GARDEN DIARIES

Try sprouting broccoli to bridge the gap between summer and winter veges. An easy option is seed tape – just plant it and watch the veg grow! See below for more brassicas to try in autumn.

Protect those brassicas from cabbage white butterfly. Insert stakes or hoops around plants and cover them with netting.

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BROCCOLI

This cool-season vege has firm heads and thick green stems. Plant in full sun and rich, well-drained soil.

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Plant hardy perennial herbs such as thyme and rosemary, ready for winter roasts! If short on space, use a balcony or decking rail herb planter.

Prepare tulip bulbs for planting. These need chilling to initiate flowering, especially in warmer areas, so place the bulbs in a paper bag in the fridge, away from fruit and veges, for 8-12 weeks before planting. sooty mould on leaves. Spray with an organic solution.

Feed your lawn –autumn is an ideal time. Use a slow-release fertiliser especially for lawns to encourage a strong root system and thicker, greener, grass.

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Check citrus trees for sap-sucking insects such as scale, mealy bugs and aphids. A tell-tale sign is a

1 Mr Fothergill’s ‘Italian Sprouting’ broccoli seed tape, $5.32, I/N: 2961601. 2 Cyclone ‘Backyard Farmer’ 4m x 4m x 7mm crop protection net, $48.83, I/N: 0331903. 3 Whites ‘Garden Up’ herb planter, $13.50, I/N: 2940995 (plants not included). 4 Fiesta

Flower Bulbs ‘Purple Passion’ mixed tulip bulbs, $13.18/10 bulbs, I/N: 0310319. 5 Scotts Lawn Builder ‘Extreme Green’ slow release fertiliser, $49.89/4kg, I/N: 2961974. 6 Yates ‘Nature’s Way’ organic citrus, vegie and ornamental insect spray, $42.98/3L, I/N: 0066998. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

CAULIFLOWER

Large white (or purple) heads or ‘curds’ are usually ready to harvest in 90-120 days from planting.

After applying fertiliser around edible plants, delay harvesting for a few days and rinse well before cooking and eating. If using products to deal with pests, diseases or weeds, or when handling compost or mulch, follow any instructions carefully and wear gloves and suitable protective equipment. Store all garden chemicals out of reach of children and pets.

KALE

A culinary favourite that’s easy to grow in garden beds or pots. Harvest outer or lower leaves as needed.

CABBAGE

This versatile kitchen ingredient needs room to grow. Plant in full sun with well-drained soil and liquid feed regularly.

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For more on what to do in the garden during autumn, go to bunnings.co.nz/gardendiaries

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