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New Zealand Garden Swap NewsletterGarden Swap Website - Newsletter Cover - Page 6 - Page 8 |
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FLOWER GARDENWatering is a top priority this month. Deep watering is better than a short shallow watering. There is no reason why Summer flowering annuals should not be still panted as long as you are prepared to water regularly. In fact many of these late flowers are superior to those obtained in summer because of the cooler conditions when they are ready to flower.Watch hollyhocks for any signs of rust underneath the leaves. This is an excellent time for dahlia planting and rooted plants of many varieties are available at this time of the year. By planting this month flowering usually occurs just after the hottest weather. The young leaves can get eaten this time of the year by insects which are prevalent now, so watch carefully. Carnations will have finished their bloom. Do not leave any dying or spent blooms on the plants, cut well back to allow for good strong growth from the base of the plant. December is the month to layer carnations. December is a good time to sow Portulaca. Hyacinths and Tulips should be lifted before the tops are quite dead, and should not be exposed to the sun, but after cleaning, stored in a dry cool shady place ready for replanting in February/March. Daffodil bulbs that have ripened off can now be lifted, dried and cleaned, ready for replanting at the end of January onwards. If lefdt in the ground all decayed foliage should be removed. See that all tall growing plants are staked well and tied up. Plant autumn flowering bulbs such as: Belladona Lilies, Cyclamen, and Crocus. Divide and replant Flag Irises. |
VEGETABLE GARDENPlants of Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussel Sprout,s cabbage etc that were sown in October and November can now be transplanted. Small sowings of peas, Dwarf, Climbing and Butter Beans, Sweet Corn, Lettuce, radish may now be made. Pinch the points of strong runners on Pumpkins and Melons to encourage branching, the lateral growth bears the fruit.The following seed can still be sown: Beans, Beetroot, Cabbage, Carrot, Celery, Cucumber, Leek, Lettuce, Kumara, Marrows, Melons, Parsnip, Peas, Pumpkins, Radish, Silver Beet, Sweetcorn, Swede and Turnip. |
FRUIT GARDENFruit trees should be looked over and the fruit thinned out. This improves the size and therefore the quality of the fruit. Further spraying for Mildew, Black Spot and Codlin moth. Also spray pears, Plums and Quinces. Cut away branches of stone fruits showing signs of silver leaf disease, making a smooth cut and covering the wound appropriately. Spray Gooseberries. Outdoor Grapes should be checked as regards training, also thinning of fruit.Be careful of plants in the Greenhouse or Glasshouse. Put up shadecloth or paint walls and roof with limewash. They will also need extra watering from now on. |
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