WHAT’S HAPPENING At Kings
The daffodils are popping up, the bees are buzzing in the garden, and spring is officially in the air! At Kings, we’re delighted to embrace the most exciting time of the year, with the growing season upon us once again!
Whether you’re planting for the first time, or adding to an established garden, spring is the season of new beginnings. The days are getting longer, the soil is workable, and it’s the perfect time to get stuck into your garden.
Spring brings lots of exciting new arrivals to Kings. From lavender to hydrangeas, tomatoes and dahlias, there’s so much to look forward to this season.
In this issue of Scoop, you’ll find everything from petunias and lavender to veggies and roses, along with our usual Scoop favourites. We’ll guide you through the basics of veggie gardening and share tips and tricks to help you start your journey towards growing organic. Meet a couple of our expert team members and
discover how their passion for gardening has blossomed. Enjoy one of our favourite seasonal recipes, plus an exciting activity for your Little Growers. And don’t miss out on a special offer from our friends at Daily Bread!
With the sun shining and the spring flowers blooming, there’s no better time to sit back, savour the season and grow well with this issue of Scoop.
The Kings team
Gardeners’ Mail
Cherry Blossom
I had to share a photo of my beautiful cherry blossom tree with you. This Prunus Puddum has been growing in my garden for years.
I feed it regularly with Kings Fruit & Flower Booster. Every August it bursts into flower and is such a delight to look at. The beautiful pink flowers remind me that Spring is almost here, and the Tuis love it too!
- Anna
Fairy Blush Camellia
We have planted this lovely Fairy Blush Camellia in our shared garden.
Our neighbours can enjoy it as they drive up our driveway.
It is very dainty and has many flowers on itmy granddaughter loves it too.
- Jeanette
ASK THE Plant Doctor
Got a tricky plant question? Ask instore or try our online Plant Doctor at plantdoctor.co.nz
Hi Plant Doctor,
I have a large outside flowering rosemary plant. It's attracting a lot of bees and is starting to look a little sad. Please could you suggest any other plants that I can add to my garden to help feed the bees.
- Thanks, Alice
Hi Alice,
As well as rosemary, bees love lavender, cornflower, and borage. These are all coming into season so great timing. Remember to plant your garden with different species that will flower all year round.
Hello Plant Doc!
Every year my peaches have curly distorted leaves. What am I doing wrong?
- Thanks, Robert
Hi Robert,
Peaches can get a fungal disease, commonly called Peach Leaf Curl. This can also affect other deciduous stone fruit trees.
At this time of year, spray thoroughly with Grosafe Freeflo Copper from leaf bud swell, every 14 days until in full leaf. Once your peach loses its leaves next winter spray with Yates Lime Sulfur to help clean up any fungal spores hanging around.
SPRING PLANTS
We’re Loving
Spring is here and our garden centres are filled with vibrant colour, lush foliage and delicious edibles.
Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are classic shrubs renowned for their giant clusters of flowers in shades of white, pinks, purples and even blues. These striking plants thrive with minimal maintenance, just plant them in a spot with full to part shade and well-draining soil. We love the elegance that hydrangeas bring to your outdoor space.
Bring the scent of the tropics to your garden with Trachelospermum jasminoides, commonly known as Star Jasmine. This versatile jasmine can be grown up walls, pergolas, trailing along the ground, and even in containers. With delicate star-shaped blooms and glossy green foliage, it’s no wonder Star Jasmine is a favourite amongst gardeners.
Dianthus
Sweetly scented and dainty dianthus are the perfect addition to any flower garden. Available in a range of colours including white, pink, mauve and red, they are stunning as garden borders, and planted in pots or hanging baskets.
Star Jasmine
Basil
A must-have in any herb garden, basil is delicious in a variety of dishes. Basil elevates the flavour of tomatoes when grown together, and also helps keep pests at bay - the perfect companion plant.
Passionfruit
There’s nothing quite like the flavour of freshly ripened passionfruit picked straight from the vine. This tropical favourite is easy to grow, especially in Auckland’s subtropical climate. Plant passionfruit vines against a warm, north-facing wall in a raised garden bed, using a support structure to help them climb. Mulch well for bountiful harvests.
Tamarillo
Tamarillos, also known as tree tomatoes, bring tangy, tart flavours and bold, vibrant colours to your kitchen garden. These versatile fruits are delicious in both sweet and savoury dishes and can produce up to 20 kilograms of fruit each season - what’s not to love?
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CULTIVATING THE BASICS Veggie Gardening
Enjoying fresh produce picked straight from your own garden is truly a unique experience. With the growing season now upon us, there's no better time to start your veggie garden journey!
Embarking on the journey of your very first veggie garden may feel a little daunting, but we’ve got all the tips and tricks to help you get started. Growing your own veggies benefits your mood, your mind, your health - and your wallet!
Position
Most veggies need full sun to keep them growing well. Choose a spot with ample room for their roots to spread and for plants to flourish. Crops like tomatoes, eggplants and capsicums grow well from spring to autumn, and the veggie seedlings available in our stores are always aligned with what will grow in the coming season.
