As the days get longer and the soil starts to warm, it is time to dig out your garden gloves and get busy in the garden. Whether yours is a dedicated vege garden or a spot with a few crops in pots and containers, the time is right to prepare your soil, sow seeds, plant seedlings and begin this year’s journey up the garden path. 

Before you plant your chosen spring crops, it is important to ensure that your soil is in the right condition so that your plants get off to the best possible start. If you are starting with an existing garden bed dig in organic matter to your soil such as Tui Compost and Tui Blood & Bone. The addition of Tui Compost will replenish your soil with nutrients used during the growing season as well as help break up heavy or clay soil; improve drainage in compacted soil; and increase water holding capacity in sandy soil. Tui Blood & Bone is an essential garden ingredient that will promote healthy plant growth so your garden can perform at its peak. Adding blood & bone to your garden will provide a natural source of nitrogen for healthy plant growth, and phosphorus for strong root development. Both will also increase microbial activity and encourage earthworms. Once you have dug in the compost and blood & bone, add a layer of Tui Vegetable Mix, a high quality natural-based planting mix to provide your veges with the best possible start and sustained growth throughout the season.

Some spring favourites to plant include, lettuce, capsicum, tomatoes, parsley, courgette and cucumber or for cooler areas of the country carrots, broccoli, herbs, spring onions, beetroot, broad beans, leeks and silverbeet. If you are not sure what to plant, a good rule of thumb is to check out what is available at your local garden centre as that should reflect what is suitable to plant in your area. If you are a first-time gardener you may find it easier to grow from seedlings, rather than seed, although seeds can be a more economical option. If you are sowing vegetables from seed, you’ll need to plan ahead, to make sure they are ready to plant when you want to. Generally speaking, the best times to plant are early in the morning or late in the day, so your plants aren’t exposed to the hot sun straight away. It is important to remember to water your plants well before and after planting to help them get settled in their new patch. 

As plants grow they use up nutrients from the soil, so replenishing those nutrients ensures your plants will grow to their full potential. Veges can be particularly hungry crops, so feeding them every four weeks during the growing season will help ensure you maximise your crops. A well watered, well nourished vegetable garden will have a better chance of keeping insect pests and diseases at bay. 

Spring is a great time to start getting your piece of paradise prepped for summer BBQs. Liven up your deck or patio with some potted colour and use Tui All Purpose Potting Mix, which is specially formulated to give the best start to your indoor and outdoor plants in pots, containers and hanging baskets. 

Pop into your local PGG Wrightson store to view the full range of Tui products today. Happy Gardening!

Supplied by Tui Products