Summer Scoop

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Summer Scoop 2020

Plant DOCTOR

Summer pest solutions

Summer SNACKS

Cool off with easy & healthy recipes

Little GROWERS DIY gumboot garden

CITRUS IN POTS

Urban growing has never been easier

PLANT HYDRATION

Watering tips for indoor and outdoor plants

INDOOR PLANTS

Summer care for your leaf friends

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Contents Summer 2020

FEATURES

EVERY ISSUE

6

4

Gardeners’ Mail

Celebrating gardeners and their success stories

Your Summer Garden What to do in the garden this season

10 Little Growers

12 Indoor Plants

Summer care for your leafy friends

Grow your own edibles

18 Growing Citrus in Pots

Growing citrus in the city has never been easier

Summer care for your leafy friends

20 Ask the Plant Doctor

Your questions, our expert advice

22 Garden to Plate

24 Terrariums

DIY gumboot garden!

14 Our Top Summer Plants

16 Urban Orchard

Impress your summer guests!

Growing joy in a jar

26 Chillies

Spice up your life

28 Tropical Gardening

Growing your own slice of paradise

Connect with us /kingsplantbarn

@kingsplantbarnnz

www.kings.co.nz

Gardeners’ Mail Celebrating gardeners and their success stories

WATERING WOES In dry Auckland summers keeping my plants from dying was the most timeintensive aspect of gardening. I’d find myself spending hours after work watering my plants and it seemed like I never had time for anything else. Setting up an irrigation system seemed too complicated and expensive.

Eventually I gave in and bought a basic water timer to give it a try – and it made such a difference! Within a few months I had several different irrigation zones running off a water controller and hours of free time every week.

When I moved to a larger block and planted an extensive garden and orchard, I didn’t hesitate! I have created a fully automated watering system with a dozen different irrigation zones, ranging from overhead sprinklers for veggie gardens, drippers for fruit trees and potted plants, and misting for seedlings, orchids and propagation. That initial effort and investment meant I was able to grow over 300 plants and haven’t had to do any manual watering for the last three years.

This would not have been possible without the help of the staff at Kings Plant Barn, who walked me through each step of the way, and helped with my specific set up.

-Daniel, Silverdale

POT GARDENING Who says you can’t have a rewarding garden in pots.

Our spot in Silverdale supplies us with much of the fruit and veg we need, and here in just one corner you can see beans (yellow and green), broad beans, celeriac, a tree tomato, lettuce (three varieties), broccoli, spring onions, five tomato plants, beetroot and celery. Out of shot we also have a huge lemon tree and a lime tree plus a mandarin, all of which produce huge amounts of fruit. Let’s not get started on the flower pots. However, having said all this our next house will be back to huge gardens again … the problem isn’t the lack of food supply, but more a lack of weeds to pull. Who would have thought that would ever be an issue?

-Pam, Silverdale

WIN Send us your stories and be in to

a Kings $50 voucher

4

Every published story wins, so send us your gardening success stories!

Post: PO BOX 31002, Milford, 0741 email: info@kings.co.nz or message us on Facebook or Instagram

BUYING ESTABLISHED TOMATO PLANTS Buying a grafted plant from Kings Plant Barn totally changed my approach to tomato growing. A couple of years ago I had a really small garden and wasn’t sure how to fit in everything I wanted to grow. I had a chat to the staff at Kings Plant Barn in Mount Albert and described our small garden layout, and they recommended using a tub for tomatoes.

I bought a grafted tomato, already planted up with basil companions, in a large tub. Buying an established plant seemed a bit extravagant, as I have always done things myself in the garden — potting up, growing seedlings, starting things small.

But I was utterly blown away by that tomato. It really flourished, growing to a huge size and producing an

astonishing amount of fruit, doing much better than anything I had grown myself in the past. Since then, I’ve only ever bought good-sized, grafted tomato plants. My garden is a bit bigger now and I have space for a dedicated tomato bed each year, but I still only buy a few tomatoes. I choose three or four grafted varieties that are well established. By the time they’re instore they have proven themselves in the nursery and have strong root stock. It might cost a little bit more at the outset, but I know that those plants will be winners, so it’s well worth the extra money.

-Caroline, Nelson @nelson.gardening

Your

Summer Garden Tending to your garden in summer can sometimes be daunting. Let us help by giving you some easy, straightforward tips on how to look after your garden.

Feijoa

Edibles Veggies It isn’t too late to get vegetables in for a mid-autumn harvest, but you need to plant them before March. For late planting choose our larger grade tomatoes, capsicum, eggplants and chillies.

