 The mild conditions that persisted through May meant that winter crops got off to a great start. Even though mid-winter is only a few weeks away there is still plenty to do if we are to enjoy fresh vegetables year-round.
SEEDS TO SOW. Only hardy varieties can be sown in June and I find I get the best result by sowing the seeds in containers and producing sturdy plants to plant out later. This gets them away to a good start as they deal with wintery conditions. Cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, lettuce, silver beet, beetroot, kohlrabi, perpetual spinach and spring onion all benefit from this method. Peas, broad beans and snow peas can be sown in pots or straight into the garden but I favour growing them in small pots before planting out. POTATOES First early potatoes can be planted in mid July so this is the time to prepare seed potatoes by chitting. Chitting involves pre-sprouting the tubers by putting them in trays (I use egg cartons) and placing them in a warm, light, dry spot to allow the young shoots to develop. Good early varieties include Cliffs Kidney, Jersey Bennes, Illam Hardy and Arran Banner. VEGETABLES TO PLANT Garlic, shallots, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, perpetual spinach, lettuce, rocket, spring onions, silver beet, kohlrabi and Florence fennel can all be planted this month. GARLIC & SHALLOTS Individual garlic cloves are usually planted point upwards approx 10cm apart with 15cm to 30cm between rows and covered with 2cm to 3cm of soil. Shallots are spaced 10cm apart with 20cm between rows with the base of the bulb pressed firmly into the soil but leaving the top half exposed. HERBS Plant hardy herbs such as rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley and coriander. Mint is best kept in pots to prevent invasive roots and shoots from overpowering less vigorous plants. STRAWBERRIES Commercial strawberry growers like to get their beds planted as soon as possible in late autumn/early winter. Planting now allows the maximum time to produce a strong plant with a well developed root system that will support a large crop of succulent fruit. It also encourages early and prolonged cropping. If using bare-rooted strawberry plants that are dug straight out of the ground just be careful that the roots are never allowed to become dry before planting. Next summer, here we come. By Chris Green - Project Generate Volunteer
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MAY VEGETABLE GARDEN This is the change-over month where summer crops make way for vegetables that will mature in winter and early Spring. SEEDS TO SOW If conditions are still reasonably mild the first week of May we can try a late sowing of carrots, peas and snow peas direct into the garden. Covering carrot seed with a light dressing of seed-raising potting mix instead of topsoil will aid germination. With protection from the elements, onions, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, silver beet, spring onion, perpetual spinach and lettuce can also be sown in pots and punnets for later transplanting. Broad beans are cool weather vegetables and the seed can be sown direct into the garden now to provide a useful fresh crop in Spring and early Summer. Be prepared for the fact that broad beans grow tall and may require support. BROAD MINDED The world is divided into those who love broad beans and those who loathe them. If the only broad beans you have ever tasted were leather jackets swimming in a sea of tasteless white sauce why would you like them? In fact fresh, tender broad beans provide a gourmet delight that is rarely available in supermarkets. Grow your own and pick ‘em young. Delicious! VEGETABLES TO PLANT Plant seedlings of broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower but there are still Cabbage White butterflies around so netting protection may be required. Beetroot, silver beet, lettuce can still be planted in sunny, sheltered spots. GARLIC AND SHALLOTS May, June and July are the best months for planting garlic and shallots. Both take six to seven months to mature so it’s a good idea to enrich the soil with plenty of compost and a general fertiliser prior to planting. Individual garlic cloves are planted just below the surface, pointy end upwards, approximately 10cm apart with 15cm to 30cm between rows. Shallots are spaced 10cm apart with 20cm between rows with the base of the bulbs pressed firmly into the soil but leaving the top half exposed. STRAWBERRIES Early planting allows the development of strong plants with vigorous root systems which. In turn, results in a bigger harvest over a longer fruiting season. Bare-rooted strawberry plants are usually available at the end of the month or early June so now’s the time to prepare the area by incorporating compost and fertiliser. Create raised beds if the drainage is poor and perhaps cover the area with weed mat to suppress weeds, conserve summer moisture and to keep the fruit clean. Where space is limited, strawberries can be grown in patio pots, large hanging baskets, troughs or herb planters filled 50/50 with good quality compost and potting mix. Contributed by Chris Green, Project Generate Volunteer.  I moved to Katikati from Wellington in 2012 and immediately felt at home in this wonderful community! I have 3 boys, aged 11, 7, and 3, which keeps me very busy. During the summer our life tends to revolve around Speedway, and then football in the winter. I worked for AFS Intercultural Programmes about 15 years ago, and I am excited to once again be part of a volunteer based organisation that contributes hugely to the community. More recently I have been a Teacher Aide at Katikati Primary School, and I currently volunteer at BABS. You'll usually find me in the office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and by all means pop in to say hi.
