Gardening in Waitaki 13th October 2026

Cut back winter growth on gaura plants.

Unpredictable, changing spring weather in Waitaki, but every day brings something new and beautiful in the garden. Fragrant lilacs, peony roses, and sweet peas provide colour and scent, while kōwhai flowers are delighting the birds. Shrubs and flowers: If rhododendrons, azaleas or camellias need moving, do so immediately after flowering, before new season growth begins. Prune spring-flowering shrubs once they have finished flowering, removing up to a third of the growth if they need reshaping. Cut back ericas and callunas after flowering to encourage fresh growth and prevent them becoming woody. Trim aubretia to encourage another flush of flowers, and remove spent hellebore flowers to prevent unwanted seedlings. Leave a few seed heads if you wish to raise more plants. Cut winter growth back on gaura plants to obtain fresh new growth. Plant now while so much is on offer: Geraniums and pelargoniums thrive in sunny positions, while fuchsias, hydrangeas and many native plants appreciate afternoon shade. Sun-loving summer annuals provide colourful gap-fillers. Nature never leaves bare ground for long, so get in first! The spring soil is warming, making this an ideal time to plant what you love and enjoy a garden full of colour through summer. Mulch and Feed roses with compost and slow-release fertiliser, and maintain deep watering. Foliar feeding on fresh leaves is also beneficial. Watch for aphids on new rose growth and remove them by hand when practical, before numbers build up. I have been potting seedlings into individual containers to establish strong roots before planting out. Sunflowers and delphiniums are best sown and planted in peat pots, so roots can grow undisturbed when planted out. Keep an eye on hostas, as slugs and snails love their tender new leaves. Slugs will find damp homes nearby under garden waste. Remove lower leaves to make it harder for them to climb up them, and water when needed in the morning, leaving the ground and leaves dry at night when slugs are about. Repot container plants that have been in the same mix for three or four years, replacing old potting mix and checking their roots. Root-bound ornamental buxus can be root-pruned and replanted in fresh mix; I reduce the compacted roots with a sharp spade. Lawns, mulching, and feeding: With a potentially hot, dry summer ahead, mulching now is one of the best things you can do for a struggling lawn. Weed-free compost helps retain moisture, shade roots, and improves soil structure as it breaks down. Gypsum also helps improve clay soils, although it is not a substitute for organic matter or good drainage. Leave the catcher off now and then to add humus. Feed lawns when rain is expected to wash fertiliser in. When sowing a new lawn, sow thickly to help crowd out annual weeds. Many annual weeds in new grass will eventually disappear with regular mowing Vegetables: This is the time to plant, plant, plant! Sow beans, peas, corn, beetroot, radishes, lettuce, courgettes, cucumbers and other summer vegetables. Pumpkins and squash need plenty of space to ramble, so prepare a generous area with compost and well-rotted manure. Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and basil benefit from the warmth of a glasshouse or tunnel house. Support tomatoes with strings or stakes as they grow. Mound soil around potato plants as they grow to encourage good crops. No-dig gardens will need new layers of compost and straw. Companion planting can help attract beneficial insects and discourage some pests. Nasturtiums may draw caterpillars away from vegetables, while marigolds and tagetes attract hoverflies that feed on aphids. Mexican tagetes are traditionally used around brassicas to help deter some pests. Basil grows well alongside tomatoes, and garlic, chives and parsley can be planted near roses. Dill attracts bees and other beneficial insects, while carrots and leeks make useful companions because of their differing aromas. Carrot fly is active when carrots are thinned. Avoid leaving pulled seedlings near the rows, as their scent will attract them. Fruit trees and berries: Watch fruit trees and grapes for fungal diseases, treating affected plants early with a suitable organic fungicide. If codling moth has been a problem, put traps in place before fruit develops. The moth attacks apples, pears, quinces, crab apples and some stone fruit. Once the caterpillar enters the fruit, it is difficult to control. Remove fallen and damaged fruit, and check traps regularly. (Codling moth traps can now be purchased if not familiar with making them.) Check apple trees for woolly aphid and feijoas, apples and pears for bronze beetles that are associated with dry conditions. Water and Mulch beneath fruit trees, extending towards the drip line, to conserve moisture. Strawberries and berry canes will flower and fruit quickly in sunny positions; gooseberries tolerate some shade, while blueberries need acidic, well-drained soil free of lime. If your garden soil is unsuitable, grow them in large pots using an appropriate acidic potting mix. Keep rhubarb well supplied with moisture and compost to prevent dry, stringy stalks. Cheers, Linda