If you stagger your planting you will be able to harvest over a longer period, instead of finding yourself overwhelmed by one large burst of produce. Plant lettuce, coriander and parsley in part shade, and water them regularly to help prevent bolting, also known as ‘going to seed’.

Fruit Summer is when we tend to stock our more interesting tropical fruits, including cherimoyas, pawpaw, natal plum, pepino, tamarillo, tropical guava and casimiroa.

Plant in a sunny and sheltered position, out of the wind and frost-prone areas.

Berries such as raspberries, blackberries and blueberries are in store and may have already started fruiting. Raspberries and blackberries should be planted in a large pot or contained area in the garden. Plant two different varieties of blueberries for maximum fruit yields.

Passionfruit is a must for every Kiwi garden; choose a warm sunny fence to plant against. As the plant grows, open the vine occasionally with pruning to increase airflow and reduce the chance of disease.

If you are growing feijoas, planting two different varieties will ensure good pollination – and planting an earlier season and a later season variety will extend your harvest.

Cherimoya

7

Rose

Marigold

Shrubs With our range of stunning hibiscus and frangipani, impressive palms, bird of paradise and mandevilla, creating a tropical garden has never been so easy.

Remember these plants will need generous compost and regular watering.

Scented Shrubs

Roses

If you love a strong summer fragrance in your garden, look no further than our star/sambac jasmine, gardenia, stephanotis and perfumed roses.

We carry a large range of beautiful blooming roses instore throughout summer. Make sure you keep them well watered, especially while they are getting established.

Hydrangeas Hydrangea

Hydrangea is a classic that is back in fashion. There are many varieties instore over summer, including dwarf and full-sized varieties. Plant these beauties in part shade on the south side of a fence or building for stunning shaded colour.

Flowers Perennials Boasting bold and beautiful colours, our cottage garden and large perennials will reward you with flowers year after year.

Perennials require less maintenance and deliver large displays of blooms again and again. Geraniums, alstroemeria, calibrachoa, lavender, verbena and bacopa are instore now.

Annuals Bring a vibrant palette to your garden with our bright potted colour and king-sized colour ranges. Choose from petunias, marigolds, impatiens, verbenas, salvia, alyssum and asters.

Tend Veggie Garden

Flower Garden

Indoor Plants

Harvest your summer veggies regularly to encourage them to keep producing.

Make sure you keep on top of the weeds and ensure plants are fed with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster and kept watered. When watering tomatoes, courgettes and pumpkins try to avoid wetting the foliage.

Deadhead daisies, impatiens, lavender, hibiscus, roses and cottage garden perennials. Water well in the morning and avoid wetting the leaves of impatiens plants.

Water ferns, calathea, peace lilies, fittonia and african violets well over the hot summer period. Water hardier indoor plants when the soil has dried. Feed once a month with liquid houseplant food.

Fruit Trees Mulch and water deeply over summer, especially younger trees that are still establishing. Start to summer prune deciduous trees as they finish fruiting.

Lawns

FERTILISE PLANTS

Keep your lawn looking lush and healthy this summer by watering correctly with a sprinkler in the morning, and if you want to make this easier check out our irrigation systems. If you are looking at sowing or patching your lawn soon, late summer to autumn is the best time.

WATER AND MULCH WELL DEADHEAD SPENT FLOWERS AVOID WETTING FOLIAGE

Essentials for growing success

Aquaticus Garden Booster from $14.99 One of our most recommended products, Garden Booster is an organic product that feeds plants, encourages new growth and helps protect roots against soil-borne diseases.

SaturAid from $11.99 Make your watering more effective this summer. SaturAid is great for hanging baskets, pots and can even be used in your garden or lawn.

Living Earth More than Mulch from $13.99

Mulch around trees, shrubs, woody perennials and hedges, especially griselinia, to help suppress weeds and improve moisture retention.

Watering computers Gardena Water computers from $99.99

Don’t get caught out by forgetting to water your garden. Investing in a water computer means your garden is watered with very little daily effort.

9

Little Growers

Kids Corner DIY Gumboot Pot Plants Create your own little growers pot out of an old gumboot, old crocs or a shoe You will need: • 1 old gumboot • Potting mix • Gloves • Succulents (or two potted colour plants) • A drill (get a parent to help!)

step 1

step 2

Choose your plants. Succulents will do much better in the summer heat, or you could choose flowers!

