Fruitful February!

February is the month of new routines and settled summer heat. Make the most of the last month of summer with time outdoors in the garden. Harvest fruit, pick blooms and check off your February list!

Veggies

Water around the roots of your veggies each morning. Avoid watering the leaves as this encourages powdery mildew. Large-grade chillies are available in stores now. Get a bit adventurous this month and find a different variety to grow! If needed, swap out spent herbs with fresh plants such as parsley, coriander, and chives. Check for caterpillars regularly, they might be camouflaged!

Fruit

Harvest late summer fruit as they ripen on the tree or pick slightly early and share them with friends and family. Once picked, give your trees a light prune.

Plant citrus plants such as lemons and limes in free-draining soil. Mix compost with your original soil. If you have clay soil add gypsum to the mix.

Indoor Plants

Continue to water regularly. To judge if a plant needs watering, lift the pot and assess how light it feels. If your peace lilies are wilting faster than normal it may be time to repot them into slightly larger pots.

Garden Plants

Plant mandevilla, frangipani, bird of paradise, and hibiscus in well-draining soil and in full sun. If you have clay soil, mix in compost, creating a slight mound or raised bed for increased drainage for the plant’s roots. Alstroemeria, geraniums and petunias will be out in flower and look fantastic in pots or planted en masse against fences.

General Garden Tasks

If you don’t already compost – start now. If you have a smaller area, try a worm tower. Worms will dispose of your food and garden waste, and provide your garden with natural and organic nutrients with worm tea or composted matter.

For more gardening tips, pop into your local Kings, or visit kings.co.nz .