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Why Labour Weekend is the Perfect Time to Plant in New Zealand

  • Green Fingers
  • Oct 21, 2024
  • 3 min read

In New Zealand, the arrival of Labour Weekend signals the unofficial start of planting season. Traditionally, gardeners wait until this time to plant frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes, chillies, and dahlias. The reason is simple—by late October, soil temperatures have warmed, and the risk of unexpected frosts is minimal, giving these tender plants the best shot at thriving without setbacks. Planting too early can stunt growth or even kill frost-sensitive plants, so waiting just a little longer is well worth it.


How to Prepare Your Garden for Labour Weekend Planting


  1. Clear Out Weeds and Debris Start by clearing away any winter weeds or dead plants. It’s crucial to remove these early to prevent pests and diseases from lingering. Use a garden fork or spade to turn the soil, allowing air and moisture to penetrate, which encourages healthy root development. Aphids and whitefly can also be abundant at this time, so keep an eye for them and spray if necessary. Beneficial insects can also be purchased to keep this pesky critters under control.

    Image showing garden tools

  2. Improve Soil Health with Organic Matter Now is the perfect time to rejuvenate your soil by adding compost, manure, or organic matter. Compost improves soil structure, boosts microbial activity, and helps retain moisture during summer. If your soil feels heavy or clumpy, try applying Green Fingers Liquid Humic & Fulvic Acid to improve texture and nutrient absorption. Green Fingers Liquid Seaweed is also great for improving the soil structure and increasing the populations of beneficial soil microbes.

    Image showing a hand holding compost

  3. Add the Right Fertilisers Give your garden the nutrients it needs by incorporating Green Fingers Garden Granular Fertiliser. This slow-release blend help set the stage for healthy, sustained growth. If you’re planting fruiting crops like tomatoes or chillies, Green Fingers Fruit Granular Fertiliser offers tailored nutrients to encourage flowering and fruiting.


    Image showing tomatoes growing in the sun

  4. Prepare for Dahlias and Other Flowers For dahlia lovers, Labour Weekend is the moment to get those tubers in the ground. Plant them in a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Adding Green Fingers Bulb Granular Fertiliser will help the tubers develop strong roots and produce abundant blooms. Staking dahlias early prevents damage from winds later in the season.

    Image of a Dahlia flower called Mr Optimist

  5. Planting Tomatoes, Chilies, and Veggies Tomatoes and chilies thrive when planted after Labour Weekend when the soil has reached 16°C or warmer. Dig a deep hole for tomatoes to encourage strong roots, and space chilies well to promote air circulation. Applying Green Fingers Garden Foliar Fertiliser weekly will give these plants a nutrient boost, promoting lush growth and faster fruiting.

    Image showing chilies growing on a plant

  6. Lawn Care for a Summer-Ready Lawn Labour Weekend isn’t just for veggie patches—your lawn deserves attention, too! Now’s the time to aerate your lawn to improve airflow and root health. Apply Green Fingers Lawn Granular Fertiliser for healthy growth, and for a professional finish, try Lawn Pro with added iron for deep green color or Lawn Plus with humic and fulvic acids to boost nutrient uptake. Regular mowing and watering will keep things looking tidy as the weather warms up.

    Image of a healthy lush lawn

  7. Watering and Mulching to Retain Moisture As the temperatures rise, it’s important to establish a watering routine. Water your plants in the morning to avoid midday evaporation and help reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Mulching around plants with organic mulch keeps the soil cool, conserves moisture, and helps suppress weeds—setting your garden up for a stress-free summer.


The Perfect Time to Get Growing

Labour Weekend is more than just a long weekend—it’s an exciting time for gardeners to get their hands dirty. With careful soil preparation, thoughtful planting, and the right products, your garden will flourish through spring and into the heat of summer. Whether you’re growing tomatoes, chilies, dahlias, or a lush green lawn, waiting until Labour Weekend gives your plants the best start possible.

Now’s the time to get planting—your summer garden will thank you! 🌿🌞

Explore Green Fingers’ full range of fertilisers to get your garden spring-ready! 🌻

 
 
 

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