July is traditionally mid-winter, but, it often feels as though the seasons are getting

later in the year now. This is a month where you can either sit back relax, stay warm

and just enjoy your garden, or you can use this time to put on your gumboots and a

warm jacket and get out in amongst it. This is a great time to get roses pruned, tools

maintained, berry bushes planted, fruit and citrus trees planted and it’s never too late

to get some strawberries and winter seedlings planted.

Your July Gardening Guide

RosesThe July school holidays are often a good time for pruning roses as more people are off work and around the house. If you haven’t made a start on pruning your roses then this is the time to get into it. Once you notice that your roses are bushing up it’s a good time to add some Nitrophoska to the surrounding soil. You can also add some rose fertiliser and even dig through some compost for an organic boost (we suggest you don’t use raw manures as this is too hard on the roses root system).

Winter VegetablesIf you haven’t planted your winter seedlings yet, it’s not too late. Prepare the area where you want to plant with compost and sheep pellets. If possible, leave the area for a week to settle, then add some veggie garden mix before planting your seedlings. If you already have your seedlings in then remember to give them a bit of a boost every 4-6 weeks, this can consist of some of our vegetable fertiliser, or some Bio Marinus (depending on if you want a more organic approach).

Nitrophoska Extra 7kg ... Liquid Fish Fertiliser ...

Rose Fertiliser ... Sheep Manure Pellets ...

Maintenance and PlanningThis is a good time to get on top of those jobs that need doing and while there are fewer things to do in the garden. Take this opportunity to get mower serviced and have blades sharpened. Oil any tools with wooden handles, sharpen up your secateurs, spades, shovels and pruning shears. Have a tidy up in the shed, throw away any broken pots, labels etc. Planning your Spring/Summer garden can be lots of fun, use this time to go out and visit nurseries, open homes with gardens you admire, take out some paper and a pen and draw up some ideas of what you may like to change, move around or add to your garden.

Citrus TreesThis is the time of year to plant citrus trees, they will be out in your local nurseries now and it’s a good time to give them a good boost with some compost, citrus fertiliser, sheep pellets and bio marinus. We often get asked about various aspects of citrus trees, so here are a couple of Q&A we have had recently.

1. What is the black sooty stuff on my lemons?

This is a sooty mould, it is caused by sap sucking insects, it looks yucky but it generally doesn’t do any harm. You can still eat the fruit, just wash with soapy water first. A quick and economical way to get rid of it is to put spray the tree with a warm soapy water.

2. My lemons are dry inside, what is causing this?

This is due to a lack of watering over the summer months when the lemons are forming, there is nothing you can do this year, just remember to water and feed them during summer next year.

3. Can I Plant lemon and lime trees in pots?

Yes, lemon, lime and mandarin grown on dwarf rootstock are perfect for pots. Plant them in a good size pot so it doesn’t dry out to quickly and use good quality tub mix and fertiliser.

4. Should I pick fruit off the trees and allow to ripen indoors?

No, citrus fruit don’t ripen once removed from the tree.

5. Can we grow mandarins here in Canterbury?

Yes, just make sure the variety you choose is a colder weather liker and just make sure you plant it in a warm sunny position. They really don’t like the frost, so cover with frost cloth during the winter.

Sheep Manure Pellets ...Citrus Fertiliser ...

July is a great month for lemons, this is when they are abundant and ripe to use. They are so versatile and can be used in both sweet and sour dishes. This recipe is for Lemon Curd, which is simply delicious on scones, on lemon meringue pie, on pastries and many more yummy dishes.

July brings a set of school holidays 4 July-19 July. If the weather is favourable try heading out to walk one of our local tracks, enjoy nature at its finest.

You could even make up your own treasure hunt – try making a list of things you have to find/see e.g a round grey stone, a leaf the size of your hand, a bird, 2 different types of trees etc.

The Willows is a local 4km walking and biking track and you can even take your dog! Access is at the end of Thomsons Road, West Melton (off Old West Coast Road). You could take a picnic if the weather allows.

‘Dig your garden’

Kids in the garden

5 egg yolks

½ cup sugar

¼ cup fresh lemon juice

In a pan mix the egg yolks and sugar together and whisk vigorously for 1 minute.

Add the lemon juice and zest and whisk for an additional minute.

Set the pan on a low heat and cook gently, stirring constantly for 10-15 minutes, until nearly thick.

Remove the pan from the heat and add butter, stir through and cool, stir often whilst cooling.

Put into a well-sealed container and refrigerate.

Grated zest of 2 lemons

6 T unsalted butter

Fun Lemon facts:1. Lemon tree leaves can be used to make tea.

2. Lemons are native to Asia.

3. Lemons are technically berries.

4. An average lemon has 8 seeds.

5. The heaviest lemon ever grown was in Israel in 2003 weighing 5.265Kg

Lemon Curd (makes 1 cup)

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261 Manion Road, Weedons

Find us at 261 Manion Road!

VegePods! These come in 3 different sizes and are very popular at the moment. As they are raised to hip height, it makes gardening easier as you don’t have to bend down and pest and animals can’t get in! Check them out here, or pop in to our shop to see our demo one all planted up!

What’s new?

Vegepods ...

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Christchurch