Find an old gumboot to plant in. If you don’t have one at home, go to your local op shop

Join the Little Growers Club!

Get an adult to help you!

step 3

DIY Gumboot pot Drill at least three holes in the bottom of the gumboot for drainage and fill gumboot halfway up with potting mix

step 4

Take your plants out of their pots and tease the roots gently before planting

step 5

Cover the roots with extra potting mix and water well. Keep in full sun and water regularly!

Sign up instore!

Join the Little Growers Club for monthly colouring competitions, events and more!

Indoor Plants Summer is an exciting time for indoor plant enthusiasts as new growth and flowers start to emerge.

Here are some tips to keep your plants healthy.

Water

Food

Summer is the season of watering, and some plants will require more water than others. Heat-tolerant plants such as cacti, succulents, dracaena, snake and ZZ plants can go without water for up to a month, so water only when completely dry. Plants such as the peace lily, calathea, fittonia, ferns, pitcher plants, venus fly traps and moss gardens will need to be kept moist and cannot dry out completely. If you are going away for a holiday over summer, keep these plants in a bathtub with 5Â centimetres of water to help keep them moist. Alternatively you can buy a range of water dispensers instore.

Time to feed your indoor plants!

Indoor plants do most of their growing in spring and summer, which means they need extra energy to create new foliage, flowers and roots. Feed every 4–6 weeks with liquid houseplant food for optimal plant health. Giving them that little boost will ensure your house is a gorgeous urban jungle throughout the season.

Extra Tip Have a plant that has grown a bit lanky? It may need more sun! Move it to a brighter spot in your house and trim it back to encourage bushier growth.

Light

Remember to keep your large, tropicalleaved plants away from the windows, as many of them cannot take direct sunlight and the leaves will burn.

Bright, indirect sunlight is best for indoor plants, though cacti and many succulents are happy in the sun.

Grow Sure houseplant range Shop online or instore for all your houseplant needs. from $5.99

Dieffenbachia

Peace lily

Maidenhair fern

Phalaenopsis moth orchid Philodendron Atom

13

Our top

Summer Plants This summer we are celebrating three of our most popular blooming plants, perfect for filling your garden with vibrant colour.

Hydrangea

Hydrangea come in a remarkable variety of shapes and sizes. Whether you are a fan of the classic mopheads, lacecaps, compact snowball, or the odd oakleaf, there is something stunning for any garden setting.

Choosing the right hydrangea for your garden sets it up for success. Remember, all varieties are happiest when planted in partly shaded areas in free-draining soil.

Hydrangea Nightingale

Hydrangea Ayesha

Nightingale This beautiful hydrangea has deep blue-purple lacecap blooms that appear from late spring to summer. Growing to only 1m x 1m, this is perfect for smaller gardens and easy to maintain.

Masja This is a medium hydrangea, growing to only 1.2 metres high. It has compact growth and stunning displays of vibrant magenta flowers.

Snowball Growing only 1 metre high, this is one of the smallest hydrangeas, which makes it perfect for small gardens. The deep green foliage is beautifully offset by huge white blooms.

Ayesha This striking bush can grow to 1.8 metres tall. It has unusual globular flowers with a mild fragrance which range from cream to pink and blue depending on the pH of the soil.

14

Hibiscus

Whether deciduous or evergreen, large or small, hibiscus plants are sure to catch your eye with their magnificent flowers.

There are three main types of hibiscus, each offering a variety of colours.

Hawaiian hibiscus A hibiscus with rewarding huge flowers in shades from blue to yellow, orange and pink. The bushes are smaller, and they are cold tender so need to be in a warm, sheltered, sunny site.

Fijian Hibiscus A cold-hardy variety, these usually retain their leaves throughout winter. They have smaller flowers, and the shrubs tend to be taller than Hawaiian Hibiscus.

Hawaiian El Capitolio hibiscus

Clarke’s Hybrid Hibiscus These varieties are a cross between Fijian and Hawaiian hibiscus and were bred in New Zealand by Jack Clarke.

They are ideally suited to Auckland conditions.

Prince Of Orange hibiscus

Tropical Vireya

Add a touch of the tropics to your garden with vireyas, the tropical rhododendron. Well suited to Auckland’s climate, most varieties produce stunning bursts of flowers multiple times a year.

Tropical vireyas are more compact than their rhododendron cousins, which makes them the perfect shrub for an urban garden.

Vireyas enjoy slightly acidic soil, and thrive in both full sun and dense shade, though plants in shadier spots grow larger.