Planting
When planting in the ground, first remove any weeds. Build on your existing soil by adding a good blend of Living Earth Organic Veggie Mix and Kings Compost. For an extra organic boost, mix in Kings Sheep Pellets or Kings Organic Vegetable Fertiliser.
When planting in large pots, use a bag of Living Earth Organic Veggie Mix. This mix contains all the beneficial nutrients and fertiliser needed to keep your potted veggies growing well.
For top-heavy crops like tomatoes or climbers like beans, we recommend adding stakes or supports at planting time. Providing support early sets your plants up for a successful growing season and prevents root damage while they establish.
Care
During the warmer months, water your veggie seedlings regularly. Each morning, water deeply at the base of the plants to avoid soggy leaves and potential diseases. Different crops have specific fertilising needs, so do your research and cater to their nutritional preferences. While liquid fertilisers are absorbed quickly by plants, they do require more work to disperse than slow-release options.
Gardening is a journey, and if your veggie seedlings aren’t growing as expected, consider it a learning opportunity. Your local Kings team is always ready to offer advice and guidance. Bring photos of your garden issues in-store, or email our Plant Doctor at plant.doctor@kings.co.nz
Grow well with
VEGGIE ESSENTIALS
Living Earth Organic Veggie Mix
Specially formulated for edibles and can be planted straight into.
Kings Organic Vegetable Fertiliser
An excellent organic plant food rich in nutrients to naturally boost your vegetable garden.
Kings Compost
Mix into your garden soil for organic nutrients, as well as helping to improve drainage.
A SPLASH OF COLOUR Pretty Petunias
Petunias are one of spring and summer’s most stunning flowering plants. From their vibrant, colourful blooms to their hardy and heat-tolerant nature, there’s so much to love about petunias.
Perfect for hanging baskets, containers and filling almost any spot in the garden, petunias grow well in warm, sunny spots with protection from strong winds. When planting in the ground, petunias prefer well-draining soil, rich in organic matter. Add in Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets, mixing well. When planting in containers, use Kings Container Mix, and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster.
Our Top Varieties
We have lots of new release petunias arriving this season, discover our favourites here:
Princess Pink
These Amore petunias boast an abundance of large, bubblegumpink blooms with unique heartshaped patterns, making them a must-have for any flower garden.
Hippy Chick
With uniquely shaped blooms and a vigorous growth habit, this stunning new-release adds visual interest to any outdoor space.
Ultramarine petunias feature stunning royal purple blooms that look magnificent in landscapes and borders thanks to their vigorous growth habit.
Hot Rod Red
Hot Rod Red petunias are bold and red, with a compact growth habit and improved weather resistance.
Arizona Sky
These petunias cascade beautifully, featuring large blooms in vibrant shades of orange, edged with pink. They are perfect for growing in baskets.
Ultramarine
50 cents donated for every Supertunia® Vista sold!
Bubblegum Paradise
Jazzberry
Silverberry
Snowdrift
Fuchsia
CLASSIC BEAUTY Loving Lavender
Popular with both pollinators and gardeners, lavender is a must-have in any Auckland garden. This stunning perennial has a delightful aroma, and will add elegance to your outdoor space.
Lavender is a favourite amongst gardeners for its easy-care and hardy nature. It is droughttolerant, making it well-suited for Auckland’s traditionally dry summers. Although lavender prefer drier conditions, they can still handle wetter climates.
There are many species of lavender, with different varieties falling under each species. The most common species found in our garden centres are Spanish lavender, English lavender, and French lavender.
Spanish lavender has distinctive bunny-ear flowers and follows the seasons more closely than the hardier English and French lavenders. English lavender is
light and sweetly scented, and is most commonly used for culinary purposes. French lavender has a softer scent, and is more often used for landscaping. While lavender usually blooms from spring through summer, some varieties of English and French lavender can provide year-round blooms in warmer climates.
Lavender is relatively easy to care for once established. Plant in a sunny spot with well-draining soil, give it a little seasonal prune and you will be rewarded with beautiful blooms for years to come. In late summer, we recommend removing fading flowers and trimming back to a third to keep your lavender growing well.
Our Top Varieties
Not sure which lavender to choose? Ask one of our expert team instore, or consider one of our favourites:
Major
Often referred to as ‘bunny ears’, Major is one of the most popular lavender varieties in New Zealand. Its flowers feature distinctive bracts atop their fluffy buds.
Grows to 60cm x 60cm
New Release
Snow Princess
Snow Princess features stunning white flower spikes and bracts that contrast beautifully against grey-green foliage. This newrelease lavender is robust and fast-growing, making it a musthave for any gardener.
Grows to 60cm x 90cm
Dentata
This French lavender has small ‘toothed’ leaves, and upright flower spikes crowned with tufts of white and pale purple petals. Dentata is ideal for a garden border or a small hedge.
