Every residential garden in Auckland has the potential to yield high quality seasonal vegetables. It is simply a matter of designing your garden in such a way that gives your plants the best chance of thriving. With a bit of planning and a little gardening know how, any gardener can experience the joy of growing their own vegetables.
Vegetable Gardening Tips That Work
Here are some basics things to do:
1) For newly planned garden beds or existing ones it is vital your vege patch has good drainage. Avoid water logged areas, raised gardens are best.
2) Make sure your plot is exposed to as much sun as possible. Plants require lots of direct sun to flourish. A north facing location is the best.
3) Protect your vege garden from direct wind. Consider enclosing with a wind break by planting a hedge or building a fence. Check for any signs of damage or rotting on existing raised beds, trellis screens, fences etc. Make any repairs now instead of waiting until spring. You want to be planting and sowing in spring, not making repairs.
4) Location is important. Find a place close to the house so it is easy to harvest and look after.
5) Good soil is vital if you have an existing garden dig through compost a to enrich the soil and improve drainage. Add Blood and Bone and/or Sheep Pellets also this will help condition the soil.
6) Remove any debris from the garden area like rocks, sticks, left over mulch and dead plant materials. It is especially important to remove old mulch and plant materials if you had issues with diseases, such as blights, the previous year.
7) Apply mulch such as Pea or Barley Straw. This will restrict weed growth and help to keep the plants warm.
8) Once you have planted, regular slug baiting is advisable. Choose a bait that lasts longer in wet conditions such as Yates Baysol. Tui Quash is a good bait that is safe if you have pets around the home.
9) Start sowing seeds indoors in a seed tray or pot or in a really warm, sunny location outdoors protected from the cold. These will soon be ready to plant out directly into your well-prepared vege garden.
