them or drape frost cloth which will be in place for late frosts and also keep the birds off.

Fruit: with fruit trees being well budded up and starting to blossom a soak and mulch will help them with the growing they have ahead of them. 

Fruit trees: Do not like to compete with grass and weeds growing hard up against trunks, clear and mulch and your fruit trees will reward you. Some sunny days are needed now for bees to come out to pollinate. If you spray choose a dull day when bees are not about. Lemon bushes have been producing wonderfully through the dry winter so a good soak and a feeding of citrus food will be in order going into spring.

Cheers, Linda