Autumn vibes in the garden in the Manawatu are unbeatable! The air feels crisp, and those long, warm days are just what we need after the scorching summer heat. It's the best time to tackle those tasks we've been putting off and get the garden in tip-top shape. Plus, it's the perfect opportunity to stock up the veggie garden with goodies that thrive in the cooler months. That way, we can keep enjoying fresh harvests all the way through winter! Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, here are some simple tips to make the most of this beautiful season on your lifestyle block in Tokomaru.
1. Crop Rotation
First up, let's chat about crop rotation. It's about giving your soil a breather and keeping those pesky bugs guessing. So, mix it up! Swap your spuds for some silverbeet, your carrots for some cauliflower, and your onions for some oh-so-sweet pumpkins. Your soil will love you for it, and your veggies will be as happy as a pig in muck.
2. Harvesting
Here are some goodies you can pick straight from your patch! For veggies, think beans , beetroot, broccoli, cabbage, capsicum, cauliflower, celery, courgette, cucumber, eggplant, lettuce, marrow, peas, potatoes, pumpkins, sweetcorn, and tomatoes. And for fruits, we've got apples, apricots, blueberries, grapes, Chilean guavas, feijoas, passionfruit, peaches, pears, plums, and strawberries.
Remember, keep on top of your harvest game by picking your veggies regularly. This not only ensures you have a continuous supply but also encourages more growth throughout the season.
3. Watering
Don't forget about watering, folks! It's easy to let it slip your mind once the weather starts cooling down. Keep an eye on your soil and give a drink to those new seedlings and transplants whenever they need it. Trust me, you don't want them drying out during this crucial period. As for the older crops, you can ease back on the watering a bit. They've been around the block and can handle a little less TLC.
4. Saving seeds
Saving seeds is like a little gift to your future self! Right now is the best time to save seeds from your summer crops, so you can sow them again next spring. Think tomatoes, beans, peas, pumpkins, lettuce, and rocket – they're all champs at setting seed. Just gather 'em up, let 'em dry out, and pop 'em in some labelled envelopes for safekeeping. To ensure extended longevtiy keep them in a cool dark place until you need them Easy as!
5. Companion planting
Companion planting is like arranging a group hangout for your plants, where they can all help each other thrive. Here are some top autumn companions to get your garden party started!
With these combos, your garden will be buzzing with harmony in no time!
By following these tips and planning, you can make the most of the autumn season in your lifestyle garden and enjoy a rich and abundant harvest that will sustain you through the winter months. So grab your gumboots, roll up your sleeves and let's get planting for autumn!
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