 Growing vegetables is not difficult but it does require some forward planning, patience, careful observation and stickability. Sowing seeds or planting seedlings are just the first steps of a commitment to care for our crops through to harvest. April is a great month to continue planting winter vegetables. Soil and air temperatures are still high enough to aid the rapid germination of seeds and establishment of transplanted seedlings. SEEDS TO SOW Sow a few broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale and red cabbage every three or four weeks to give continuity of supply. I always start them in containers but they can be sown directly into a garden seedbed for transplanting later. Whichever method is used the seedlings must be protected from the voracious caterpillars of the Cabbage White butterfly. Because I don’t use chemical sprays on my food crops I prefer a simple frame to support a cover of Quarantine Cloth. This has the added advantage of providing light shade for the tender seedlings. Spring onions, lettuce, silver beet and perpetual spinach can now be sown directly into the garden or, as I prefer, into containers to produce seedlings for transplanting later. Carrots sown early in the month should germinate before temperatures start to fall and will be ready for picking in late winter/early spring. Rocket, radish, beetroot and parsnips (always use fresh parsnip seed for best results) can be sown directly into the garden. Covering seeds with a layer of seed-raising potting mix helps to prevent soil from forming a hard crust that can hinder germination. Peas, snow peas and sugar snap peas can all be sown directly into the garden but be sure to provide support for tall climbing varieties. VEGETABLES TO PLANT April provides a window of opportunity to plant winter vegetables before the weather deteriorates, temperatures fall and the days grow shorter. Seedlings of all the varieties listed in ‘Seeds to Sow’ can be planted now. HERBS Coriander prefers cool conditions so this is a good time to sow or plant. Parsley, chives, sage, rosemary and thyme can all be planted this month. Mint is best planted in pot to prevent it taking over the garden with its vigorous spreading habit. Contributed by Chris Green, Project Generate Volunteer.  On March 2, SuperGrans Western Bay of Plenty changed its name to Project Generate. Established in Katikati in October 2016, the team will continue to offer the programmes the community currently enjoys with the support of three part-time staff and a pool of 40 volunteers of all ages. Project Generate volunteers are involved in a diverse range of activities in the community where they share life skills or offer assistance in response to a community need. Volunteers work across all age groups - from sharing knowledge to students at Katikati Primary school in areas of cooking, growing food and planet friendly activities to supporting elderly attendees at Wise and Wonderful; to hosting Parents Groups in Katikati and Bethlehem; a monthly Crop Swap and the fortnightly Grow On Seedlings Club; reading alongside students at Katikati College and even being part of a walking bus for a local early learning centre. “While we’re doing great things in the community, our name was limiting us,” says Board Chairperson Barbara Martin. “Many people in the community don’t understand who we are or what we do. Often we’re perceived as just knitters, or grandparents raising grandchildren, or even babysitters. “The concept of a name change has been on the table for a while and we’ve undergone numerous rounds of brainstorming and focus groups and received input from all stakeholders,” says Barbara. “We feel the name Project Generate communicates different generations and the generation of ideas and skills which encompasses the facilitation of all our programmes. “Our vision and mission don’t change,” says Barbara. “Our volunteers will continue to share everyday skills for safe, healthy, sustainable, budget living through one-to-one mentoring, group workshops and regular connect and chat groups. Project Generate continues to be client-focused and community-led, so the support and skills that are shared are based on what families and individuals require and what is needed in the community – and all provided at no cost. “Project Generate gives us a more modern image and will hopefully attract younger people and more males as both volunteers and board members. “We welcome anyone who would like to be part of our organisation and volunteer their skills and time to meet the diverse needs of our community. We also invite referrals or requests for support from the community, especially where our volunteers could assist in a one-to-one mentoring or support capacity.” Contact: Wendy Taylor, Service Manager, Project Generate. Ph 07 549 4522 Email: info@ProjectGenerate.org.nz  It’s hard to think about winter while we are still able to enjoy our favourite summer vegetables fresh from the garden but now is the time to sow and plant for the cooler months ahead.
