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Issue 427 | October
19
Friday October 30 2015
follow us on facebook.com/starcanterbury moon calendar
29 – Novembe
r 11, 2015
Sunny side P lanning for up
sunf lowers
Gardening Guide
In a jIffy pot Giving seedlings a head start
Rachel Vogan talks you through what to be doing in the garden now
P lant ing for poultry Treat them so they treat you
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ISSN 2423-0219
A growing sack of potatoes Vertical garden ing with a twist
Say yeS to yam Committing to a long-term crop
S
Plant now if you want summer flower power WHO DOESN’T enjoy a bit of flower power? If you do, now is the time to get busy planting summer flowers, by dusting off last season’s hanging baskets and tubs, and packing them full of fresh flowers. One of the wonderful things about growing flowers in pots is that they are portable and can be used as a diversion to highlight certain outdoor areas if the rest of the garden isn’t quite up to scratch. Why not try some new combinations in
those pots this year? The pots command full attention, meaning a few weeds here and there will hardly be noticed. Last season’s potting mix will be past its best, so start afresh with new mix and healthy plants. You could revitalise the old stuff with plenty of fertiliser and water storage crystals to hold onto the all important water. When choosing pots, big is best, not just because they look better, but they also have more room for the roots.
Sow sweet corn seeds now. Don’t be stingy, as the birds often snaffle a few seeds. Too many seedlings can always be thinned out and transplanted.
Peas & Beans Whether you have a large plot or you grow your vegetables in pots and containers, peas and beans are a ‘must have’. I think there is nothing better than going out to pick and eat fresh peas and beans right off the vine. You can sow peas anytime between August and December, with beans you can sow right into February. Most peas and beans will germinate within 7-10 days of sowing and will mature between 60-90 days, some will mature even faster. Dwarf Dwarf varieties are available in both peas and beans making them an ideal choice for growing in pots and containers. My favourite dwarf pea is ‘Massey’, which doesn’t require staking and matures in only 65 days. It produces a prolific crop on a small plant. There are three great dwarf varieties of beans, the smallest of which is ‘Dwarf Baby Bush’, the plant grows to only 300 mm tall but still produces 100 mm pods - amazing. ‘Dwarf Yellow Butter’ is one of my favourites because it produces an amazingly delicious yellow beans which have a melt in the mouth sensation. Finally ‘Dwarf Tendergreen’ is stringless and very tender - a real winner in my book.
or containers, try using an obelisk, a very attractive yet practical feature. Growing The best advice I can give you for growing these is to prepare the soil well and provide good support for the plants. Before sowing or planting dig in a good amount of ‘Oderings Shrub & Tub’ and set up the frame-work for the plant to grow on. All climbing beans will naturally wrap around and climb up your structure, but make sure it is low enough to get them started. Once they are hooked on they will do their own thing with little assistance from you. Halfway through the growing season feed you beans and peas with ‘Oderings Total Replenish’ or a good general fertiliser to extend their production. Children enjoy growing peas and beans because you can see results and reap the rewards relatively quickly. For the kids, try growing ‘Sugar Snap’ peas or ‘Snow’ peas. These are juicy and can be eaten pod and all fresh or put in stir-fries’ and other dishes. Come into our stores to see the complete range, or visit our online shop for seeds at www.oderings.co.nz.
Climbing
VEGETABLES
Broad beans will be flowering and the pods will start to fatten up. All other beans can be planted out now, as the seeds are big and easy to handle. They are a good option for kids to sow. Plant straight in the garden or in tubs and planters, space 25-30cm apart and put two seeds in each hole. If you end up with too many you can easily pinch the extra ones out. Spring cabbage is always a treat, so plant more now. The loose-leaf, Chinese varieties are ready to pick from planting in less than two months. These types love rich, compost-laden soils. Keep an eye out for slugs though, as they huddle under the base of the leaves and sneak into the crevices in between each row of leaves. Sweet corn should be sown now, too. Plant plenty as there never seems to be enough come harvest time. Allow a little space in between plants, putting two to three seeds per hole.
Zinnias are a superb choice for summer colour. Bees love them and they are a reliable cut flower, too.
Bubblegum petunias are the perfect basket case.
SOFT HERBS
Chives, dill, chervil, basil, parsley and coriander can all be sown and planted now. Dill and basil need a little protection from late frosts, however, the others are hardy campaigners. All of these herbs are happy in tubs and planters; just make sure you freshen up the potting mix. Edible flowers are good companions in herb gardens, as well as brightening up the plot, they are a welcome food source for bees.
34.99
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29.99
2.99
EACH
9 PACK
Willow Obelisk 1.8m
Verbena Romance Mixed
Perfect for all climbing plants especially Beans, Peas and Sweet Peas. Great natural look.
Bright, showy flowers over the Summer and Autumn on compact, tidy plants. Also good in pots.
9.99
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7.99
11.99
9 PACK
EACH
Shrub & Tub Mix 25L
Cosmos Sonata White or Mixed
Choisya Ternata
Superior mix which is perfect for all container and garden planting. As used in all our nurseries.
Excellent background plants for the garden border. Will flower for many months. Eye catching.
“Mexican Orange Blossom”. Very popular hardy evergreen shrub with masses of white flowers in spring.
Head in-store or visit oderings.co.nz Time to sow and plant out new herbs for summer cooking and dining.
15.99
2.99
25L
FLOWERS
Sow and plant out summer flowers now. Go to reliable campaigners such as petunias and calibrachoa as they will provide a stampede of blooms for five to six months if planted early enough. Lobelia, salvia, marigolds and zinnias all thrive in full sun, too, and come in a range of colours. Sunflowers can be sown now as well. These germinate quickly and come in a range of heights, colours and sizes. For the shady side of the house, impatiens, begonias and monkeyflowers are good options. Dahlias are emerging; protect those sugary shoots from slugs and snails, and divide up any overcrowded crowns.
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Can you spot the broad beans?
The climbing varieties produce massive crops on vigorous plants. Beans come in a range of colours, green, yellow, red and even purple. Whether you plant in the garden