Hi People,
I really hope you can help me or point me in the right direction.
I’ve recently moved from the UK to New Zealand and now is my first new growing season in the Southern hemisphere. Everything is new to me!!
Overview - The temperature here in Auckland is similar to Spain â€" Seville so no ‘cold spells’ expected until June/July. so about 9 months good growing (if I’m correct)
1. I’m not sure what to do with the capsicums I’ve sowed! Do I stagger the sowing or plant all at the same time hoping a full growing season until they bare no more fruit?
2. Sugar snaps.. I’ve planted about 12 ..do I again stagger the sowing or plant them all at once .i.e. will each plant have a finite ‘life’ or do I plant them all at once expecting a good long growing season?
I’ve checked the packet instructions but no help. I’ve also exhaustively searched the Internet for a decent antipodean veg site to no avail!
I should ask the father in law but this would mean a 6 hour lecture on longitude, latitude, ley lines and the suns position!
Any help much appreciated.
Mike
P.S. Please don't bash me for not being in the UK :(....I may return :D
HI Mike,
First of all, welcome!
Second congrats i love new zealand and envy you !! and your not 2 far from the polynesian spa in Rotorua idea after a hard day digging the allotment!
Auckland is in the warmer part of New Zealand and it gets quite fresh winds. Are you planting in an organised allotment site or your garden?
You should be able to tackle most mediterianian veg, you will also find things like kiwi, grapes, grapefruit, melon, sweet potato (kumara in Māori).
There no reason you cant pop the peppers and suger snaps in that you have already planted in now and plant more later. You might end up with a glut but you should be able to take advantage of some of the recipies on this site to help you make stuff for winter :-) ( you can find jars for pickeling in the warehouse or pak n save ).
word of warning - i dont think you will be able to take any seeds offered because of there import rules!
I suggest that you have a look at what other people are doing Pakeha and Māori, you will find most people are very happy to help. I think one of the morning shows is followed by a garden program which tackles fruit and veg so have a look at the listings.
Cant want to hear more, as i plan on retiring to NZ when i win the lottery!!
cambourne7 ;D
a friend says try this site :)
http://www.au.gardenweb.com/forums/nzgard/
good luck & good gardening
Lishka
My Aunty lives in Tauranga and grows Tamarillo's in her garden but my other Aunt lives further south and commented to me that she was too far North to grow Blackcurrants...they need some cold.
This site might be useful http://www.horticulture.co.nz/
I used to grow lemons outdoors when I lived in Lincoln near Christchurch. Olives, avocado, auburgine, sweetcorn, squash. Good luck. I take it your wife is a Kiwi so you won't suffer from embarassment with the 'bring a plate' party invite.
Gardening stuff in NZ tends to be listed under horticulture if that's any help.