Frequently Asked Garden Questions & Answers
Frequently Asked Garden Questions & Answers provides a comprehensive resource for gardening enthusiasts, offering expert advice on a variety of topics. Whether you're dealing with plant diseases, pest control, soil preparation, or choosing the right plants for your garden, this guide covers it all. With practical tips and step-by-step solutions, it's an essential tool for both novice and experienced gardeners looking to cultivate healthy and beautiful gardens.
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Garden Q&A Bonanza: Your Fun Guide to Green Thumb Success!
Welcome to Garden Q&A Bonanza: Your Fun Guide to Green Thumb Success! Dive into a world of vibrant blooms, lush greenery, and playful garden adventures. Whether you're a seasoned plant whisperer or just starting your botanical journey, our quirky and informative guide is here to make gardening a blast. Get ready to turn your garden into a paradise with tips, tricks, and answers to all your burning garden questions!
26
Jun
How much Tui Enrich Controlled Release fertiliser do I feed my citrus in a wine barrel?
Question. I have purchased some Tui Enrich for my citrus trees which are in 1/2 wine barrels which hold a couple of bags of container mix. Now after a year they need a feed. They are large advanced grade trees, how much Enrich do I put in each barrel.
Answer. Feeding your citrus trees is essentia...
12
Feb
When should I prune tamarillo?
Question. Hi, when should I prune tamarillo in Northland?
Answer. Pruning your tamarillo (also known as tree tomato) at the right time is essential for promoting healthy growth, improving fruit quality, and maintaining a manageable tree size. In Northland, New Zealand, the climate is generally mi...
23
Dec
Why are my hydrangea leaves turning black?
Question. My hydrangeas have flowered well but has not been very leafy this year. The leaves are lush green for a short time, then turn grey, then black and drop off. When I cleaned up the black leaves and dead-headed, the cycle started again. Ive never seen the leaves go grey before. It seems a bad...
07
Dec
Why are my herbs hardly growing?
Question. Hi there, my coriander and basil are hardly growing - my favourite herbs! Any suggestions? I live in South Canterbury.
Answer. Hi there! It's frustrating when your favorite herbs like coriander (cilantro) and basil struggle to grow. These herbs are not only delicious but also add a fres...
20
Sep
What would cause my lemons to go mouldy on the tree?
Question. Hi, I have a very robust and heavy bearer lemon tree. This year the fruit is going mouldy on the tree. What would be the cause?
Answer. Having a robust and heavy-bearing lemon tree is wonderful, but it's concerning when the fruit starts going mouldy on the tree. Understanding the potent...
28
Mar
What do I fertilise my young banana tree with and how often?
Question. Hello, what do I fertilise my young banana tree with and how often?
Answer. Hey there, banana enthusiasts! 🌿 If you’re nurturing a young banana tree and wondering how to keep it happy and thriving, you’ve come to the right place. Let's dig into the best fertilizers for your banana tree ...
18
Mar
Help, I have whitefly in my glasshouse.
Question. Hi, I live in Taranaki, and have just picked and uprooted my broccoli plants which were growing in a hothouse, they had loads of white bugs under the leaves. Will these affect other things in the hothouse even though the infected plants are now removed. Please help as I am new to vegetaria...
12
Mar
The Perfect Potting Mix for Hibiscus: A Comprehensive Guide
Creating the perfect potting mix for your hibiscus is essential for ensuring healthy growth and abundant blooms. By understanding the specific needs of hibiscus plants and using the right mix of ingredients, you can provide an ideal growing environment. Remember to water, fertilize, and prune your hibiscus regularly to keep it thriving. With these tips, your hibiscus will be a stunning addition to your garden or home.
09
Jan
How do I treat toadstools/fungi in my lawn?
Question. Hi, fungus/toadstool growing in our lawn, how do we get rid of this without killing the lawn?
Answer. Finding fungus or toadstools growing in your lawn can be concerning, but it's a common issue that can be managed effectively. Here are some steps to get rid of these unwanted fungi whil...
08
Dec
How can I rejuvenate my patchy lawn?
Question. My lawn is not growing very well. It is patchy. What can i do to rejuvenate the lawn and when?
Answer. Having a lush, green lawn is a dream for many homeowners, but sometimes, despite our best efforts, the grass just doesn't grow as well as we'd like. If your lawn is patchy and struggli...
23
Oct
Can I use Tui Strawberry Food on my strawberries in pots?
Question. I have planted my early strawberries in large plastic containers only to find that Tui Strawberry food is not suitable for plants in pots and containers. Why is this as they have ample root space?
Answer. Planting strawberries in large plastic containers is a great way to enjoy fresh f...
06
Aug
Is it helpful to pinch out the first flower heads to promote a fuller flowering plant?