Vireya Tropic Gold

Our most popular variety at Kings Plant Barn is Kisses, which grows to under 1 metre tall with soft pink blooms.

Our taller varieties include Butterscotch, with brilliant golden flowers, and Tropical Glow with bright yelloworange blooms, both growing 1.5-2 metres high. If you are looking for something with a softer colour, ask about Luna Flame, which grows to 1.5 metres and with soft orangepink blooms, make a bold statement.

15

Urban Orchard While we are enjoying the delicious strawberries we planted in winter and early spring, we can start thinking about berry canes, subtropical fruit and grapes for an autumn harvest.

Grapes

Grapes have been grown by humans for millennia. Given how delicious they are – and the invention of wine – it’s not hard to see why!

Once established, their vigorous vines produce a mass of delicious fruit. They can be grown along a fence or up a pergola and provide both delicious fruit and welcome shade in the heat of summer.

Grapes thrive in free-draining soil in full sunlight. Adding organic matter such as compost or sheep pellets to the soil gives them a great start. Grapes aren’t heavy feeders, so just feed in spring or early summer with Kings Citrus and Fruit Tree Fertiliser. Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster is ideal for a general feed.

With so many varieties to choose from there is something for everyone. Buffalo is a classic blue-black grape with a sweet, juicy flavour and a hint of spice. It has medium to large fruit and is known to live for 70 years. Niagara is a traditional green grape with a mild sweet taste, perfect for a fresh salad or snack.

If you prefer a seedless variety, Candice is a red grape with an excellent flavour and the green Lakemont has a crisp juicy crunch, just what you need on a hot autumn afternoon.

Sub Tropical Fruit

In Auckland we are lucky that we can grow both cold-hardy and tropical fruits that other parts of the country may miss out on. Though there are restrictions on some tropical plants entering New Zealand, there are many delicious fruits we can grow.

Cherimoya

Cherimoya Possibly the most delicious fruit you may ever taste, cherimoya’s creamy white flesh tastes like vanilla ice cream.

It is no wonder it is also known as the custard apple or ice cream fruit! The fruit has a short lifespan after being picked so it is not usually available in supermarkets, which makes it one of Auckland’s best-kept secrets. This tree is happy in free-draining soil and enjoys full sun but needs protection from strong winds.

Casimiroa This frost-tolerant specimen tree will reach around 4m in the right conditions. The Fruit is smooth and creamy with a flavour resembling a mix of peach, banana, and pear.

The skin of the fruit is paper thin and they damage easily if transported long distances thus you will only find them occasionally at farmers markets.

Casimiroa

Berry Canes

Berry canes include a range of berries that can be harvested in summer and autumn, such as raspberries, blackberries, loganberries and boysenberries. Many of these are superfoods and are easy to grow.

Berry canes thrive in free-draining soil with rich organic matter, such as compost and sheep pellets. They need to be in full sun and well fed. Many berry canes grow suckers— shoots that come up around the plant as the plant starts to multiply. Planting in a large container or raised garden is ideal to prevent this.

Berry cane fruit grow on second-year wood. For the first year let your canes grow, and only cut at the tips if they get too tall, then leave the canes for next year’s harvest. After harvesting is finished, cut back all the canes except for six of the strongest new-year canes — these will become your fruiting canes for the next season. While it can be tempting to leave more canes, your plant may struggle to produce well if it has to divide its energy, so keeping six strong canes means you get the best-quality fruit.

17

Growing

Citrus in Pots Citrus produce masses of fruit and they come in attractive shapes with highly scented flowers, great for bees!

Urban gardens often don’t have space for a full-sized citrus tree. For smaller spots, dwarf stock is a great option. They grow 1.5–2 metres tall and can be grown in pots.

Our Top Varieties Check out these fantastic citrus varieties instore.

Lemon Fantastic for baking, marinades and drinks, lemons are the most popular citrus tree for home gardens. The classic Meyer variety flowers and fruits almost all year round, which makes it a great source of food for bees, and it also has a high fruit yield. Yen Ben is well known for its zestiness, and fruits heavily in winter and again in summer.

Available

ALL YEAR

Planting Tips Position

Planting in a pot

Citrus need full sun. If you grow dwarf citrus in pots it is easy to move them during the year. If they stay in the shade they will grow slower, produce smaller fruit and be more susceptible to disease.

You need a large container to grow your plant in. For dwarf citrus start with a 50L container, giving enough room for the roots to grow and become established. If you are looking for something a bit more upmarket you might like our half wine barrels.

