From Michael Coulter
This Spring has been very enjoyable with an outstanding display of blossoming from flowering cherries, magnolias and kowhai.
This month is one of the busiest times in the garden as we get ready for the coming growing season of Summer. Much of what we do now determines the success of the garden whether it be flowers, fruit or vegetables.
We must prepare the garden before planting – from digging in compost to adding fertilisers to weeding (especially perennial weeds).
Remember to check hoses, sprinklers and irrigation systems before Summer planting is started.
To get the best results we do not need to be in too much of a hurry to plant or sow the plants that need warmth to grow, these are better left until the end of the month when the soil is warmer and the weather more settled.
For any gardening queries through the month you can consult our online facebook group
[one_third]
Lawns
-
Mow and catch grass every week during this rapid growth of Spring.
-
Treat for weeds and moss.
-
Apply fertiliser.
-
Repair any damage caused over Winter and aerate to improve drainage.
[/one_third]
[one_third]
Fruit & Vegetable Garden
-
Plant leafy crops for successive harvesting.
-
Sow seeds of carrots, parsnips, leeks, onions and radishes.
-
Later in the month sow beans and sweet corn and other warm loving crops.
-
Plant potatoes and yams.
-
Plant tomatoes and peppers in sheltered parts of the garden.
-
As fruit trees come into leaf and after blossom set check for pest and disease and treat if needed.
-
Keep early plantings well weeded.
[/one_third]
[one_third_last]
Flower Garden
-
Prune after flowering shrubs and trees.
-
Remove dead flowers from Spring bulbs.
-
Prepare ground for Summer bedding plants.
-
Apply mulch around shrubs to suppress weeds and conserve water.
-
Tidy up perennials left in the ground.
-
Check roses for pest and disease and treat if needed.
-
Prune back to strong growth fuchsias to promote flowering.
[/one_third_last]