SEEDS TO SOW Sow a few broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale and red cabbage every three or four weeks to give continuity of supply. I always start them in containers but they can be sown directly into a garden seedbed for transplanting later. Whichever method is used the seedlings must be protected from the voracious caterpillars of the Cabbage White butterfly. Because I don’t use chemical sprays on my food crops I prefer a simple frame to support a cover of Quarantine Cloth. This has the added advantage of providing light shade for the tender seedlings. Spring onions, lettuce, silver beet and perpetual spinach can now be sown directly into the garden or, as I prefer, into containers to produce seedlings for transplanting later. Carrots, rocket, radish, beetroot and parsnips can be sown directly into the garden. Covering seeds with a layer of seed-raising potting mix helps to prevent soil from forming a hard crust that can hinder germination. Snow peas prefer cooler conditions but can be sown now in containers for transplanting later in the month. VEGETABLES TO PLANT March is usually a wonderful month to plant winter vegetables but for most of us this year planting will be limited by the amount of water we have available and by our commitment to applying it in a timely and effective way. Regular deep watering in the evening two or three times a week is best for most crops. All the varieties listed in ‘Seeds to Sow’ can be planted now but, if possible, give leafy crops such as lettuce and spinach some shade from the sun. Leeks should be planted as soon as possible to give them time to mature for winter harvest. HERBS Mediterranean herbs such as rosemary, thyme, bay and sage thrive in hot, dry conditions. In pots they still require regular watering but once established in the garden they should be left to fend for themselves. In my garden Italian parsley seems to stand up to heat better than the curly variety. Both can be planted now but growing from seed requires patience as it is very slow to germinate. A good time too to sow coriander seeds as this herb grows best in cooler conditions. Contributed by Chris Green, Project Generate Volunteer.  Warm, settled weather usually makes December a great month to grow and harvest fresh vegetables in the home garden. The dilemma faced by many gardeners is that Christmas marks the start of the holiday season and that coincides with many summer crops being ready to pick.
Watering too can be a problem as it’s vital that soil moisture levels are maintained through the dry, sunny weather that holiday makers love. A surface mulch of organic matter such as compost or straw, applied after the ground is thoroughly soaked, will certainly help but computerised automatic watering systems and/or reliable friends and neighbours may be needed to keep the garden going if you’re away for more than a few days. SEEDS TO SOW There is still time to sow tomatoes, capsicum, chillies, zucchini, cucumber, dwarf beans, climbing beans, butternut squash, pumpkin, basil, egg plant, melon and sweet corn. Spring onions, lettuce, silver beet and perpetual spinach can now be sown directly into the garden or, as I prefer, into containers to produce seedlings for transplanting later. Leeks are a great winter standby and the seed can be sown this month. I like to make a seed bed in the garden with a view to producing strong seedlings (with stems the thickness of a pencil) that will be transplanted into their final positions in March. Carrots, peas, rocket, radishes, beetroot, onions and parsnips can be sown directly into the garden. Covering seeds with a layer of seed-raising potting mix helps to prevent soil from forming a hard crust that can hinder germination. VEGETABLES TO PLANT Almost anything goes this month bearing in mind any limitations on watering and after care. All the varieties listed in ‘Seeds to Sow’ can be planted out into the garden. There’s still time to plant kumera but remember that they need up to four months growing time to mature fully. HERBS Continue to plant basil in pots or gardens to provide lots of leaves for summer pesto. In fact all culinary herbs and lavenders can be planted now. Contributed by Chris Green, SuperGrans WBOP Volunteer Want to know more? SuperGrans WBOP have launched a Life Skills Mentoring Programme for individuals and families wanting to learn how to start or improve a vegetable garden. You'll be matched with a "gardening buddy" who will support and guide you as you learn to grow your own food. Email info@supergranswbop.org.nz for an application form or download a form from here.  Higher soil temperatures, good moisture levels and lengthening daylight usually make November a great month to sow and plant all your favourite summer varieties. The thing that’s missing this year is the good moisture level. In over fifty years of gardening I can’t recall ever needing to water the vegetable garden so much in October. Mind you, there are many other things that I can’t recall, but still, soil moisture reserves are unusually low for this time of the year. Until we get some significant rainfall regular, deep watering will be required to ensure that summer vegetables get off to the best possible start.