Grows to 60cm x 60cm
New Release
The Prince
With rich purple-blue blooms that completely cover the plant and repeat flower after the spring flush, The Prince is a stunning new release with neat and compact foliage. Its long-lasting flowers will make a statement in your garden.
Grows to 50cm x 60cm
The Queen
The Queen is popular for its two-toned blooms and soothing, fragrant aroma. It features burgundy heads topped with lilac bracts that transform to a deeper pink as they mature.
Grows to 60cm x 90cm.
SPRING PLANTING
For The Bees
September is Bee Aware Month, an important time to think about our buzzing pollinator friends. Bees play a crucial role in pollinating crops, and planting a variety of flowers that bloom throughout the year provides them with a consistent food source.
B EE THE CHANG E
Echium
This hardy, flowering shrub produces cone-like flower spikes en masse, creating a stunning show during the spring and summer months. The beautiful blooms will attract both birds and bees to your garden, and while the purple variety is the most common, they can also be found in pink and white.
Cosmos
Nectar-filled cosmos will attract buzzing pollinators to your garden, while also filling it with vibrant colour. These stunning annuals thrive in both garden beds and containers. Cosmos are easy to grow, and ideal for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
Manuka
Leptospermum, commonly known as Manuka, is popular for its vibrant blooms from winter through spring. This beautiful plant is available in a wide range of colours, such as red, pink and white, contrasting against striking foliage. Leptospermum is the primary source of nectar for Manuka honey.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a highly scented culinary herb adorned with white, pink, or purple blooms. It grows well in containers, against walls, or as a shrub and is perfect for bringing bees to your outdoor space. Rosemary is available in both upright and groundcover varieties.
Available at all leading garden retailers. and be the envy of the neighbours.
enrichwithnature.co.nz
Salvia Strawberry Lake
Tamarinda Impatiens
Petunia Amore
Princess Pink NEW
Anigozanthus
Bush Gems
FROM BLOOM TO BEAUTY Roses
With their delicate blooms and lush foliage, roses can bring beauty and fragrance to your garden. Their resilient nature makes them an excellent choice for any gardener. There are so many gorgeous cultivars to choose from, and no matter which one, two or twenty you decide on, you’ll enjoy beautiful blooms for years to come.
Positioning
Roses grow well when planted in a sunny spot with well-draining soil, rich in organic matter. Good air circulation will help prevent common fungal issues, especially in the more humid summer months. The right spot can make all the difference, so if you notice your rose is struggling a little, a new home might be all it needs - just avoid relocating in spring and summer!
Planting
When growing roses, planting in the ground is preferable. This gives your roses plenty of space to spread their roots and grow into lush, beautiful plants. Dig a hole that is twice the size of the pot your rose came in, and add nutrients to the soil by mixing in Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets before backfilling. If your soil is clay-based and on the heavier side, consider adding a handful of Claybreaker Gypsum to improve drainage.
After planting, give your rose the best start by watering in deeply and feeding with Kings Slow-Release Rose Food. Mulch with Living Earth More Than Mulch to help with water retention.
Care
Give your roses a deep watering once or twice a week in the warmer months, allowing the hose to run for about five minutes each time. Deep watering is critical as it ensures the water soaks all the way down to the roots. Avoid getting the leaves wet to help prevent fungal problems.
Throughout the year, maintain a layer of mulch around your roses to ensure effective moisture retention around the roots. Keep your roses looking neat and flowering abundantly by cutting back to a major leaf when deadheading. Pruning must be done when roses are dormant in winter, giving them a good trim to encourage healthy growth.
PASSIONATE PLANT PEOPLE
Meet Our Team
The team at Kings are plant people – passionate and enthusiastic about caring for plants. Get to know a few of our team, and the story of how their love for plants came about. With their expertise and love for plants, they’re here to help you grow well.
Tanu Garden Centre Management Team
My love for plants began in childhood back in India, nurtured by weekends spent in my family’s garden. Watching seeds grow into thriving plants fascinated me and planted the first seeds of my future career.
My first job in horticulture was working in greenhouses where we grew tomatoes and cucumbers, which led to me pursuing a diploma in horticulture. After completing my diploma, I joined the Kings Nursery team in 2019. Working in the nursery taught me how to grow plants from little tubes, grafting and budding, where I specialised in sustainable gardening techniques, learning about soil health and plant diseases.
I now work in the retail team and have taken on mentoring roles, guiding the next generation of horticulturists. As a plant doctor I love to share my knowledge when people visit with tricky plant questions. I am proud of the journey I’ve cultivated, and I remain dedicated to nurturing both plants and people for years to come.
Daniel Product Manager - Green Goods
Despite growing up on a plant nursery, I wasn’t really into plants until I started working at Auckland Zoo and the green genes began to reassert themselves. First in creating a carnivorous plant display for the Zoo’s Education department, and eventually shifting gears to work at Kings St Lukes in 2009. I’ve worked in many roles over the last 15 years, from checkout operator to store manager, and eventually into my current role as plant sourcer and buyer for the company as a whole.
