Summer is a vibrant time in the kitchen garden with an abundant harvest of all the warm season fruits, vegetables and herbs. We are enjoying incredibly fresh, healthy, flavour filled goodness of homegrown produce as delightful rewards for our efforts.
February To Do List:
• Summer is the entertaining season and regular harvesting from the edible garden will keep your summer feasting fresh and tasty but also keep the herbs, vegetables and fruiting plants productive and maximising the warm weather growth.
• Mulch, Mulch, Mulch! – great for saving precious water and making the most of any summer rains.
• Be Water Smart! It’s best to water first thing in the morning, to give your soil a chance to absorb all the moisture before it gets too hot.
• In the warm and humid weather, watch out for and control fungal problems such as downy mildew and rust on susceptible plants.
• Be on bug watch. Bring in a phone picture to help us find the best solution.
• Prune annual plants as they begin to finish flowering and feed with fertiliser that is high is potassium to promote more flowers.
• Remove weeds before they seed.
What to grow in February:
Flowers:
• Alyssum
• Calendula
• Nasturtium
• Marigolds
• Vinca
• Dianthus
• Lobelia
• Zinnia
As well as looking great, flower beds also create a welcoming environment for all sorts of friendly beneficial insects.
Edibles:
It is certainly the season to enjoy the fruits of your labour but also the time to begin to prepare the edible garden for the months ahead.
In the Veggie Patch: Yes, it is still summer, however now is the time of year to start planting your winter vegetables so they are ready in time for winter. Pull out those old tired looking summer vegetables, feed the soil with Kaipara Coast fertilisers, water the soil, and start again.
| February is the time to plant: | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Beetroot | |||
| Broccoli | |||
| Brussel Sprouts | |||
| Cabbage | |||
| Carrot | |||
| Cauliflower | |||
| Capsicum | |||
| Celery | |||
| Chives | |||
| Mediterranean Herbs* | |||
| Kale | |||
| Leek | |||
| Lettuce | |||
| Mint | |||
| Parsnip | |||
| Radish | |||
| Silverbeet | |||
| Spring Onion | |||
| Turnip |
*Including Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Marjoram, and Oregano.
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