We are well into another year, and every year I seem to fall a little more behind in planting the veggie garden for winter harvest. If you want a winter veggie garden, the best advice I can give is to think ahead , as now is the time to start planting. The top list of winter veggies to plant are radishes, leeks, parsnip, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, hardy lettuce varieties, onions, spinach and silverbeet to name a few. Most of the Oderings range of seeds have sow now and later packs. The seed enclosed are packed in dry air and sealed in two foil sachets to protect it from moisture and light, therefore you can sow one packet now and one later. You can buy Oderings seeds in store, or the full range is also now available online at www.oderings.co.nz

Now is also the time to plant spring flowering bulbs. A garden that contains a good selection of different bulbs is assured of colour from late winter until summer.   Jonquils and Lachenalias in late winter are followed by Daffodils, Anemones and Ranunculi.   Spring brings Hyacinths, Freesias, Tritonias and Watsonias, and let’s not forget those summer flowering Calla, Lilies and Gladioli.

When planting bulbs in the garden they require a well-drained, sandy loam which is not overly rich.   You can improve heavy soils by adding coarse sand or Oderings Compost.   Tui Bulb Fertiliser should be incorporated into the soil during preparation and prior to planting (always avoid direct contact between the bulb and fertiliser or fresh manure).   The bulbs will also respond well to a feed with a liquid fertiliser as buds start to appear and again after flowers have finished.

Many bulbs will grow to perfection in tubs, pots or troughs, which can be moved around the garden, terrace or balcony.   Smaller flowering bulbs such as Daffodils, Jonquils, Hyacinths, Bluebells, Lachenalias, Freesias and Tulips can be moved inside as they start to flower.   The containers need to be at least 15cm deep to allow for good root growth and potted using a bulb potting mix.   Plant your bulbs to their required depth and 2 times closer than what you would in the garden.   Keep your containers in a cool shady place until the leaves emerge, then move into a sunny area.   To promote earlier flowering on tall strong stems, place the Hyacinths, Tulips, Anemone and Ranunculus into the fridge for 3-4 weeks before planting (Note: bulbs in pots are generally not suitable for reusing for next season).

Other Garden Tasks This Month...

Spray...

Spray apples and pears with Carbaryl to prevent codling moth and leaf roller.

Watch out for summer insects, spray with a good general insecticide.

Pay regular attention to your tomatoes for fungus and insect problems.

Harvest...

Harvest cucumbers, eggplant, capsicums and tomatoes.

Main harvest begins for late season fruiting plums, apples and peaches. Keep well watered to encourage larger fruit size.

Lift shallots and onions as they become ready.

Pruning...

Lightly prune roses and dead head spent flowers.

It is important that plums, peaches and apricots are pruned after harvest. This will help prevent silverleaf and keep the size in check by pruning out overcrowded branches.

And Don’t Forget To...

Main crop potatoes need to be stored in a dark place.

Keep all fruit trees well watered.

Oderings Tip Of The Month...

My tomatoes have taken so long to ripen this year, and the other week on the radio I heard that if you add potash to your tomatoes it will help them ripen. Did you also know potash helps encourages plants to fruit and flower, and best of all it sweetens the flavour; so if your fruit is lacking flavour add some potash to the soil.