February is upon us, and with it comes some of the hottest days of the year in New Zealand. Keeping your garden hydrated and healthy during this time is key to its success. Let’s explore some essential tips for a thriving late-summer garden.
Keep Moisture Levels High
Water stress is a major challenge in February. To keep your garden happy:
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- Watering Tips: Water early morning or late afternoon to minimize evaporation and encourage deep root growth. Water deeply every few days.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch and humate, around plants to reduce evaporation, keep the soil cool, and suppress weeds. Humates hold their own weight in water up to 7 times as it acts like a sponge so really good for those hot dry periods we can get.
The Power of Humates
Dave’s Organic Liquid Humate is a game-changer for summer gardening. It retains water, feeds beneficial soil organisms, and boosts plant health.
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- Dilution: Mix 90ml of liquid humate into 9 litres of water and apply with a watering can.
- Timing: Apply in the early morning or evening for best results.
- Boost: Can be used in conjunction with other liquid fertilisers.
What to Plant in February
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- Vegetables: Start broccoli, cabbage, kale, and leeks in trays. Sow broad beans, carrots, and beetroot directly into the garden.
- Herbs: Basil, coriander, and parsley thrive in summer.
- Flowers: Plant cosmos, marigolds, and dahlias for vibrant blooms.
- Fruit: Plant strawberries, raspberries, and citrus trees if suitable for your region.
Harvest Time
Enjoy the fruits of your labour:
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- Tomatoes: Remove lower leaves to improve ripening.
- Potatoes: Keep mounding soil around plants.
- Sweetcorn: Stake plants to protect them from strong winds.
Maintenance Tips
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- Pest Control: Use organic solutions like neem oil to manage pests.
- Lawn Care: Mow slightly higher and use humate to improve drought resilience.
- Soil Health: Add compost and humate to replenish nutrients.
February is a rewarding time to garden, so enjoy the vibrant blooms and fresh produce. Visit any Mitre10, Bunnings or your local garden centre for Dave’s Garden Products to keep your garden thriving. 😊