November marks the final month of spring and, here in the Wairarapa, we know that means it’s time to double down on our efforts before the intense heat of summer arrives. Plant growth is hitting top gear, and our focus now shifts to maintenance, feeding, and making those last crucial plantings.
This is your very last chance to get all the heat-loving summer vegetables into the ground, especially if you want a decent harvest before autumn. Plant your final batches of sweetcorn, courgettes, cucumber, and pumpkin now, either from seed or sturdy seedlings. This is also time to plant a second crop of potatoes, which needs this month’s warmth to get established for a late-season harvest. Keep planting salad crops for summer harvesting, to eat alongside your
favourite barbecue.
This is your very last chance to get all the heat-loving summer vegetables into the ground, especially if you want a decent harvest before autumn. Plant your final batches of sweetcorn, courgettes, cucumber, and pumpkin now, either from seed or sturdy seedlings.
Your established plants, particularly tomatoes, are growing fast and will require weekly attention. Be sure to remove the small side shoots (laterals) that grow in the V-shape between the main stem and the leaves. This directs the plant’s energy into producing fruit, not foliage. Keep them securely tied to their stakes or supports. Even though the winds should subside soon, new fruit trees and delicate stem plants might still need support.
The rapid growth of everything includes the weeds! They will compete with your vegetables for water and nutrients, which are precious resources as we head into summer. Keep up a regular hoeing or hand-pulling routine. Crucially, apply a thick layer of mulch (like pea straw or wood chip) around all your plants. This is the single most important job this month, as it conserves soil moisture and helps keep those weeds under control.
Finally, give your flowering plants a boost. Feed your roses with a dedicated fertiliser to encourage that first beautiful flush of blooms. Continue planting out summer annuals like dahlias, petunias, and impatiens for continuous colour. As the weather warms, remember to be vigilant about pests like aphids and the pesky white cabbage butterfly caterpillars – nip them in the bud to keep your garden healthy and productive through summer.
With the major planting done, don’t forget the best part of gardening: take a moment to sit, pour yourself a drink, and genuinely enjoy the beautiful space you’ve created with your own hard work.