The connections I made over the years have served me well in a succession of horticultural enthusiasms, from creating an edible garden orchard with over 100 varieties of fruit, to building a houseplant collection that filled multiple rooms in my home. I work with growers to bring new plants to the NZ retail market, from rare houseplants and subtropical fruits to new colours and varieties of perennial flowers!
I’m always on the lookout for new and exciting varieties that we can offer our customers, and my goal is always to ensure that Kings can offer the best range of plants for all types of gardeners.
Head instore today and meet our team of expert staff and knowledgeable Plant Doctors. Whether you’re a beginner or a gardening pro, our team are here to help you grow well.
YOUR KITCHEN GARDEN Tomatoes
Whether
you're a beginner or a seasoned gardener, tomatoes are an
excellent option for growing at home. They offer abundant rewards with only a small amount of love and care needed.
Seeds
Growing from seed offers a wider range of tomato varieties than other methods, though it requires more patience and nurturing. Tomato seeds can be sown from mid to late August in Auckland, and can be transplanted into the garden or pots once they have two to three pairs of leaves, and the risk of frost is over.
Seedlings
Our range of tomato seedlings is perfect if you’re looking for a quicker start. The punnets have individual pockets to avoid any tangled roots - just pop them into your soil, and they’re good to go!
Established Plants
If you want a headstart, or you’re playing catch-up, our mature plants are available from midSeptember. These plants get established quickly, and produce bountiful harvests.
Want more fruit? Grafted tomatoes grow larger than standard varieties and have the capacity to hold much more fruit.
Position
Tomatoes grow well in a sunny position with good airflow. Choose a spot with at least six hours of full sun each day, and avoid planting where tomatoes, potatoes, or eggplants grew the previous year to prevent soil-borne diseases.
Planting
When growing in pots, plant with Kings Container Mix. This mix contains water storage crystals for improved moisture retention, as well as slow-release fertiliser to feed your plants. To ensure healthy root development, choose a pot with plenty of space - we recommend at least 40L for a mature plant.
When planting directly in the garden, leave at least a metre between plants and enrich your soil by digging in Kings Compost. Dig a hole twice as deep and wide as the pot your plant came in, adding Kings Organic Vegetable Fertiliser or Kings Sheep Pellets, along with a blend of Kings Compost and topsoil. Firm the soil, and water deeply.
Using a greenhouse is another option for planting. Greenhouses offer protection from insects and frost. Ensure proper ventilation to prevent fungal diseases, and rotate crops annually or replace the top 50cm of soil with either Kings Container Mix or Kings Garden Mix.
Tomato vines can become top-heavy, so they should be staked, supported by string, or tied to a trellis.
Care
Tomatoes love their food! Once established, feed with Kings Liquid Tomato Food every two weeks. Keep your tomatoes growing well with regular deep waterings around the roots, avoiding the foliage to prevent leaf burn and fungal diseases.
Channel all energy into fruit and flower production by removing any side shoots or lateral branches. These are found sprouting at any angle between the main stem and an already-formed branch.
Tomatoes are ready for picking once they have fully ripened on the vine and turned red, orange, or yellow, depending on the variety. Harvest green tomatoes slightly earlier when they show a hint of colour at the base of the fruit. Leave a small stalk on the fruit and pop them in a sunny spot to ripen.
Our Top Varieties
Tomatoes come in a range of different colours, sizes, tastes and culinary uses. Here are our top picks for this spring:
Beefsteak
Named for its large, fleshy fruit, the beefsteak tomato is ideal for sandwiches and burgers.
Roma
These non-acidic tomatoes are great in soups and pastes. Fruit ripens all at once, rather than throughout the season.
Sweet 100
Sweet 100 are small, sweet cherry tomatoes that fruit abundantly from late spring through late autumn.
Grosse Lisse
Grosse Lisse is a popular, heavy-yielding variety of tomato with large, robust fruit.
Kings Liquid Tomato Food
Great for chillies, capsicum, eggplant, and other fruiting veggies. Liquid feed once every two to four weeks.
Kings Container Mix
Great for using on trees, shrubs, containers, hanging baskets, and any edibles that prefer moist soil.
Money Maker
A classic medium-sized tomato with juicy fruit, this prolific cropper has excellent disease resistance.
Charm
Charm is a prolific producer of medium, juicy fruit. Perfect for growing in both pots and raised garden beds.
Kings Sheep Pellets
A great organic fertiliser for all plants, trees and shrubs, helping to improve soil structure.
FlexiBin
THE
JOURNEY
TO Growing Organic
Embracing organic gardening practices allows you to cultivate a healthy ecosystem right in your own backyard. Growing organically is a truly rewarding experience, giving you the peace of mind that comes from knowing exactly what goes into and onto your food.
Soil
The best place to start your organic gardening journey is with the soil! Focus on enriching your soil with organic matter such as Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets. A teaspoon of healthy garden soil can be home to a billion beneficial bacteria, thousands of protozoa, and endless fungal strands.
