Gardening in Waitaki June 24th 2026

Winter has not yet fully settled in on the North Otago coast as I write this. We have been enjoying a run of warm, sun-filled days, although I am sure frosty mornings and icy nights have already made their presence felt further inland. Despite the milder conditions, there is still plenty to keep gardeners busy. Now is an excellent time for planning, planting, pruning and preparing the garden for the busy spring season ahead. Roses: Rosewood needs colder weather to harden, so rose pruning can be left until the end of July / August. New bare-root roses are arriving in garden centres now. With the ground still warm its an ideal time to plant Trees and Shrubs: Deciduous trees and shrubs can also be planted while the soil remains moist and workable. Carefully consider the mature size of trees before planting. Maples, dogwoods, silver birch and forest pansy all provide excellent structure and seasonal interest. Winter-flowering shrubs such as daphne, viburnum, witch hazel, and sarcocca bring valuable fragrance to the garden during the colder months. Winter Colour: Polyanthus, primroses and hellebores, even early spring bulbs are beginning to brighten gardens. Established primrose clumps can be divided and replanted to spread colour through borders. Bergenia and nandina also provide excellent winter foliage interest, with colours intensifying in colder weather. Dahlias and Summer Bulbs: Where soils remain wet through winter, lift and store dahlia tubers to prevent rotting. In well-drained gardens, cut back frost-damaged growth, divide overcrowded clumps and replant with a protective mulch. Gladioli and peonies can all be planted now in sunny, free-draining positions. Lawns and Compost: Lawn growth has slowed considerably. If clay soils become hard and cracked over summer, apply gypsum during wet weather to improve soil structure. Compost heaps slow down during winter but remain active if kept moist and covered. Turn compost regularly and add manure, leaves or comfrey to boost decomposition. Vegetable Garden: On the coast, continue planting garlic, shallots, onion sets, broad beans, brassicas and leafy greens growth is still happening with warmth still in the soil. Inland gardeners may need the protection of glasshouses or tunnel houses. Start chitting seed potatoes by placing them in a cool, bright position. Prepare garden beds for spring by digging in compost and applying dolomite lime where leafy vegetables and onions will be grown. Under Glass: Clean glasshouses and tunnel houses thoroughly once emptied of summer growth. Disinfect surfaces and refresh growing media with compost and manure. Lettuce, early potatoes and trays of seed sown spring annuals can then be raised under protection. Fruit Garden: Continue planting deciduous fruit trees and berry bushes. If you would like to grow fruit trees but don't have space for full-sized trees, consider planting them in EverGrow Bags. These specially designed bags restrict the tap root while encouraging the development of feeder roots, helping to keep trees at a more manageable size without compromising their health or productivity. They are an excellent option for smaller gardens or those with limited space. EverGrow Bags website: https://evergrowbags.co.nz/ Wait a while yet before pruning, Apples and pears, while peaches and plums are best left until early spring. Protect young citrus from heavy frosts and continue harvesting winter fruit such as tamarillos and lemons. For the Birds: Native birds appreciate extra food during winter. Sugar water feeders can provide valuable support for nectar-feeding species, and wild bird seed helps nourish them when fruit and berries are scarce through the colder months. Cheers Linda.

Grow in evergrow bags, in or out of the ground.