With the arrival of August, the days gradually become longer, and signs of spring start to appear in the garden once again. There is much to do to get your garden ready for the upcoming spring.
Veggies
Now is the time to start regularly feeding your veggies with Kings Organic Vegetable Fertiliser. Sow spring seeds into seed-raising mix now, including peas, beans, lettuce, celery, broccoli, and cauliflower. Sow tomato, basil, and chilli seeds indoors, before transplanting them outside in September.
Fruit
Don’t forget to buy your deciduous fruit trees now. Spray with Yates Liquid Copper before bud-burst to help lessen the effects of fungal diseases such as shot hole and leaf curl. If you are going to graft or espalier fruit trees, do this in late-August to mid-September.
Flowers
Deadhead old blooms as they fade, as this encourages repeat flowering. Early spring bulbs may now be flowering – try cutting and gifting to a friend or family member. Start planting summer bulbs now.
Trees and Shrubs
Magnolias and flowering cherries will arrive in stores this month – plant them early to enjoy their beautiful blooms this spring. Mulch around trees with Living Earth More Than Mulch. Trim and shape early flowering camellias once blooms have finished. Feed the whole garden with Kings Garden Booster.
Indoor Plants
Start repotting at the end of August, using Kings House Plant Mix. Rotate houseplants that have been stretching towards the light, and start fertilising with Kings Liquid House Plant Food.
General Tasks
Consider making your own compost bin if you have the space. Get rid of weeds before they get out of hand. Put up wasp traps as queens begin to come out of hibernation. Cut down your green crops in early August and dig them into your garden beds.
For more gardening tips, pop into your local Kings, or visit kings.co.nz.