SEEDS TO SOW Tomatoes, capsicum, chillies, zucchini, cucumber, dwarf beans, climbing beans, butternut squash, pumpkin, basil, egg plant, melon, sweet corn, spring onions, lettuce, silver beet and perpetual spinach can now be sown directly into the garden or, as I prefer, into containers to produce seedlings for transplanting later. Carrots, peas, rocket, radishes, beetroot, onions and parsnips can be sown directly into the garden. Covering seeds with a layer of seed-raising potting mix helps to prevent soil from forming a hard crust that can hinder germination. Summer varieties of broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower can still be sown or planted but be prepared to protect them from the cabbage white caterpillars that will soon start to infest these crops. POTATOES Crops planted in July or early August should now be ready to harvest as small to medium new potatoes. Yum! Potatoes can still be planted in November but the later they go in the ground the more they are susceptible to attack from potato psyllid, sap sucking insects that spread a bacterial disease that can ruin crops. Earth-up existing crops. This involves drawing soil up and around the plants until only the top of the foliage is showing. It provides protection from the weather and insect pests as well as preventing ‘greening’ of any exposed tubers. The same principal applies to potatoes in containers, just top up the growing mix as the plants grow. VEGETABLES TO PLANT Almost anything goes this month. All the varieties listed in ‘Seeds to Sow’ can be planted out into the garden. It is also the time to plant kumara as they thrive in warm conditions and need up to four months to mature. Plants should available now in garden centres but be aware that kumara have a wide spreading habit of growth and so require lots of space. HERBS November is a great time to plant plenty of basil in pots or gardens to provide lots of leaves for summer pesto. In fact all culinary herbs and lavenders can be planted now. Lovage is a strong growing, perennial herb that dies down in winter and pops up again in early spring. It has a distinctive celery-like taste that is useful in soups, stews and casseroles. Coriander prefers cool growing conditions so plant it in a shady spot if possible. Contributed by Chris Green, SuperGrans WBOP Volunteer Want to know more? SuperGrans WBOP have launched a Life Skills Mentoring Programme for individuals and families wanting to learn how to start or improve a vegetable garden. You'll be matched with a "gardening buddy" who will support and guide you as you learn to grow your own food. Email info@supergranswbop.org.nz for an application form or download a form from here.  Early spring, as usual, has given us a roller-coaster ride with the weather. September gave us several balmy days with temperatures in the high teens and gentle breezes that had us thinking that summer is just around the corner but then it hit us with gale force winds and horizontal rain. That is why I resist the temptation to plant out tender summer vegetables until mid to late October but, in the meantime I like to grow on potted seedlings in a warm, sheltered spot so that I have advanced plants to go in the garden when conditions have settled down.
SEEDS TO SOW Into pots, punnets and trays under cover in a glasshouse, sun porch or sunny window sill : Tomatoes, capsicum, chillies, zucchini, cucumber, dwarf beans, climbing beans, butternut squash, basil, egg plant, melons and sweet corn. A trigger spray bottle is a good way to keep them watered without splashing and washing out the seeds. Carrots, peas, rocket, radishes, beetroot, onions and parsnips can be sown directly into the garden. Covering seeds with a layer of seed-raising potting mix helps to prevent soil from forming a hard crust that can hinder germination. I prefer to sow perpetual spinach, spring onions, and lettuce in pots to provide strong seedlings for planting later. POTATOES With a bit of luck, potatoes planted in early October will provide plenty of new potatoes for Christmas dinner. Earth-up potatoes as they grow by drawing soil up and around the plants until only the top of the foliage is showing. This provides protection from the weather and insect pests as well as preventing ‘greening’ of any exposed tubers. The same principal applies to potatoes in containers, just top up the growing mix as the plants grow. VEGETABLES TO PLANT Labour Weekend is the traditional time to plant out summer varieties such as tomato, capsicum, egg plant, beans, pumpkin, squash, cucumber, kumara, sweet corn and zucchini. Any time from mid-October should be fine but if the weather is unsettled delay planting. Warmth and shelter from strong winds are necessary for success with these crops. Winter standbys such as cabbage, beetroot, broccoli, cauliflower, perpetual spinach, lettuce, spring onions, snow peas and silver beet can still be planted though I choose not to grow cabbage, broccoli or cauliflower through the warmer months as, without protection, cabbage white caterpillars will ruin these crops and I prefer to fill the garden with seasonal summer vegetables. HERBS Most herbs can be planted this month. Thyme, parsley, sage, rosemary, lemon grass, chives and dill can be grown in pots or can be planted directly into the garden. Coriander likes cool conditions so it prefers somewhere with a bit of shade in summer. Mint is best grown in a pot as it can easily take over a garden bed with its underground runners. Tarragon is a perennial herb that dies down in winter and pops up again in spring. There are two varieties, Russian, which is almost tasteless or French which is delicious. Make sure you get the right one. Contributed by Chris Green, SuperGrans WBOP Volunteer Want to know more? SuperGrans WBOP have launched a Life Skills Mentoring Programme for individuals and families wanting to learn how to start or improve a vegetable garden. You'll be matched with a "gardening buddy" who will support and guide you as you learn to grow your own food. Email info@supergranswbop.org.nz for an application form or download a form from here. |