Frost covers should be brought out of the shed and on clear nights where the temperature looks set to drop below 4˚ tender plants should be covered. The use of cloches at this time of year can greatly enhance growth rates. Any such methods where soil temperature can be increased during these cooler months will increase growth.
Planting lettuce plants on a small mound of compost or mulched with straw or even black plastic mounding as for strawberry plantings, can help to give a good winter lettuce crop.
What to Plant Now
Early potatoes; there are a few varieties eg; Jersey Benne, Ilam Hardy and Agria available now in garden centres. If they are planted now you should be digging new potatoes before or around Labour Weekend in October.
It is not absolutely necessary to sprout potatoes before planting but it is a good gardening practise to do so which pays good dividends in the resulting crop. Potatoes planted now will require vigilant mounding of new growth through the winter to prevent frost damage. As with later potato crops, applications of 'Tui Potato Food' will be beneficial.
June is a good month to plant out Garlic, Shallots and Onions. These are all excellent vegetables for healthy living, they are not difficult and take up so little room. Before planting sprinkle the ground with general fertiliser and fork in. Onions need the ground to be firm, tramp first and plant the root only after having trimmed the root and cut the tops. Both Red California and Pukekoe Longkeeper are available now as transplants in punnets or alternatively grow some from seed.
Strawberry plants perform best if they are planted during the winter months. Plants will produce best in their first two years, it is recommended that you replace plants after the third year.
Carrots and beetroot seeds can be sown after the shortest day next week. Carrots generally require a deeply worked soil with extra sulphate of potash. They do not like soil that has been fertilised with nitrogen as this will cause forking so avoid using rich animal manures and the like.
Time to sow seeds of broad beans if you have not already or plant a second crop. Try 'Chefs Best Ican Broad Bean' called Mr Green Seed, it will produce a great crop of beans that look good and taste good. 'Mr Green Seed' produces beans that remain green after cooking. Rich in minerals, vitamins A & C, and dietary fibre. Broad beans sown now will give you heavy crops of delicious beans in late winter and spring.
Happy Gardening!
Gareth Carter is the General Manager of Springvale Garden Centre.
