Summer is in full swing and many Kiwi gardeners are enjoying their summer harvests of corn, pumpkins, eggplants, passionfruit and chilis. An often overlooked summer task is actually getting ready for winter and the colder months ahead. With thoughtful planning and proactive measures, you can ensure your garden thrives even during the chilliest winter days. Here are 7 things you can do during the summer months to prepare for winter:
1. Seed Saving: Summer is an ideal time to save seeds from your favourite plants for future seasons. Allow some of your plants to go to seed, then collect and properly store the seeds for planting next year. Not only does seed saving help you save money, but it also preserves heirloom varieties and promotes genetic diversity in your garden.
2. Autumn Planting: Start planning and preparing for your autumn and winter garden by sowing seeds or planting transplants of cold-hardy crops such as cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, and onions. By getting a head start in the summer, you can extend your harvest well into the cooler months and even enjoy fresh produce during the winter.
Pro tip: This is especially true for onions, like the Pukekohe Long Keeper. Plant seeds now to give the onions plenty of time to fatten up before harvest late this year or early next year.
3. Soil Amendment: Take advantage of the warm weather to amend your soil with organic matter such as compost, aged manure, or cover crops. Adding organic matter helps improve soil structure, fertility, soil life, and water retention, providing a healthy foundation for your plants to thrive in the coming months. Improve your soil health further by applying our beneficial microbe solution. Our soil microbes are grown specifically for NZ conditions.
4. Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around your plants to help conserve soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Organic mulches like straw, leaves, or wood chips also break down over time, enriching the soil with valuable nutrients and improving its overall health. Avoid the use of plastic mulch as this is bad for the environment and can leach toxins into your garden soil over time.
5. Protect Tender Plants: Keep an eye on weather forecasts and be prepared to protect tender plants from early frosts or sudden temperature drops. Use frost blankets, row covers, or even makeshift shelters like cold frames or hoop houses to shield vulnerable plants from the elements.
6. Tool Maintenance: Often overlooked but very important in the long run. Take some time to clean, sharpen, and properly store your gardening tools before the onset of winter. Well-maintained tools not only last longer but also make gardening tasks easier and more efficient.
7. Learn pruning techniques: The best time to prune fruit trees is during winter when the trees are dormant. Spend the summer months reading and learning how to prune trees. There are some great videos on YouTube on this.
Pro tip: If you find diseased branches when pruning, make sure to dispose of those branches away from your garden to stop the spread. Clean your tools thoroughly afterwards.
By taking these proactive steps during the summer months, you can set yourself up for a successful and bountiful winter garden. With careful planning, attention to detail, and a little effort, you can enjoy the fruits of your labour year-round.