Gardening in Waitaki June 30th 2026

Peach leafcurl

Pruning peach trees:

Winter has certainly settled in now, with crisp frosty mornings reminding us of the season. Yet, between the cold snaps, there are already gentle hints of spring. Spring bulbs are flowering in higher coastal areas. Frost draws up moisture, leaving soil cold and damp, but don't forget gardens growing beneath wide eaves. They often receive very little winter rain, particularly during windy weather, and may still need watering every couple of weeks. Winter may be quieter in the garden, but it is one of the most rewarding seasons for preparing for the busy months ahead. One of the biggest winter tasks in my previous large garden was cutting back deciduous shrubs and tackling convolvulus. Once the top growth dies away, it becomes much easier to follow the long white roots weaving through the soil and around the roots of other plants. I once dug a wheelbarrow full of convolvulus roots from one small area! There is something immensely satisfying about pulling out one long root without it breaking. As I never used weed sprays in gardens, digging and hand-pulling were my only weapons, and winter is by far the easiest time to win the battle. Pruning: Before picking up the secateurs, take a moment to understand how the plant grows. Does it flower on new wood or old wood? Does it produce fruit on young growth or mature spurs? Knowing the answers helps you prune at the right time. But don't be afraid to have a go—at worst you may lose a season of flowers and gain valuable experience. Leave hydrangeas and lavender until early spring. Their old stems help protect tender new growth from heavy frosts. Rose pruning can wait a while as frosts started late and the wood needs time to harden. Have mulch and manure-enriched compost ready for after pruning, keeping it away from the base of the stems to prevent rotting. Many gardeners use winter sprays to reduce pests and diseases. Lime sulphur is commonly applied before pruning to clean up fungal diseases, scale, mites, moss and lichen on deciduous trees and roses. After pruning, a copper spray combined with winter oil provides further protection before spring growth begins. Trees and Shrubs: Bare-rooted deciduous trees and shrubs are arriving in garden centres now. Early Winter is the perfect planting season while the soil remains moist, but avoid planting into frozen or waterlogged ground. Evergreen trees and shrubs are also available, but there's no rush to plant them. If buying, keep them outdoors in their pots in a sheltered position to harden until late winter, then plant when the soil begins to warm. Always read the mature size on the label before planting. A small shrub can become a very large one in only a few years, particularly many of our native species. Take care when planting near buildings, fences or paths. Young deciduous trees and shrubs can also be lifted and moved during winter if necessary. Trim damaged roots and shorten any excessively long ones before replanting. Vegetable Garden: Heavy winter rain often leaves vegetable gardens cold and waterlogged, so don't worry if growth has slowed right down. Most vegetables simply wait for warmer soil before they begin growing again. Once the soil becomes workable, weed garden beds and add aged manure or manure-enriched compost. Earthworms will spend winter incorporating the organic matter, leaving beautifully prepared soil for spring planting. If your ground stays wet and freezes, start garlic in containers and transplant it once the soil warms. Sow leek seeds now to plant out in september. Early seed potatoes can be "chitted" indoors now. Place them somewhere cool, bright and frost-free to develop short, sturdy green-purple shoots ready for planting later. Fruit Trees: Leaf curl is a common disease of peaches and nectarines. Trees affected will need regular spraying with Copper Oxychloride, if you are to keep the disease at bay. Spray soon after pruning in winter, then just before the tree comes into leaf in spring and again 10-14 days later, before blossom burst. The disease overwinters in buds and is common in cool, wet weather in spring. Rake up fallen leaves and burn or put them into the rubbish. Copper Oxychloride is a protectant spray; Bravo or GreenGuard can be used if the infestation is particularly heavy. There are peach varieties that are resistant to leaf curl, such as sweet Perfection, a locally bred peach naturally Peach trees resistant to leaf curl. April White, Good resistance to leaf curl. Sanguine is an old heritage variety. Frost is one of the best-known leaf curl-resistant peaches worldwide. Now is the time to plant deciduous fruit trees and bushes. Choose a sunny position and avoid frosty hollows for early flowering varieties such as plums, pears and apricots. Frost-prone sites are less of a problem for berries and other soft fruits, as winter chilling encourages good fruit bud development. Leave pruning until later in July. Cheers, Linda

Chitting potatoes.