There are many benefits to having a dynamic ecosystem in your garden, from improved plant nutrition and increased moisture retention, to resilience against pests and diseases. Practice crop rotation and companion planting to maintain soil health and reduce pests. Natural pest control, such as introducing beneficial insects
and using organic sprays, helps keep your garden thriving without using chemicals.
Composting
Creating your own compost is a great way to use kitchen and garden scraps, turning them into valuable organic matter for your garden. Choose a sunny spot for your compost bin or pile, layering green materials like veggie scraps and grass clippings with brown materials such as leaves and paper. To speed up the decomposition process, turn your compost regularly to aerate it. In a few months, you’ll have compost ready to enrich your garden beds! If you’re short on space, try a bokashi bin under your sink.
Worm Farms
Worm farms are not only great for organic gardening, but they are also lots of fun to work on with the kids. Choose a worm farm kit from your local Kings, and place in a cool, shady area with a bedding layer. Feed with small amounts of kitchen scraps like veggie peels and coffee grounds. As the waste is processed by the worms, worm castings and worm tea are created. Before adding to your garden, dilute the worm tea with water at a ratio of about 1:10 and apply to your plants' soil or as a
foliar spray. Lightly fork in the vermicast solids while preparing your garden beds for another nutrient-packed boost. Worm castings and worm tea are highly beneficial for plant growth and enhancing the soil.
Kings Top Tip
Organic fertilisers not only feed the plant but also build up the soil biota, which improves nutrient availability going forward and helps the plants become self-supporting over the long term.
Email a photo of your finished bird seed balls to scoop@kings.co.nz before 1st December 2024 and go in the draw to win a $50 Little Growers prize pack!*
We love using cosmos, chamomille or bee-friendly flower seeds. Our seed balls are fantastic as gifts for friends and family.
What you'll need:
• 1 large mixing bowl
• 1/2 to 1 cup flower seeds
• 3 cups potters' clay OR clay soil from the garden
• 5 cups compost
• Water
Combine your seeds, clay and compost in the bowl. Gradually add in water, mixing by hand until everything sticks together. 1
Roll mixture into small, firm balls. Put the balls in a sunny spot to dry. 2
Once you are finished, either give as gifts to friends and family, or use in your own garden by throwing them up in the air. Flowers will grow wherever they land! 3
them Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 November
www.gardendesignfest.co.nz
Free coffee with purchase when you show this voucher at any Daily Bread Kings Plant Barn throughout September. T&C’s apply.
Locally famous for longfermented, high hydration sourdough and handcrafted buttery pastries, Daily Bread is now at four locations inside Kings Plant Barn garden cafes.
Kings Plant Barn Takapuna. Kings Plant Barn Remuera. Kings Plant Barn Stonefields. Kings Plant Barn Botany.
CREATING A CAPTIVATING DISPLAY Summer Bulbs
When it comes to gardening, there are few things that rival the captivating beauty of bulbs bursting through the soil. After lying dormant for months, they emerge with a spectacular display of blooms.
Planting
Depending on the variety, summer bulbs should be planted in spring or autumn. Keep an eye out for when they are available in stores, as that’s your sign to get planting. Plant summer bulbs in a full sun position with at least six hours of sunlight each day. If you are planting for cut flowers, plant in a shadier spot, as the reduced sunlight encourages longer stems, making them ideal for cut flower arrangements.
When planting in the garden, consider planting into raised beds for improved drainage. Alternatively, if planting in a
particularly wet spot, plant in a slight mound. Fork the soil and add Gypsum ClayBreaker and Kings Potting Mix if needed.
When planting in pots, be sure to choose one with enough space for the bulbs to grow. Opt for well-draining mix without water storage crystals such as Kings Potting Mix.
Care
After planting, give your bulbs a deep watering, and continue watering regularly until they start sprouting. During the drier months of summer, regular watering is essential. Potted bulbs will need
watering daily. Just be sure the pots aren’t sitting in water, as this could cause the bulbs to rot.
To boost flower development, side-dress your bulbs with Kings Bulb Food every three months, avoiding direct contact between the food and the bulbs. To promote strong and healthy root systems, apply Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster monthly.
Keep sap-sucking insects like thrips and aphids under control with Aquaticus Bugtrol. These pests are more prevalent during the drier weather.
Our Top Summer Bulbs
We have a stunning range of summer bulbs in store this spring, with so many beautiful colours and styles to choose from.
Dahlia
If you’re looking to add a vibrant pop of colour to your garden, Dahlias are the perfect choice. From soft pastels to fiery reds and vivid yellows, we have a stunning range available this season.
Begonia
Bring a splash of colour to your outdoor space by planting Begonias in hanging baskets, pots or garden beds. Choose from single, double or frilly blooms, available in a range of colours.
Gladioli
Gladioli have striking flower spikes that can grow up to a metre tall. There are so many patterns and colours to choose from, and gladioli will make a statement in both flower gardens and pots.
