Gardening in Waitaki 1st November 2023

Hydrangea in early bud.

A chill in the air last week with even a flurry of snow, Nature has her own way with fresh spring growth. Rhododendrons, azalea's, delphiniums and peony roses will put on their show as we look forward to the expectation of something new happening every day in the garden. But once again Gardeners will be pulling sticky biddy-bid, chick weed and convolvulus because every year there seems to be just as much as the year before! Convolvulus is the worst, the only way to completely eradicate convolvulus is to dig out the mass of roots below. These roots are easily identified; they are thick, white and long, it is so satisfying to pull a length right out without it breaking. Every little bit of root left behind will grow very fast. Hydrangeas are well leafed up now with flower buds forming, if you have not mulched them with manure enriched compost do it now and they will reward you well.  I use pig manure from the Recycling center on hydrangeas, roses and all other plants needing a boost.  Box hedges should have put out a good amount of new growth now so all new growth can be trimmed back to the last cut on established hedges. On new plantings even up only the top growth leaving the sides to grow together. Trimming is best on an overcast day to limit the amount of sun scorching that will happen. When planting a new buxus hedge 5 to 7 plants per metre for small plants. All other hedges can be trimmed when finished putting out spring growth.   Lawns: There should be excellent results from grass seed sown, to repair winter damage, rake out bare patches, add sifted soil and plant grass seed. Small patches can be covered with shade or frost cloth to keep birds off until seed has germinated. Keep lawn mower blades higher while grass is lush to shade roots and we are still getting dew which settles on longer grass keeping the ground from drying out. Veg Garden: A good no fuss way to grow veg is in a no dig garden.  Making a no dig garden: Find a sunny spot on bare ground,( not concrete) surround with sleepers, logs, Oamaru stone, boards or even small straw bales, high enough to hold layers of manure, soil, compost and straw. Flood the base dirt before you start to get dampness deep down. If you plan to create a no dig garden on top of grass soak the base ground well then spread a layer of manure on top to attract worms from deep down, second layer can be a thick layer of compost, old leaf mulch and dried grass clippings, soak before adding a layer of soil, (clay soil is fine in this layer), water well after each layer leaving no dry spots. Next add a layer of straw, (soak) then add more layers of compost, old leaf mulch and dried grass clippings, (soak) and top that with more soil, (soak). As you build layers add river sand, a little lime and an all purpose fertiliser. Lastly add a top layer of straw to suppress weeds. When you think the garden is high enough, start planting and you should be eating your own produce within six weeks at this time of the year.  Fruit: Bee's will be doing their job on fruit blossom, berry fruits are romping along so water is important while fruit is forming especially after wind, a good soak from time to time if rain is scarce will ensure full juicy fruit.  Grapes will be flowering, give only the vines you think could do with a boost fertiliser in early spring, feeding established vines that are doing ok will only encourage more leaves and leaders. A little potash from time to time will help with fruiting.   Codling moths appear from October to February I have come across another method of dealing with codling moths which is said to have worked well for some. Use a plastic milk container, and place in it 1 banana peel, 1 cup vinegar and 1 cup sugar. Fill the container almost full of water, replace the cap and shake it well to mix and dissolve the contents. Remove the cap and firmly secure one container into each apple tree. The moths are attracted to the scent of the concoction, becoming trapped and drowned when they investigate. Refill with water as needed throughout the summer.   Cheers, Linda.