Question. Hi, is it helpful to pinch out the first flower heads to promote a fuller flowering marigold plant?
Answer. Marigolds are beloved by gardeners for their vibrant colors and ease of growth. To achieve a fuller and more abundant display of marigold blooms, one effective technique is pinchi...
28
Jul
What Are the Best Companion Plants for Feijoas in New Zealand?
Feijoas, also known as pineapple guavas, are beloved in New Zealand gardens for their delicious fruit and attractive appearance. To maximize the health and productivity of your feijoa plants, consider companion planting. This guide explores the best companion plants for feijoas in New Zealand, helpi...
12
Jul
Feijoa Bambina: Can This Little Fruit Handle the Heat?
Feijoa Bambina is a resilient, drought-tolerant plant that can thrive even in challenging conditions. Its deep root system, combined with appropriate soil and water management, makes it an excellent choice for gardens aiming to conserve water while still enjoying the beauty and bounty of a productive fruiting plant. Whether you’re in a Mediterranean climate or facing periodic droughts, Feijoa Bambina can be a valuable addition to your garden, offering both aesthetic appeal and delicious rewards.
31
May
What can I do about mosquitoes in my glasshouse?
Mosquitoes and fungus gnats can be a persistent nuisance in glasshouses, disrupting your gardening efforts and creating an unpleasant environment. Fortunately, there are several effective strategies to manage and eliminate these pests. This guide will provide practical tips to control mosquitoes and...
30
May
How can I control white fly in my flower garden?
Whiteflies can be a persistent and damaging pest in flower gardens, but with the right strategies, you can keep them under control. This guide will provide you with practical tips to manage and eliminate whiteflies from your flower garden, ensuring healthy and beautiful plants.
Identifying Whitefly...
20
Apr
Do I need to cut the leaves on my banana tree before planting?
Question. Do I need to cut the leaves on my banana tree before planting to grow healthy roots?
Answer. Hey there, banana enthusiasts! 🌿 If you’re gearing up to plant a banana tree, you might be wondering whether you need to cut the leaves before getting it in the ground. The short answer? It depe...
08
Jan
Which plants are good companions for strawberries?
Strawberries are a favorite in many New Zealand gardens, prized for their delicious fruit and attractive appearance. Companion planting can enhance the growth and yield of strawberries, while also helping to deter pests and improve soil health. This guide explores the best companion plants for straw...
04
Dec
What herbs can I grow to deter flies?
Question. What herbs can I grow to keep flies away?
Answer. Flies can be a nuisance, especially during the warmer months. Growing certain herbs can help deter these pesky insects while adding beauty and fragrance to your garden. Here’s a list of herbs that are known for their fly-repelling proper...
22
Nov
What can I plant under my fruit trees?
Planting under fruit trees can enhance the health and productivity of your orchard while creating a more diverse and resilient garden ecosystem. This guide explores the best plants to grow under fruit trees in New Zealand, helping you maximize the benefits of companion planting.
The Benefits of Und...
10
Nov
What can I grow near my tomatoes?
Tomatoes are a staple in many New Zealand gardens, and companion planting can enhance their growth, yield, and health. This guide explores the best plants to grow near your tomatoes, helping you create a thriving and productive garden.
The Benefits of Companion Planting
Companion planting involves...
29
Sep
How do I move worms in a worm farm?
Question. Hi, I have had a worm farm for about 11 months. Is it safe to transfer the compost and worms to my garden? I understood these tiger worms are not the same as wild worms? There is no way of separating the worms from the composted material. Is it safe to introduce them into my garden?
Ans...
02
Aug
How and when do I refresh my pot plants?
Question. Hi, we have been using garden pots for some years now and the soil in some of the pots with shrubs in them is very compacted. Do I try to refresh the pots and put in new potting mix, or is there another way?
Answer. Over time, soil in garden pots can become compacted, leading to poor d...
13
Jun
Are marigolds good companions to runner beans?
Marigolds are popular in New Zealand gardens for their vibrant blooms and pest-repelling qualities. But do they make good companions to runner beans? In this guide, we explore the benefits and potential drawbacks of planting marigolds alongside runner beans specifically in New Zealand. This article ...
23
May
What flower seeds germinate quickly?
Question. Hi there, can you tell me which seed varieties germinate in about 7 days. I am making miniature scenes (instant fairy gardens) for our school calf club display and I was wondering if there was anything that I could bulk buy that was suitable. I am also looking for best non-toxic wild flowe...
04
Feb
Which Potato varieties are indeterminate and determinate?
Question. Hi, which potatoes are indeterminate, these are best container ones as they make more potatoes as soil is mounded and added. Also the determinate ones don't need mounding up, this would save on buying vegetable mix to know this. I grow on an old riverbed and for me indeterminate potatoes g...