Always use Kings Container Mix as it will retain moisture for longer, which is particularly important over summer. Putting some mulch on top of the soil will help keep the soil moist and supress weeds.

Available

Lime If you love limes but hate the price of those in the supermarket then growing your own is a must! The Tahitian Bearrs lime is the most popular, producing thin-skinned, juicy, seedless fruit from April to September. The Kusaie lime produces fruit almost all year round and with a flavour falling between a lemon and lime. Known for its distinctive bumpy skin, the fruit of the Kaffir lime can be used, but it is mainly grown for its leaves, which are used in Asian cuisine.

ALL YEAR

Available

AUTUMN WINTER Mandarin With large numbers coming in autumn, mandarins are deliciously sweet, fantastic as a healthy snack and can be enjoyed by everyone. Producing fruit in winter, just when you need a good dose of vitamin C, the popular Satsuma is a cold-hardy plant with easy-peel seedless fruit (provided it doesn’t cross-pollinate with other citrus). Boasting excellent flavour and, large crops and easy-peel fruit, Encore is also a popular choice.

Available

ALL YEAR

Orange and Grapefruit The Navel orange needs no introduction – it is the most popular orange at any marketplace, and fruits from July to August. The Seville orange has smaller, sweeter, seedless fruit (perfect for marmilade), that ripens from July to September.

If you enjoy kick-starting your morning with grapefruit, we have some varieties you’ll love. Cutler’s Red fruits from winter to late spring, has medium to large fruit with a thick rind (perfect for zesting) and sweet orange flesh. Or try Golden Special, it has gorgeous yellow flesh, with little seeds and provides a lot of fruit.

Dwarf citrus care Caring for citrus is easy.

For the first year or two, take off all the flowers that grow on your citrus. While you will miss out on fruit for those years, your citrus will put its energy into growth instead. This means it will grow stronger branches so in subsequent years it will be able to carry larger yeilds of fruit.

Water deeply in summer, making sure that the soil does not dry out. Plants in pots need to be watered more often

than those in the ground as the outer surface of the pot tends to heat up quickly.

For the first year feed your citrus with a general organic feed, such as Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. When you want to start growing fruit, switch to a citrus fertiliser that contains medium levels of potassium (P).

Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster from $29.99

19

Ask the

Plant Doctor Giving you expert advice for your seasonal gardening woes

Hi, I am new to gardening and purchased some roses about three months ago. Many of their bottom leaves are going yellow and have spots on them. What am I doing wrong?

BEN, MT EDEN Hi Ben, This is called Rose Black Spot. It is a common disease found on roses in places with high humidity levels. It presents as dark brown to black spots on lower leaves, and if not treated will spread to higher leaves as well. To prevent Rose Black Spot, create good airflow around the plant by weeding, pruning and avoiding overcrowding. Try not to water the stem or leaves and when possible water in the morning.

Black spot solutions from $21.99

To treat, remove the infected leaves and then spray with Yates Nature’s Way fungus spray. Alternatively, spray with Yates Super Shield. Mulch and feed your roses well over the summer period as healthy plants are more resistant to disease.

Hi, I have some swan plants I got for monarch butterflies in the garden. Lately I noticed some tiny orange bugs covering the tips of the plant. Can I spray them?

SUSAN, HENDERSON

Hi Susan, What a great idea to grow swan plants in your garden for monarch butterflies! These small orange bugs are actually aphids. They are sap-sucking insects which feed on your plant, sucking away the plants vigour, which can cause growth problems.

Garden gloves from $9.99

As the plant is being used as a host plant for monarch caterpillars you cannot spray it, as any pesticides will also affect the caterpillars. Therefore the best way to rid your plant of the aphids is physically. Take a paper towel, and wearing garden gloves, wipe them off and squish them into the towel. Don’t do this with your bare hands as they can stain your skin. This will need to be repeated. Remember to feed and water your swan plants well.

I have these jumping moth things on my passion fruit and grape vines. They are everywhere! What are these and how do I get rid of them?

COURTNEY, ORAKEI Hi Courtney, These annoying jumping insects are called passionvine hoppers. They are a common garden pest in Auckland and can be found on all sorts of different plants, not just passion fruit vines.

Like the aphids on Susan’s swan plants, these insects are also sap suckers and harm the vigour of the plant. They also transmit plant diseases and excrete honeydew, which turns to sooty mould. The adults can prove hard to treat as they hop away so quickly. However the juveniles, dubbed ‘fluffy bums’ because of their fuzzy white tails, are easier to treat.

