Inspiration

Here’s what you should be doing in your garden this Autumn

The experts from Kings Plant Barn are here to help 

Help! My fruit trees didn’t bear much fruit this summer. What can I do for next year?

A little care goes a long way. Mulch your planted fruit trees with bark or compost, making sure it isn’t touching the trunk. This will help lock in soil moisture for longer. Water your fruit trees deeply, at least once a week, as fruit drop can occur if your trees are drying out.

Fruit trees can be tip and spur bearing, and need different pruning techniques. If you are unsure what your plant has, ask a Kings staff member for advice on how to properly prune your established tree without cutting off the fruiting tips.  Feed your fruit tree at least twice a year with Kings citrus and fruit tree fertilizer – once in spring and again in autumn.

Do you have any tips on planting spring bulbs for a great show?

Spring bulbs, such as daffodils and crocus, are fine to put straight into the soil and don’t need much maintenance. Plant in autumn under trees or against bare fences for a beautiful display come spring. Other plants, such as hyacinths and tulips, need to have a cold snap to produce well. Since Auckland doesn’t get cold enough over winter, put the dry bulbs in the fridge for 4-6 weeks before planting to simulate the cool season. Sprinkle with bulb food once a year when they are first sprouting to give them a boost.

What do I need to know about growing a hedge?

You will first need to choose how large you want your hedge to be. Smaller hedging can be used as garden borders, in the front garden or against houses. Choose smaller growing plants such as Buxus, Corokia and Teucrium. Medium-size hedges are good for creating a barrier between properties, using as dividers and growing along the edge of a fence. Medium growing hedging plants include Griselinia, feijoa and camellias.

For those who are looking to screen out something unsightly, plant eugenias (lily pilys), camellias, bay leaf or Pittosporum.  If you have clay soil, dig a hole twice as deep and as wide as the pot your plant comes in, sprinkle a handful of Gypsum ClayBreaker to help break up the clay, sprinkle a scoop full of Kings 24 Plus to help feed the roots, and backfill half-way with a mix of compost and top soil. Put the plant in the hole, backfilling with the remainder, then water deeply. For windy spots, put a couple of stakes in on either side to help keep it steady.

How can I get away with weeding less often?

Use mulch around your ornamental garden, trees and hedging, which also helps lock in moisture for longer, making sure the mulch isn’t touching the trunks or stems. You can also mulch your veggie bed with peastraw to keep the weeds at bay, and feed your lawn while killing off weeds with Yates
Weed ‘N’ Feed.

 

Head to kings.co.nz for more gardening advice and inspo.

Create the home of your dreams with Shop Your Home and Garden

SHOP NOW

FEATURED