22
Mahurangi Matters
locallife
April 16, 2014
Gardening
WIN $1000
* DOOR AND WINDOW TOWARDS YOUR INSECT SCREENS OR SECURITY SOLUTION *
Wendy Schick, Tumbleweed
TOWARDS YOUR INSECT OR SECURITY SOLUTION *Promotion Ends 15th November
Protect with Custom made Door and Window Screens
www.tumbleweed.net.nz Enjoy airflow
Protect home & family
REQUEST Call A FREE MEASURE AND QUOTE TODAY AND now for a free GO INTO THE DRAW TO WIN THIS GREAT measure and quotePRIZE
Deter intruders
HomePlus HomePlusRodney Rodney
16-18 Morrison Drive, Warkworth Ph:(09)4257053 16-18 Morrison Drive, Warkworth Ph:(09)4257053 Free phone: 0800 466 375 Website: www.homeplus.co.nz Free phone: 0800 conditions 466and375 Website: www.homeplus.co.nz *Full promotion terms andterms availableavailable at www.homeplus.co.nz. Ends 31/10/12. *Full promotion conditions at www.homeplus.co.nz
Keep insects out
Staying alive Two consecutive summers have certainly taken their toll on the garden. This is due to our last winter not having enough rainfall to get the plants back into proper health and growth before the onslaught of another summer. I have noticed a number of plants that were struggling from the drought last year, particularly at Omaha Beach, are now finally giving up the fight to stay alive. How can we combat this problem? Mulching and watering. When you do water, give good long soakings rather than short frequent sprinklings. Applying mulch around trees and shrubs will also help retain valuable moisture. One of the nicest times in the garden is when the first spring bulbs start to peek out of the soil. In preparation for this we need to get the soil ready and plant bulbs now. Bulbs need to be planted in a well-drained position with a dressing of bulb food and compost. The general rule for planting depth is twice the diameter of the bulb. In heavier soils, plant a little closer to the surface. Containers are also a great alternative. Planting bulbs in layers close together with different varieties such as crocus and daffodils will prolong the flowering time, or all of one variety will give an intense mass display. Remember to keep soil moist and fertilise again with bulb food during the growth period. Root crops such as carrots, beetroot, parsnip and potatoes can safely be planted throughout autumn. Now the optimum time for planting potatoes. To prepare the soil, work over well. As potatoes are very heavy feeders, mix in plenty of compost, sheep pellets, and a specially balanced potato fertiliser high in phosphate. If you are short of space, try growing some in large planter bags with potting mix. They are very easy to grow — just tip them out when ready. Brassicas are now all ready to plant. Varieties to choose from are cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage and brussels sprouts. When growing brassicas, apply a general-purpose fertiliser, and thoroughly dig through compost or sheep pellets before planting. White butterflies seem to be attracted to brassicas, but they can easily be controlled with derris dust or an insecticide such as Yates Mavrick. Broad beans and leeks are other winter favourites ready to be sown now. Autumn is the best time to sow a new lawn or renovate a patchy area, as warm soil combines with autumn showers and there are relatively few weeds sprouting. Happy gardening.
W NOPEN O
0800 96 96 94
Rodney’s only authorised Yamaha dealer!
Honda Warkworth
10 Morrison Drive Warkworth. Ph.09 425 9498
• Full outboard sales and service for new and used outboards • Extreme boats • New and used boats for sale g LOOkiNL • Marine Electronics and chandlery L E s tO Oat? • All brands of outboard/jetski’s repaired yOur b • Boat storage t us CONtaCy! tODa
Call us or call in...
Cnr SH1 & Goatley Rd (behind Keith Hay Homes) Warkworth - 09 945 2253