Gardening in Waitaki November 19th 2024

Beautiful November peony blooms.

Still so much change in the weather but we get some lovely days leading us into summer. Growth is full-on now and the first flush of weeds will need removal or a cut-back before they go to seed and spread. Dahlias are pushing out new growth fast now. They need to be positioned in full sun and with at least 10 cm of soil cover above the tubers. If dahlias remain in the ground through winter, tubers tend to push up from the soil so if needed, top up over the tubers before full growth. Daisies bushes: Prune where needed to encourage summer flowering, and prune spring-flowering shrubs as well now if they are taking up too much room in the spot they are planted, take back to the past growth now before the flower seed is set and new growth hardens. Summer bedding annuals: will thrive if planted now in the warm soil. Petunias, lobelia, nemesia, nasturtium, saliva, marigolds and many more to choose from in retail outlets now. For pots, and hanging baskets choose annuals that make minimum roots. Geraniums are now available, plant in a sunny, dry spot and deadhead often to keep them flowering. Fuchsias are also available for planting now, they prefer semi-shaded areas as do hydrangeas. They take over from the spring flowering of rhododendrons, camellias, azaleas, and peony roses. Tuberous begonias: Those who store tubers over winter will be seeing leaves are starting. If new to tuberous begonias choose a well-drained site that is protected from wind in a semi-shaded spot. Early morning and late afternoon sun is ok. Plant tubers with soil just barely covering them at 20-30cm apart with the indented side facing up, and water well, roots and sprouts will form in a few weeks. Keep watered enough to keep the soil around the plants very slightly damp, never enough for it to be soggy, avoid watering on top of the plants, this encourages mildew. At the first sign of a white patch on any of the leaves apply a fungicide. Feed Begonias with a well-balanced (fish-based) plant food every 2 to 3 weeks. Buxus hedging is still too soft to be trimmed, when you can bend new growth and it snaps cleanly then it will trim cleanly, if too soft the hedge will still be growing and you will not get a sharp cut. Lawns: Have some lawn fertiliser on hand for the next rain (which never seems far away this month) to encourage strong roots able to withstand the hot months ahead. Vegetables: Changeable weather is affecting tomatoes, leaves curl and can turn bluish in colour when affected by a cold snap but soon recover once the heat returns, best not to water late in the day while the days are swinging from hot to cold. The odd chill keeps leaf veg from bolting to seed so it's not all bad. Fruit: All fruit seems to be doing well, nutrients and moisture are the important elements while fruit is forming. Berries and plums mature first and birds have it all worked out! Berry bushes and strawberries will need a covering to keep birds off, if they see them they will eat them. Cheers, Linda.

Summer bloom to come.