Gardening in Waitaki 15th September 2026

Spring is certainly keeping us guessing, with warm days followed by cold winds. I still have the frost cloth close at hand, but there is plenty to enjoy as the garden bursts into life. Keep an eye on seedlings now. Those that have germinated under protection will need thinning and regular watering. Transplant shallow-rooted seedlings such as pansies and lobelia into trays, while deeper-rooted plants such as lupins and poppies are better given individual pots. Remember to harden off bought bedding plants before planting them outside. It is also time to prepare hanging baskets and containers. Pansies, lobelia, small petunias, plus many of the other shallow-rooted choices available now. Use slow-release fertiliser and water crystals, and never allow containers to dry out completely. Tuberous begonias can now come out of storage. You can divide large tubers, provided each piece has a healthy shoot. Begonias appreciate seaweed or fish-based fertiliser and are best lifted before winter, when soil remains wet. Put stakes in now for delphiniums, peonies, asters and tall phlox, before they get too tall. When in my past large garden, I would be sowing wildflower seeds thickly into containers for later use as colourful gap-fillers in perennial borders. By keeping them deadheaded, they would flower for months. This is a great time for planting and colour combinations. I recently divided a large clump of lamb’s ear, using the individual plants around borders and amongst annuals. Its silver foliage makes a lovely contrast with stronger colours and adds interesting texture. Early blossom is a reminder that now is the perfect time to choose trees for a new garden. Look beyond the flowers and consider eventual height, spread, roots and where leaves and blossom will fall. Large spreading trees need plenty of room, particularly near houses, paths and concrete. Lavenders are making new growth. A little lime and liquid or slow-release fertiliser will help. Trim scruffy plants, but if they have become very woody with weak growth only at the top, it is time to replace them. Lawns damaged by winter or grass grub can have patches worked and resown now to thicken before summer. Sow seed thickly in spring to help beat annual weeds, keep mower blades raised and feed when rain arrives. Vegetable garden: keep planting through September. Lettuce planted every two weeks will provide a succession of crops, while new potatoes planted now will be ready to enjoy for Christmas. Keep broad beans well watered and mound soil around their shallow roots to prevent them drying out. Fruit: I am seeing fruit bush and grape varieties on sale locally, and I feel it is important to choose varieties compatible with North Otago conditions. Blueberry varieties proven for growing here are.... 1. Reka, very productive and vigorous. Early fruiting, generally around late November to late December 2. Nui for exceptionally large berries. If you want two, plant Reka + Nui; they pollinate well together. 3. Bluecrop is also an excellent traditional choice and is vigorous and productive. Blueberries are shallow-rooted and really dislike drying out. They also need acid soil, around pH 4.5–5.5 Plant in a really good organic planting mix, pine-bark/sawdust mulch and deep, regular watering, rather than letting them dry out between waterings. Grape varieties for North Otago outdoor planting: 1. Iona – very hardy, coastal-suitable, and ripens in March–April. 2. Albany Surprise – a dependable outdoor grape with large black, sweet fruit.3. Niagara or Schuyler – good choices for coastal conditions. Plant grapes in the warmest, sunniest, most sheltered position possible, preferably against a north-facing wall. Raspberry canes that do well in North Otago: 1. Aspiring: large, excellent flavour, and crops twice. 2. Heritage: Very reliable, long autumn crop and easy pruning. Autumn Bliss: large fruit and earlier autumn crop. 4. Willamette: Excellent traditional summer raspberry. Blackcurrants are starting to make flowers but can still be thinned to let light in, followed by a compost mulch. Cheers, Linda.