Gardening in Waitaki August 16th 2022

Days are really drawing out now as spring is slowly pushing winter out a little more each day, but as I write this I hear there is wet weather coming our way once again. After the last lot of wet we are still drying out from our ground will not take long to become saturated once again. On our new build back lawn we soon found out where moisture was not getting away and new grass died from rot. My garden plan for that area has had to change and introduce more gravel to allow for drainage to be included. We are dealing with a compacted clay pan not far below soil returned to our site after the build. Raised garden beds work to give plant feeder roots a depth of soil to establish as taproots force down through the clay. Raised gardens along a fence line in a new build are becoming the norm. Firstly a length, be it wood or stone will be used to create a raised bed, either in a straight line or curved to suit your proposed design, the height of this is a personal choice. Wood will be used for ours, 200 mills in height, pegged in place then filled with a mix of soil and the compost from Alliance Pukeuri plant, contact (Gregg Mcone ph:0272293215). Perennial weeds and couch grass are best removed before beginning to create a clean planting space. Planting trees where a depth is required, digging down into clay will need to be done, so digging deeper than needed is required then gravel or stones  added to the bottom of the hole to create a sump for drainage and trees or shrubs staked well against wind. Sowing seeds can be done now under cover and placed in a warm sunny place to germinate, air spaces are needed when trays are covered with glass or plastic to eliminate mold and rot. Hardwood cuttings can be taken at this time when sap is slowly rising, cuttings of deciduous plants, hydrangeas, roses, grapes and wisteria are best taken in winter. The last of winter pruning and the start of a winter clean up around gardens will be happening now. I have cut back woody munstead lavenders, some will survive but as lavenders give up after a few years I don't expect all of them to come away again. Lavenders seem to like a hungry ground but will benefit with a dressing of lime to boost them. Any plants that are starting to push out spring growth will benefit from feeding now. Peony roses are pushing up through the pea straw so watch where feet are put because at this stage shoots will break off if bumped.  Vegetables: If you plan to grow vegetables this summer, get the garden ready now by digging in weed free compost, then let the soil settle before planting. Plant veg seedlings then keep moist until they take hold and start growing, watering is best done at the start of the day. Cover with frost cloth or old shade curtains to keep birds and butterflies off.  In area's you do not plan to plant out for a while why not do tired soil a favor and sow a green crop to add humus. Mustard, lupine, barley or wheat, they will germinate in no time to be dug in while still lush. Plenty of seed potatoes on offer now for you to get sprouting, early varieties can go in if soil is dry enough, they should show leaf in about a month when frosts are over.  Fruit This is also the time to give fruiting shrubs and trees a dressing of potash to help with fruiting. I have been thinning and arranging  raspberry canes this week, taking out old canes that have fruited and removing  all spindly canes and excess runners.Now is a good time to trim, feed and shift citrus trees. Cheers, Linda.