Bearded Iris
Grow well with
BULB ESSENTIALS
Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster
All-purpose natural and organic fertiliser that feeds plants, helps promote healthy soil biology and soil.
Beautiful perennials popular for sword-shaped leaves and striking orchid-like blooms. From deep purples and blues to vibrant yellows and whites, Bearded Iris are a great choice for your garden.
Kings Potting Mix
A great all rounder for any indoor and outdoor plants. Formulated for easy use and healthy growth.
Kings Compost
Mix into your garden soil for organic nutrients, as well as helping to improve drainage.
SPRING SECRETS FOR Happy Houseplants
Spring is here, bringing new growth and energy for our indoor plants. As the growing season begins, it’s time to change up your routine for indoor plants. Some plants may even need a new home!
Spring brings longer days and warmer weather, and with the growing season in full swing, you’ll notice new growth on your indoor plants. Warmer weather means indoor plants need more care than during the cooler seasons, and we’ve got all the tips and tricks to keep you growing well.
Position
Ensure your indoor plants are in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight so they can enjoy the sunshine without getting burnt! Different species have different light preferences. Some plants thrive in low light, while others need more sun, so research needs before finding them a home.
Watering
In the warmer weather, your indoor plants will need a bit more watering. Check the moisture levels in the soil with a moisture meter, or simply stick your finger into the soil to see if it’s damp. When the soil feels slightly dry, it’s time to give them a drink. Just remember to avoid overwatering - they don’t like soggy roots!
Fertilising
Spring is here, and regular fertilising can now resume. Every four to six weeks, use a liquid fertiliser such as Kings House Plant Liquid Food to give your indoor plants a quick nutrients boost. For a slow-release option, apply Kings Slow-Release House Plant Food once in spring, and again in summer.
Repotting
After a few years of growing, your indoor plant may need a new home. Check for roots peeking through drainage holes, slow growth or soil drying out more quickly after watering, as these are all signs that your plant may need repotting. Keep in mind, newly bought plants usually don’t need repotting right away. Some indoor plants like moth orchids, peace lillies and anthuriums prefer being cozy in their pots, so don’t rush into upsizing!
When repotting, choose a new pot that is up to 5cm larger than the current one. Add a layer of Kings House Plant Mix at the bottom for the roots to grow into. Gently
squeeze the sides of the original pot to loosen the soil. Turn the pot upside down, securing the soil with one hand, and carefully pull the pot away. For rootbound plants, a quick flush of water will help loosen up the roots. Place your plant in its new pot, ensuring there is 3 to 4cm of space between the top lip of the pot and the soil level. Carefully fill the space around your plant with new mix, covering the roots but not burying the stem below its original level. Give your plant a deep watering to help it settle into its new home, and wait for a month before feeding with Kings House Plant Liquid Food.
INDOOR ESSENTIALS Grow
Kings House Plant Mix
Specially formulated for indoor plants. It also contains slow-release fertiliser that will last up to six months.
Kings House Plant Liquid Food
A complete feed which provides the nutrients your plants need to produce healthy foliage, and vibrant flowers.
Kings Slow-Release Houseplant Food
Provides plants with up to six months worth of nutrients and minerals. Promotes healthy growth and lush flowers.
GARDEN TO PLATE Recipes
Always pick berries that are plump and fully dark blue, without any blush of pink. Ripe berries will easily fall off into your hand if you gently roll the fruit. If you have to tug, leave it to continue ripening.
Kings
Top Tip
Lemon, Lavender & Blueberry Cake
Indulge in a delicious blend of sweet blueberries, floral lavender and sour lemon with our delicious spring cake.
What You’ll Need
Cake
∙ 1 cup oat flour
∙ 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
∙ 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
∙ 1/2 tsp baking soda
∙ 1/2 tsp salt
∙ 1 cup room temperature butter
∙ 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
∙ 3 large eggs
∙ 1 cup plain greek yoghurt
∙ 1/4 cup lemon juice
∙ 2 tbsp lemon zest
∙ 1 tbsp dried culinary lavender or fresh lavender finely chopped
∙ 1/2-1 cup fresh blueberries (tossed in a little oat flour to prevent sinking)
Lemon Icing
∙ 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
∙ 1/4 cup cream cheese 2 tbsp room temperature butter
∙ 2 tbsp lemon juice
∙ Lemon slices, fresh lavender, and fresh blueberries
Method
Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease and line two 20cm cake pans or two loaf pans with baking paper.
Whisk the oat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl and set aside.
In a larger bowl, beat the butter and sugar until it's light and fluffy. Add the eggs and continue to beat for a couple more minutes.
Add the yoghurt, lemon juice, lemon zest, and half of the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until nearly combined. Add the remaining dry ingredients and the lavender and mix until combined. Gently fold in blueberries.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, and leave to cool before icing.
To make the icing, combine all ingredients in a bowl, and beat until smooth. Cover the cake with icing and decorate with lemon slices, lavender and blueberries.