Spray your vine with Aquaticus Organic Bugtrol. Do this in the evening as there is less chance of harming beneficial insects, and it is easier to spray the adults then too.

Aquaticus Organic Bugtrol from $19.99

Contact your local

Plant Doctor Look for the red shirts instore or send us your plant questions online.

plantdoctor.co.nz

21

Garden to Plate Try one of our tasty new summer recipes

Raspberry & Lime Yogurt Popsicles Cool down with this delicious, easy treat.

Ingredients

Method

1/2 cup of sugar 1/3 cup of fresh lime juice 250 grams of fresh raspberries, rinsed and dried 2 cups of low-fat Greek-style yogurt

1. Reserve 2−3 tablespoons of sugar.

2. Add the rest of the sugar and the lime juice to a small saucepan over medium heat, and stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved.

3. Simmer for 5 minutes until the mix reaches a syrup consistency. Let the syrup completely cool down.

4. In a small bowl combine the raspberries and the reserved sugar.

With a fork, make a puree and let stand for 12 minutes, until the lime syrup is cooled.

5. In another bowl, mix the yogurt with the lime syrup until a creamy lime yogurt is formed.

6. Layer the yogurt and the raspberries in the popsicle moulds, cover and insert the sticks.

7. Freeze until the popsicles are solid, around 3−4 hours, or overnight.

8. Dip the popsicle moulds in hot water for a few seconds before removing the popsicles.

Tamarillo Cheesecake Impress your guests this summer.

Ingredients

Method

Base 3/4 cup of rolled oats 3/4 cup of wholemeal flour 100g butter 1/2 cup of sugar 2 tsp ground ginger

1. Gently melt the butter and thoroughly mix all the base ingredients.

Filling 1/3 cup of sugar 1 cup of Greek-style yogurt 250g cream cheese Grated zest from 1 orange 2 eggs

4. Bake at 180°C until lightly golden and firm, about 45 mins to 1 hour.

Topping Seeds and juice of 8 ripe tamarillos 3 tbsp sugar 1 cinnamon stick

2. Line the bottom of a greased spring-form cake tin with baking paper, and press out base mix so it fully covers the bottom. Place into fridge to chill for half an hour.

3. Mix the filling ingredients thoroughly (a food processor makes this much easier) and pour over the base.

5. Heat seeds and juice of 6 ripe tamarillos in a small saucepan with sugar and the cinnamon stick. Simmer rapidly for 5 minutes until the mix has reduced.

6. Pour the tamarillo mix over the cheesecake.

7. Return to fridge and serve when cool.

Stuffed Capsicums An easy recipe for the whole family to enjoy.

Ingredients 500g lean minced beef 6 capsicum, whole 1 cup corn, frozen 3 cloves garlic 1 400g can tomatoes 1 white onion

1/2 tsp black pepper 1 1/2 tsp salt 1 cup cubed jalapeno cheese, or grated cheese 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 cup white rice, cooked

Method 1. Preheat oven to 180degrees °C. Lightly grease a 20x30cm pan.

2. Cook rice with 1 cup water for approx 25minutes on medium heat.

3. Trim the tops off each capsicum and remove seeds and membrane from inside.

Place the capsicum into the prepared pan.

4. In a large pan over medium high heat, cook beef mince and onion until browned.

Drain any excess fat or liquids. Crush and add in garlic and cook 1 minute more.

5. Remove from heat and stir in tomatoes, cooked rice, corn, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and 3/4 cup of the cheese.

6. Spoon mixture into capsicums until full. Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until cheese is bubbling and browned.

8. Stand for 5 mins before serving 23

Terrariums Growing joy in glass jars

In the mid-17th century a sealed jar used for insect observation was accidentally left unattended. A single fern grew from a trapped spore, and the first terrarium was created. This sparked an indoor houseplant trend that we have been enjoying ever since.

Types of Terrariums There are two types of terrariums: open and closed. Within these there are also wet and dry terrariums.

The closed, or sealed, terrariums can only be tropical or wet, as the sealed micro-climate recycles the moisture, where dry-tolerant plants would otherwise rot and die.

Wet Terrariums Also known as tropical terrariums, wet terrariums are usually made with shade loving indoor plants which prefer moist conditions.

Plants perfect for wet terrariums can include: Moss Baby tears Peace lilies Fittonia Orchids Parlour palm Syngonium Begonia Maidenhair ferns Ivy (Hedera) Coleus Spider plant

Dry Terrariums Dry terrariums are made with plants which prefer dry conditions, and they can be placed in areas that get some direct sunlight in the morning.

