Gardening in Waitaki July 26th 2022

Wet July has left us with water gardens and sodden lawns which will probably remain for the rest of this winter. August can be cold and frosty so spring is some way off yet. I planted 50 fat tulip bulbs in May but not a sign of them yet, I feel they may have rotted having been in wet soil for so long. There will be casualties with bulbs, tubers and new young plantings rotting from being in wet soil for an extended length of time.  Soil can suffer from erosion if continually wet which means minerals can be washed out leaving soil puggy. Soil consists of three main parts – clay, sand and silt – and about a billion microorganisms per tablespoon. Continual rainfall has a direct impact on the separation of soil particles and decomposition leading to soil erosion. Poor draining soil, usually containing a higher content of clay becomes compacted and once dried making it almost impossible for air, water, earthworms, microbes, roots and seedlings to move through. This can be improved over time by adding river sand / silt and a mulch of organic matter.  Because it is so wet under foot the best place to be now is in the glass house or potting shed. Tunnel and glass houses can be cleaned out and sterilised. I use a mix of one part bleach to nine parts water sprayed on all inside surfaces, then remove a generous amount of the past planting medium ( soil / potting mix) and spread manure enriched compost containing worms to work the compost in. More can be added on top when planting begins.  I have started sowing seeds for the flower and veg garden (listed as early spring sowing) to hopefully germinate in a tunnel house and be ready for pricking out at the end of next month. Regardless of this winter weather, rhododendron Christmas cheer and prunus autumnalis will be in full flower and the fragrance from winter sweet, witch hazel, Daphne, boronia and violets will be wafting about  gardens bringing some joy to gardeners. Other than all the above, keep off soil and grass, sit by the fire and plan your spring garden.