GROWING YOUR BEST SPRING GARDEN WITH
GROWING YOUR BEST SPRING GARDEN WITH
LIVING EARTH
LIVING EARTH
If you want a natural superfood that gives your plants a turbo boost and helps build a healthier soil long term, try out the Organic Living Earth range for your spring planting.
If you want a natural superfood that gives your plants a turbo boost and helps build a healthier soil long term, try out the Organic Living Earth range for your spring planting.
Everyday multi-buy
Everyday multi-buy
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Spring has officially sprung! Freesias are emerging from the soil, bees are buzzing, and new life is all around. The growing season is finally heremake the most of the soft soil and sunny days by getting stuck in the garden.
YOUR SPRING GARDEN TO-DO LIST September
Flowers And Perennials
Refresh your garden by replacing spent winter annuals with vibrant spring blooms like snapdragons, petunias, and marigolds.
Plant lavender in a sunny spot with Kings Garden Mix in the ground or Tui Pot Power in pots.
Keep your flowering plants looking their best with regular deadheading and feed with Kings Fast Food. Sow flower seeds like alyssum, marigold, and cosmos to keep the bees happy and well-fed.
Fruit
Veggies
Feed fruit trees with Aquaticus
Organic Garden Booster as they start to produce new foliage.
Prune your feijoa and passionfruit vines to encourage new growth. Add a burst of flavour to your garden by planting citrus, peaches, plums, nectarines, apples, and pears. If space is limited, opt for dwarf varieties in large pots! Plant strawberries now to enjoy them with your Christmas pavlova. Get melon seeds started in trays for vigorous plants come October.
Clear away weeds to prepare your garden for spring growththey'll be more of a hassle next month!
Enhance your soil's nutrients by working in Aquaticus Organic Soil and Plant Conditioner, Kings
Sheep Pellets, or Kings Compost. Start your journey to homegrown tomatoes by planting grafted varieties in warm, sheltered spots.
Sow seeds! Plant carrot and parsnip directly into garden beds, and sow tomato, zucchini, cucumber, basil, eggplant, chilli, and capsicum into seedling trays in a warm, sunny spot indoors. Plant sprouted seed potatoes with 15cm-long shoots, and watch them grow!
Indoor Plants
Repot indoor plants that have outgrown their pots. Monitor your indoor plants' watering needs closely as the weather warms. Snip off any old, browning leaves that appeared during the colder months. If your indoor plants are stretching towards the light, give them a little weekly turn to straighten them up.
Trees And Shrubs
Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil to plant your roses. Feed existing ones with Kings Rose Food for their upcoming growth spurt.
Mulch around fruit trees, shrubs, and hedging to retain moisture as the weather warms.
Plant hydrangeas now for stunning summer blooms.
Lawns
General Tasks
After daffodils and tulips finish flowering, deadhead to save their energy for next year. Prepare trellises and netting for climbing peas, beans, pumpkins, cucumbers, and melons. Plan your garden composting for the coming season and consider getting a green bin for excess waste. Return rinsed plastic plant punnets to a Kings swap-apot bin for reuse and recycling.
Create lush new lawns or repair damaged patches by sowing grass seed. Boost established lawns with Yates Weed 'n' Feed, but take care with new lawns as many fertilisers can be too strong and may burn fresh growth. As the weather warms, adjust your lawn mower setting and gradually cut the grass shorter as spring passes by.
Kings Slow- Release Rose Food Formulated to keep your roses wellfed while they are flowering in spring and summer.
Kings Garden Mix Encourages healthy sustained growth in flowers, trees and shrubs. Includes blood and bone and slowrelease fertiliser.
conditioner made from NZ green-lipped mussels. Safe for pets and people.
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SEPTEMBER
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October brings a wealth of opportunities to sow and grow! Labour Weekend marks the turning point for summer crops, making it the perfect time for diving into garden tasks and ensuring a bountiful season ahead.
Flowers And Perennials
Create stunning displays by planting petunia, lobelia, and alyssum in tall pots and hanging baskets. Fill gaps in the garden with taller annuals like snapdragons, marigolds, and gazanias. Keep your plants growing well by deadheading spent flowers and feeding with Yates Thrive Flower and Fruit Food for stronger growth and vibrant blooms.
YOUR SPRING GARDEN TO-DO LIST
October
Fruit
Boost established fruit trees with Kings Citrus and Fruit Tree Fertiliser. Use Kings Slow-Release Citrus Food for potted citrus to keep them growing well. Plant rhubarb in sunny spots on healthy beds of Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets. Prepare for a delicious summer harvest by planting strawberries and blueberries in rich soil mixed with Kings Compost. Enhance blueberry yield by planting different varieties together for cross-pollination. Get new passionfruit vines planted from October onwards. Choose a sunny, north-facing spot with welldraining soil.
Veggies
Prepare empty garden beds for planting by enriching the soil with Kings Compost and Kings Organic Vegetable Fertiliser.