Plants perfect for dry terrariums can include: Sempervarens String of Pearls Sedum Cacti Dwarf money tree Echeveria

Layering This is especially important when making your own terrarium. There are several layers of mixes that you will need to have a successful terrarium.

In order from the bottom to top layer: • Large stones – to help keep the soil from touching and reabsorbing the water • Small stones – to create a layer between the charcoal and stones in the bottom • Activated Charcoal – to help filter the excess water and help stop it from being stagnated • Layer sand for DRY terrariums, or Sphagnum moss for WET terrariums • Layer a 50/50 blend of potting mix and sand for DRY terrariums. Use potting mix for WET terrariums • Plant – make an impression where you want your plants to go before planting into the potting mix • Decorate – try adding pebbles, moss/sand and odd bits of wood in your terrarium for decoration

Watering Water the terrarium after planting. Water open wet terrariums often and dry terrariums sparingly.

Do not water if there is excess water left in the bottom of the glass.

Feeding Feed with a diluted mix of Kings Fast Food once every 6 weeks in spring and summer.

25

Chillies Spice things up in the garden and the kitchen by growing some chillies this season. To help you choose the right plant, we have a guide to what’s mild and what’s HOT. Can you handle the heat?

Most chillies in New Zealand are grown as an annual, however if you want to try growing a chilli plant that is more likely to last through winter, try growing Rocoto or Mazano. These two varieties are members of the Capsicum Pubescens family and can withstand much colder temperatures than other members of the capsicum family (though they won’t survive frost).

Growing Chillies Position Chillies are best grown in full sun with free-draining soil.

Choosing your Chillies Hotness, at least in relation to chillies, is usually measured in Scovilles.

To get the measurement, an exact amount of the dried chilli is dissolved in alcohol and then diluted in sugar water. The solution is then continually reduced until the heat can no longer be detected.

This means that the higher the Scoville rating of a chilli, the hotter it is.

Approximate Scoville Rating of some popular chillies

Where possible avoid planting chillies where you planted tomatoes, potatoes or eggplants in the previous season. All these plants are members of the solanum family, and by rotating where you plant them you help reduce the risk of diseases.

Planting In the ground: Prepare the soil by weeding, forking and then mixing in compost and sheep pellets. Most varieties will need at least 30 centimetres between each plant. However, some varieties will require more space so make sure you read the label.

In a pot: Use Kings Container Mix. For best results use a pot no smaller than 20L.

Bell Pepper/Sweet Capsicum

0

Banana Pepper

100−1,000

Jalapeno

3,500−10,000

Care

Hungarian Wax Pepper

3,500−10,000

Manzano

12,000−50,000

Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not damp. Where possible, avoid wetting the foliage.

Tabasco

30,000−50,000

Cayenne

30,000−50,000

Habanero

100,000−350,000

Bhut Jolokia

855,000−1,105,000

Trinidad Scorpion

1.2 million

Carolina Reaper

1.7 million!

Growing conditions and how ripe a chilli was when it was picked can all impact the heat, which means even the heat of chillies of the same variety or even the same plant can vary wildly.

Feed regularly with Kings Tomato Food, or for a natural option use Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster.

Kings Liquid Tomato Food from $11.99 Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster from $14.99

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Tropical Gardening You can’t always drop everything and jet off to exotic locations, but you can enjoy lounging around under palms, surrounded by hibiscus, tropical impatiens and canna lilies in your own home-grown tropical oasis.

Palms

Palms are the king of the tropics. There are lots of different varieties all over the world. Here are three varieties that grow particularly well in Auckland.

Bangalow Palm

Nikau Palm

Kentia Palm

(Archontophoenix cunninghamiana)

(Rhopalostylis sapida)

(Howea forsteriana)

This attractive, fast-growing palm has a long trunk which produces an abundance of fruit and seeds, providing food for birds. A hardy palm, it grows best in warmer areas such as Auckland.

Grow it in part shade for the first few years, but it will eventually tolerate full sun once established. It can grow over 20 metres high when mature.

New Zealand’s only native palm. The fruit takes almost a year to ripen but is a favourite of the kereru, New Zealand’s native wood pigeon. Best grown in part shade, it can tolerate full sun. This slow-growing palm grows to 10 metres.

Take care when planting as they have delicate roots.

