Gardening in Waitaki June 16th 2025

Matariki sky.

The shortest day is next friday, and the sun still beams down on those non-dismal winter days. The Matariki holiday will give us a long weekend—just enough time to catch up on essential garden jobs. There’s plenty to do at this time of year: spreading compost and pea straw, trimming hedges, pruning, chainsawing trees, cutting back perennials, and mowing up the last of the fallen leaves. Once the clean up is done, the garden can rest—and so can we. It won’t be long before spring stirs things to life again. For now, I’m busy sowing seeds and potting up plants in readiness. Even without a large garden to put to bed anymore (whew!), I like to be prepared for that slow seasonal awakening. Sowing Seeds on the Coast: Seed trays need to be under cover with plenty of light.—Germination happens on those sunny days when the ground holds warmth. Once seedlings show two true leaves, prick them out into punnets and keep them protected until the frosts pass. Mist with water only in the morning and only when the potting mix feels dry—this gives the mix time to warm again before the chill of night. Weeds & Self-Seeders: While weeding, you might spot rogue trees and shrubs—bird-sown surprises popping up in odd places. These can become well-established among rhododendrons and camellias before being noticed. It’s best to remove them entirely, not just cut them back, as they’ll reshoot and compete for root space. Look out for self-sown treasures too—always a bonus! If you left polyanthus or violas in the ground, they’ll likely have multiplied. They can be lifted, divided, and replanted now. A sprinkle of dried blood will green them up after transplanting. Camellias and daphnes can also benefit from this boost if they’re looking tired. Sweet peas can be sown now for early spring flowering. Pruning & Trimming: It’s now too late in the year to trim soft-wooded trees and shrubs—wait until spring growth has firmed up. Ivy, however, is an exception. Like wisteria, it can be cut back at any time. If left unchecked, each soft leader can become a thick, woody trunk. Bare branches in winter make it easier to assess deciduous trees and shrubs. Remove overcrowded or crossing branches and consider reducing large limbs that throw excessive shade in summer. Opening up the canopy can brighten the house and improve views. If a tree near the house has outgrown its space, consider replacing it with a smaller variety that still provides structure without dominating. Conifers, in particular, can outgrow their welcome in just a decade. If lower branches are removed, they won’t regrow, and the tree’s form will be permanently altered. To fill a sudden gap from tree removal, try placing a section of manuka screening behind the replacement plant for shelter. Once the new plant fills out, the screen can be taken away. Lawns & Liming: If your winter lawn is underperforming despite regular feeding and watering, try applying lime. This helps to raise the soil pH to around 6 (mildly acidic), promoting stronger grass growth. Vegetable Garden: Garlic Time: The shortest day is garlic planting time. Prepare the bed with manure-rich compost and plant NZ-grown garlic cloves (pointy end up) about 7–8cm deep in a sunny spot. Garlic bulbs form in late spring and early summer, so make sure the soil stays moist during dry spells. Avoid mulching garlic, as soggy conditions can cause cloves to rot. Feed with blood and bone or a liquid fertiliser through the growing season. If you’ve got empty beds, sow a green crop like mustard now. Scatter seed thickly and leave it until spring before digging it in. Cheers, Linda