Green Fingers List of Things to Do in the Garden During Summer in New Zealand

Lush greenery, handy herbs, and unparalleled aesthetic appeal—Gardens have much more to them than what appears on the outlook. With summer just around the corner, are you a Kiwi who wants to make the most of this season and take your garden to the next level?

Summer provides you with some amazing opportunities to grow your garden and make it phenomenal. All you need to do is follow the proper guidelines and make the right choices.

So, read on and discover what you can do to utilise this season to the best of your ability!

Rejuvenate the Garden from the Effects of Winter

As New Zealand wakes up from winter and comes back to life at the first hint of warmth in the air, some extra attention and care is required to get your garden going after the wet winter season.

Rejuvenation of the garden begins with cleaning up the planting area. Remove any old plant debris and weeds from the previous season. Leaving plant debris can spread harmful diseases and infections, as many insects and pathogens take shelter in dead leaves and residual stalks.

Remove any dead and unhealthy stems by pruning perennial plants and shrubs. Add soil amendment fertilisers such as Green Fingers Liquid Seaweed and Green Fingers Liquid Humic to improve the soil's structure and density. Plants grow best in well-drained, nutrient-rich, and fertile soil.

Grow the Seasonal Herbs and Veggies

Choosing the right seasonal crop that matches the climate and growing conditions of New Zealand is essential. Here are our top picks that thrive well in the long hot days of the classic Kiwi summer.

● Zucchini, also known as courgettes, are mold-resistant and round varieties that can be planted when the weather warms up and can be harvested in six weeks.

● Tomatoes can now be safely planted across New Zealand.

● Capsicum can also be safely planted across New Zealand and requires deep, warm, and well-drained soil.

● Pumpkins are best grown in the summer and can be harvested by autumn.

● The cucumber is a classic watery fruit that can be grown up a trellis and are ready to harvest in less than eight weeks. The more you pick, the more they grow.

● Eggplant is a perfect summer crop that can be harvested in 12 weeks.

● Herbs such as basil, coriander, chives, parsley, fennel, and mint grow well in summer. Beans are universal vegetables that can be grown at any time of the year.

Get Some Outdoor Furniture

You can increase your garden's visual appeal by transforming your outdoor space into a place with enough seating to enjoy dinners and parties with your friends and families this summer.

Deciding on the right garden furniture can make it a pleasant and more comfortable place. Consider the size of your garden when determining the structure, size, and style of your outdoor furniture.

Bench seats can be an excellent choice to make the gathering more interactive and avoid clutters of chairs at the same time. Use cushions and rugs to add an aesthetic touch to your decor.

Add Mulch and Water Smartly — Pro Tips

As we move towards the last part of this article, we've already told you some fantastic things you can do in your Garden this New Zealand summer. However, there are two more things that'll seal the deal.

Mulching is key to good gardening, and summer is the perfect time to add that layer of mulch. It will stay in place for the entire season, and all your plants will get the perfect nutritional value.

Finally, watering effectively is imperative, especially in New Zealand’s dry summers. Add too much extra liquid, and you'll turn the soil boggy. In contrast, adding little water will cause the plants to dry in the heat.

Therefore, you need to have a surgeon's accuracy for summer gardening when it comes to watering plants. Make a schedule, and don't go overboard.

Let us know in the comments what your plans are for your garden this year's summer in New Zealand!