With their graceful arching fronds and delicate slender stem, Kentia palms are an attractive plant. They are slow growing, do well in full sun to shade and can be grown indoors. Suitable for coastal areas, they eventually grow to around 15 metres high.

Nikau palm

Plant palms in free-draining soil with organic matter, water deeply until established and as a general rule keep young palms in dappled shade. Mulch well and feed sparingly with Novatec.

Bangalow palm Kentia palm

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Star Jasmine

Bird of paradise

Vines

Flowers

Mandevilla

Hibiscus

Vireya

With red, white and pink trumpet flowers and glossy evergreen foliage, the gorgeous mandevilla plant adds instant height and colour to a back fence or trellis.

A tropical garden in Auckland wouldn’t be complete without a hibiscus. One of the most iconic tropical flowers, they are happiest in a sunny position and can grow to 1.5 metres depending on the variety.

This tropical rhododendron is perfect for subtropical climates and produces eye-catching bunches of flowers in shadier parts of the garden. Great for planting under palms or evergreen trees.

Stephanotis The evergreen Madagascar jasmine has beautiful white flowers which are sought after for their sweet, heavy fragrance.

Growing as tall as 6 metres high it can be trained to conceal any fence or wall.

Tecomanthe Also known as the The Kings Vine, this gorgeous thick-leaved, evergreen New Zealand native produces stunning displays of huge white trumpet flowers in summer. A must have for any tropical garden.

Bird of paradise Canna lilies This deciduous perennial returns every summer with beautiful tropical flowers perched on long elegant stems.

The yellow, red, deep purple and multicoloured foliage adds to the colourful statement. Canna lilies do well planted outside along a fence.

You need only look at its unusual yet beautiful flower to see where this popular plant gets its name! It is also grown for its wide, lush leaves. The bird of paradise flourishes in a shadier spot in the garden or large containers.

Alstroemerias With charming lily-like blooms in a range of mixed colours and a compact growing habit, alstroemeria is perfect for both the garden and containers in full sun.

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Summer Watering

How to water Watering your garden may sound like the easiest and most straightforward part of gardening, but plants all have different needs.

Veggies

The humble hose

Most veggies need to be watered every day in summer and it is best to do this early in the morning. When watering large-leafed veggies such as pumpkin, courgettes, beans and melon, try to avoid watering the leaves, as wet leaves and high humidity later in the day can cause mildew.

Whether you have a dry succulent garden or a patio filled with pots, your garden will need watering, and a hose is the easiest way to do this. Hoses vary in quality, length and material – our Gardena range of hoses have a helpful kink resistance guide, are UV stabilised, and use easygrip material.

Watering cans

Ways to reduce watering

This traditional watering method is perfect if you have a small garden or plants in pots. Even if you use a hose, watering cans are invaluable for mixing and using liquid fertiliser to feed plants.

To save time and your water bill there are a few steps you can take to reduce the need for watering.

Sprinklers

SaturAid

Sprinklers are easy to set up, which is great if you have a busy lifestyle. Make sure to use them in the morning to reduce the risk of disease.

If you are growing plants in a pot, or in a dry part of the garden, your soil may need a little extra help.

Add SaturAid when planting, or on top of the soil around established plants. These granules absorb water, helping to maintain moisture around the plant for longer.

Roses & Passionfruit Water in the morning, and around the roots only, to avoid diseases such as black spot. Don’t water the leaves as the droplets can amplify the sun and cause them to burn.

Trees & shrubs Remember that trees and shrubs still need watering in summer, even though they may be established. Trees or shrubs taller than a metre should be deeply watered, which means leaving the hose on each plant for 3−5 minutes, depending on size.

Newly planted trees will need more water.

Succulents & cacti Many cacti can do without water for long periods of time, but don’t forget to water them a little from time to time in summer.

Succulents usually need more watering than cacti, and depending on their size, need watering once a week.

Pots Plants in pots dry out faster than those in the ground, as the pots heat up around the soil. Water your pots once a day to three times a week, depending on how large they are.

Water computers Water computers are smart timers, making watering your garden a breeze.

Going away for a holiday? Install sprinklers and irrigation, connect the system to the water computer, set your timers and walk away. It may take time to set it up, but in the long run it will save hours that would otherwise be spent hand watering. Now all you need to worry about are the weeds!

Mulch

One of the best ways to save on watering is using mulch in your garden. Mulch is a mixture of bark and wood chips, and a premium mulch such as Living Earth More Than Mulch also contains compost.

This makes it an ideal top layer to suppress weeds and continue to feed your plant for six months.

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