GARDEN DIARIES
Sow seeds of
warm-season
crops, like
tomatoes and
capsicums,
in small pots
2
or trays filled
with specialised seedraising mix. Transplant
into the garden when
8-10cm high.
Set aside seed potatoes
to sprout. Keep on a tray
in a light, airy spot out of
COS
Also called romaine, this lettuce
forms a tight head of sturdy,
long and crisp leaves. Pick outer
leaves while the head grows.
Allow several
strawberry plants
(about six per person)
to guarantee an
abundance of berries.
Mulch with pea straw
to keep the fruit from
rotting on wet soil.
4
Dahlias’ slender stems
are not always strong
enough to support larger
blooms. Prevent damage
OAK LEAF
A loose-leaf variety made
up of heavily lobed leaves,
like an oak leaf. Harvest
the outer leaves often.
After applying fertiliser around edible plants, delay
harvesting for a few days and rinse well before
cooking and eating. If using products to deal with
pests, diseases or weeds, or when handling compost
or manure, follow any instructions carefully and wear
gloves and suitable protective equipment. Store all
garden chemicals out of reach of children and pets.
8 bunnings.co.nz |
bunningsnz |
3
direct sunlight.
When shoots
are 2-3cm
long, plant
into compostenriched soil.
bunnings
to flowers and stake
at planting, or try
dwarf dahlias – no 5
need to stake and
great in pots. Plant
tubers in September
and October.
Plant ground covers
on bare soil to reduce
garden maintenance
and keep weeds
at bay. Try native
ground covers
pimelea ‘Silver
Ghost’ (dry
spots) and
fuchsia
6
procumbens (moist
spots).
Keep your household
in greens by growing
your own lettuce. Try
ICEBERG
Ever popular, its round head has
layers of crisp, mildly flavoured
leaves with good crunch factor.
Harvest the whole lettuce.
our top picks
(below).
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Pests such as
caterpillars,
whitefly and
aphids find
veges and
herbs irresistible.
Keep them at bay
with an organic
1 Scotts ‘Performance Naturals’
premium compost, $14.11/30L,
I/N: 0225280. 2 Daltons ‘Premium’
seed raising mix, $21.84/30L,
I/N: 0212327. 3 Morton Smith-Dawe
‘Desiree’ seed potatoes, $16.25/3kg,
I/N: 0600155. 4 Garden Galore
pea straw mulch, $11.89/5L,
I/N: 0265278. 5 Gardman 900mm
bamboo garden stakes, $10.99/
pack of 20, I/N: 3040829. 6 170mm
pimelea ‘Silver Ghost’ plant.
7 Yates ‘Nature’s Way’ citrus
and ornamental insect gun,
$17.94/750ml, I/N: 8907177.
Some products are not available
at all Bunnings stores, but
may be ordered.
BUTTERCRUNCH
Much loved for its mild butterflavoured leaves and smooth,
velvety texture. Great as
wraps or in sandwiches.
Scan the QR code
For more on what to do in the garden
during winter, go to bunnings.co.nz/
gardendiaries
Words Jane Wrigglesworth and Tammy Hunyh.
Photography Getty Images.
Prepare your
vege patch
1
a week or two
before planting.
Dig in a goodquality compost
with added organic,
slow-release fertiliser.