T
he post-winter garden is not always a pretty
sight but, with some groundwork, you can
get your garden beds ready for planting.
Aaron Whitehouse of Mr. Fothergill’s believes
spring is the gardener’s favourite season.
“For the best chance of success, be sure to prepare
your planting space,” he advises.
Feed your soil, not your
plants, says Claire Talbot,
founder and garden
designer at Sculpt Gardens
(sculptgardens.co.nz).
“Your plants grow in the
ground, so spend time
nurturing the soil. Add
organic material – apply
plenty of compost,
seaweed or sheep manure
pellets (best if you don’t
have dogs) around the
base of all your existing
plants to ensure they thrive.”
For new beds, dig in
compost and other fertilisers
and let them settle for a
week or so before planting.
Always use composted
manures, not fresh.
Start out strong
Sow seeds directly into
your prepared planting
space or into Jiffy pots.
“Starting seeds with Jiffy
pots can offer them a more
protected start and the
chance to grow into strong
seedlings before being
planted out into your
garden,” says Aaron.
Right now you can plant
classic garden vegetables
such as beans, capsicums,
chillies, eggplants, melons,
pumpkins, sweet corn,
tomatoes and zucchini,
says Aaron. Many herbs
also enjoy getting their
start in spring, including
“Remember to read the detailed
growing instructions on the back
of your seed packets to give each
plant what it needs”
Aaron Whitehouse, Mr. Fothergill’s
62 bunnings.co.nz |
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Using a biodegradable pot for
seeds makes transplanting easier
– by planting out the whole pot,
delicate roots are not disturbed
culinary favourites such as
parsley, thyme, oregano
and basil. “You can add
colour to your garden by
planting flowers,” he
suggests. “Some great
choices to start in spring are
alyssums, asters, cosmos,
marigolds, nasturtiums,
salvias, snapdragons and
ever-popular sunflowers.”
For the more adventurous
gardener, try something
brag-worthy. Look to
international cuisine and
its varied ingredients –
some iconic, such as Italian
Roma tomatoes, Thai
chillies and Chinese
cabbage, and others
more unique, including
goji berries, burgundy okra,
Photography Getty Images
Soil sustenance