Protect new seedlings from slugs and snails using Tui Quash –it's kid and pet-safe. Your favourite summer veggie seedlings, like tomatoes, chillies, basil, beans, and eggplants, are arriving in stores this month. There’s still time to get summer seeds in, but make sure to check dates when reusing previous years’ packets. After three years seed is much less viable.
Indoor Plants
When you see new growth, this is the best time to take cuttings and start propagating your indoor plants. Start fertilising with Kings House Plant Liquid Food, or for larger, more established indoor plants, use Kings House Plant Slow-Release Food. Monitor watering closely, as warmer weather often means more frequent watering is required. Most indoor plants only need water when the soil becomes dry, but ensure fittonia, ferns, and carnivorous plants stay moist.
Tend to your veggie beds, and use a garden kneeler pad for extra comfort. Stake tomato laterals with sturdy bamboo stakes. Enhance your garden's health by introducing companion plants around your veggies and shrubs to naturally ward off pests and boost growth. Trees And Shrubs Plant roses in sunny spots with Kings Garden Mix or Kings Compost for growth stimulation. Get hydrangeas in nowthey grow well in dappled shade and can tolerate the south side of fences and houses. Mulch shrubs such as roses, daphne, camellias, vireyas, gardenias, and pieris with Living Earth More Than Mulch and feed with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. Lawns
General Tasks
Get your lawns ready for summer picnics by fertilising and tackling broadleaf weeds with Yates Weed ‘n’ Feed. Spot spray those tougher weeds with Yates Turfix Gun. Repair patchy areas by sowing grass seed with Living Earth More Than Lawn Mix for successful germination and a lush lawn.
Yates Weed 'n' Feed Provides selective control of most broadleaf weeds in lawns with added fertiliser for healthy green lawns.
Kings House Plant Liquid Food A complete feed which provides the nutrients your plants need to produce healthy foliage, and vibrant flowers.
Living Earth More Than Mulch Contains bark which creates a barrier between the sun and earth, keeping plants hydrated for longer.
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As the year starts to wind down, your garden is still bursting with life. With the warmer weather, keep your plants growing well through the holiday season by watering regularly and protecting them from pests.
Flowers And Perennials
Explore our vast selection of beautiful blooms for pots and gardens, including dianthus, dahlias, salvias, zinnias, snapdragons, and verbenas. Give your potted plants the best start with Kings Container Mix or Tui Pot Power.
YOUR SPRING GARDEN TO-DO LIST
November
Fruit Plant passionfruit in a sunny, warm spot against a fence or frame. Prune occasionally to ensure good airflow and prevent bacterial infections. If space is limited, choose dwarf citrus for potsthey grow to just 1.5 to 2 meters tall, making them perfect for smaller gardens. Save water sustainably by reusing greywater for your thirsty fruit treesso long as you used eco-friendly soap! Keep an eye on your strawberries to enjoy a bountiful harvest for summer smoothies and protect with bird netting if needed.
Veggies Plan for an ongoing summer harvest by staggering your planting. Aim for a two-week gap between sowing different crops for a continuous supply.
Now is the best time to plant beans, tomatoes, chillies, capsicums, eggplant, courgettes, cucumber, and kumara for a bountiful summer harvest.
Water, weed, and feed your veggies with Kings Fast Food, and treat your tomato plants to Kings Liquid Tomato Food. For an organic option, try Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. Improve water retention in your veggie beds by mulching with pea straw.
Indoor Plants
Repot your indoor plants in mid to late spring. Research the best potting mix for your plant species or chat to one of our expert team instore.
Maintain humidity levels of 60-70% for tropical plants. If your humidity is lower, place rocks in the bottom of your saucers and add water. Cut back any spent flowers to keep your plants looking lush. For moth orchids, trim just above the first or second node to encourage new growth.
General Tasks
Give your finishing spring flowers and sprouting summer bulbs a boost with Kings Bulb Food. Create a buzzing garden and attract bees by planting comfrey, borage, cosmos, lavender, and salvia near your fruit trees and veggie gardens. Use healthy leaf litter as mulch under large trees. It not only enriches the soil but also creates a natural foraging spot for birds.
Trees And Shrubs
Stop and smell the roses –most will be in full bloom! Enjoy your current favourites and explore new varieties to plant for next year. Bring a splash of colour to your garden with vining plants like star jasmine, mandevilla, and bougainvillea. Add a tropical touch to your garden with the stunning summer blooms of hibiscus, available in stores at the end of the month.
Lawns
Late spring is your last chance to prepare your lawn. Plant grass seed now before the heat of summer sets in. Keep grass trimmed away from plants and apply mulch around trees to effectively suppress weeds.
Grow well with
Tui Pot Power High quality mix, ideal for outdoor containers, pots and hanging baskets. Contains water-storage crystals.
Kings Fast Food Liquid fertiliser for all indoor and outdoor plants including trees, shrubs, vegetables, and flowering plants.
Kings Container Mix Great for using on trees, shrubs, hanging baskets, and any edibles that prefer moist soil. NOVEMBER
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