As the cooler months approach in New Zealand, it's important to pay attention to the needs of your garden to ensure it stays healthy and thriving. Here are some tips to help maintain your garden during autumn and to help get those Green Fingers moving!
1. Keep watering
Even though the weather may be cooler and there may be less sunlight, your plants will still need water to survive and photosynthesis before entering dormancy. Make sure to continue watering your plants regularly albeit slightly less than during winter, and consider investing in a drip irrigation system to help conserve water.
2. Fertilise for winter growth
Autumn is a great time to fertilise your plants, as the nutrients will help the lawn and evergreen plants and trees prepare for winter growth. Consider applying a slow-release granule fertiliser to your lawns and garden, while continuing to apply a regular dose of foliar fertiliser. Foliar fertilisers can be the best type of fertiliser for your lawn at this time of the year, especially if you live in a location which gets high rainfall during the Autumn months. Autumn is also a great time to add compost, liquid seaweed and liquid humic & fulvic acid to your soil to provide long-term nourishment.
3. Protect tender plants
If you have any tender plants that may be sensitive to the colder weather, consider protecting them with blankets or frost covers. This will help keep them warm and prevent damage from frost. Down in the South Island plants such as chilis and capsicums may need to be moved inside to a warmer area in order to continue to harvest more fruit.
4. Prune and tidy up
As the growing season comes to an end, it's a good idea to prune and tidy up your garden. Cut back any dead or overgrown plants, and clean up any debris to help prevent pests and diseases from overwintering.
5. Plan for the future
Autumn is also a great time to start planning for the next growing season. Consider what plants you want to add to your garden and start preparing the soil. You can also start seeds indoors to get a head start on the growing season.
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