December Gardening.

December in New Zealand kicks off summer, With the sun shining and days stretching longer, it’s your golden chance to grow a cornucopia of delicious greens, vibrant Flowers and lush lawns.

Grab your gardening gloves and let’s dig into some fab tips to make your garden the envy of the neighborhood this December!

Vegetables

Vegetables to Plant in December

  1. Tomatoes: These summer staples thrive in the warm weather. Choose disease-resistant varieties and provide support with cages or stakes as they grow.

  2. Cucumbers: Ideal for salads and pickling, cucumbers need plenty of sunshine and water. Space them well to ensure good airflow.

  3. Zucchini: Fast-growing and prolific, zucchini can be planted now for a bountiful harvest. Ensure they receive ample sunlight and water regularly.

  4. Capsicums (Peppers): These colorful vegetables add vibrancy to dishes. Plant them in a sunny spot and ensure consistent watering.

  5. Corn: Sweet corn can be a rewarding addition to your garden. Plant in blocks rather than rows to ensure proper pollination.

  6. Basil: This aromatic herb pairs well with tomatoes and can be planted alongside them. Ensure it receives plenty of sunlight.

Vegetables Ready to Harvest in December

  1. Lettuce: Varieties like butterhead and cos can be harvested regularly for fresh salads.

  2. Spinach: This nutrient-rich leafy green can be picked as needed. Harvest outer leaves first to encourage continued growth.

  3. Radishes: Quick to mature, radishes can be harvested about four weeks after planting.

  4. Spring Onions: These versatile onions can be harvested when they're pencil-thick.

  5. Beetroot: Harvest when roots are about the size of a golf ball. Use both the root and greens in meals.

Tips for Successful Vegetable Gardening in December

  • Water Management: With the summer heat, it's crucial to water your vegetables deeply and consistently. Early morning or late afternoon is best to reduce evaporation.

  • Pest Monitoring: Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids, whiteflies, and caterpillars. Employ natural remedies or introduce beneficial insects to control infestations.

  • Mulching: Apply mulch to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and moderate soil temperatures. Organic options like straw or bark are effective.

  • Regular Feeding: Use DCT garden to promote vigorous growth and improve soil health. (DCT Products can also help keep to moisture in your soil)

  • Soil health is key all year round and Lazerhume is the product if you have compacted soil its great to sprinkle some on each month to keep or get the soil into tip top health.

  • Pruning and Support: Remove dead or diseased plant parts to encourage healthy growth. Provide support for climbing plants such as tomatoes and cucumbers.

By following these guidelines and staying attuned to your garden's needs, you can enjoy a productive and rewarding vegetable garden throughout the summer months.

Flowers

Flowers to Grow in December

  1. Petunias: These versatile flowers are ideal for summer planting. Available in a wide range of colors, they thrive in sunny spots and well-drained soil.

  2. Marigolds: Known for their bright orange and yellow hues, marigolds are easy to grow and can help repel garden pests.

  3. Zinnias: These are perfect for adding a splash of color to your garden. They prefer sunny conditions and are drought-tolerant, making them suitable for the summer heat.

  4. Lavender: Not only does lavender add beauty and fragrance to your garden, but it also attracts beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies.

  5. Sunflowers: If you have space, sunflowers can be a spectacular addition. They love the sun and can grow quickly to provide stunning visual impact.

Tips for Keeping a Great Flower Garden

  • Soil Preparation: Before planting, improve your garden soil with DCT Lazerhume. These products enhance soil structure and help flowers absorb nutrients more effectively.

  • Watering: With the warmer weather, ensure your flowers receive adequate water. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to water to minimise evaporation.

  • Mulching: Apply mulch around your flower beds to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil temperature stable.

  • Pest Control: Regularly check your flowers for signs of pests or diseases. Natural remedies and beneficial insects can help keep your garden healthy without the need for harsh chemicals.

  • Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to encourage new blooms and keep your garden looking tidy. This practice can help prolong the flowering period for many plants.

  • Support Structures: For taller flowers like sunflowers, provide support with stakes or cages to prevent them from toppling over in strong winds.

By following these tips and choosing the right flowers, your December flower garden can be a breathtaking oasis of colour and fragrance, providing enjoyment throughout the summer months.

Lawn

With the start of summer bringing warm temperatures and longer days—ideal conditions for maintaining a lush, green lawn. With a bit of care and attention, your lawn can thrive during the summer months. Here’s a fun guide packed with tips to help you keep your lawn looking its best.

Essential Lawn Care Tips

  1. Mowing:

    • Keep your lawn mower blades sharp to ensure a clean cut, which helps prevent disease.

    • During December, mow your lawn slightly higher than usual. This helps to shade the roots and retain moisture, which is crucial in the summer heat.

  2. Watering:

    • Water your lawn deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Early morning is the best time to water, reducing evaporation and fungal disease risks.

    • Aim for about 25mm of water per week, including rainfall, to keep your lawn hydrated.

  3. Fertilising:

    • Use DCT Lawn to provide consistent nutrients throughout the summer. This helps your lawn maintain its lush appearance.

    • Avoid applying DCT Lawn during the hottest part of the day to prevent scorching the grass.

  4. Weed Control:

    • Regularly check for and remove weeds, as they compete with grass for nutrients and water.

    • If necessary, use a selective herbicide that targets weeds without harming your grass.

  5. Aeration:

    • If your lawn feels compacted, consider applying extra Lazerhume, this will help reduce compaction over time. This process allows air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the soil, promoting healthy root growth. (Puddles that linger on your lawn after a rain are a possible sign of soil compaction) Read More about Soil Compaction

  6. Pest Monitoring:

    • Keep an eye out for signs of lawn pests, such as grubs or beetles, which can damage your grass.

    • Natural remedies or beneficial insects can help manage pest populations without resorting to harsh chemicals, DCT products help to encourage natural preditor’s helping to keep these insect’s at bay, we have had some really great success with our products managing Grass Grub.

  7. Mulching:

    • Leave grass clippings on the lawn after mowing to act as a natural mulch. This helps retain moisture and adds nutrients back into the soil. (You can spray lazerhume on the clippings which will help to break them down while retaining and making the nutrients available for the grass)

  8. Edging:

    • Regularly edge your lawn to keep it neat and tidy. This simple task enhances the overall appearance of your garden.

Fun Lawn Activities

  • Create a Lawn Art Project: Get creative by mowing patterns into your lawn, like stripes or checkerboards, for a unique and eye-catching look.

  • Start a Lawn Care Log: Keep track of your lawn maintenance activities to identify patterns and improvements over time.

  • Host a Lawn Picnic: Enjoy your hard work by inviting friends and family for a picnic on your lush lawn, making memories in the beautiful summer weather.

Fresh December Salad Recipe

Fresh December Salad Recipe

Celebrate the bounty of your December harvest with this refreshing and nutritious salad. Using vegetables that are ready to harvest, this recipe is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces (butterhead or cos)

  • 1 cup spinach leaves, washed and dried

  • 6-8 radishes, thinly sliced

  • 1 cup beetroot, cooked and diced (use both the root and greens if available)

  • 4 spring onions, chopped

  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

  • 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped

  • 1/4 cup olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon honey

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables:

    • Rinse the lettuce and spinach leaves thoroughly and pat dry. Place them in a large salad bowl.

    • Add the sliced radishes, diced beetroot, and chopped spring onions to the bowl.

  2. Add the Extras:

    • Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and toasted walnuts over the salad.

  3. Make the Dressing:

    • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.

  4. Combine and Serve:

    • Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.

    • Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh flavors of your December harvest!

This salad not only takes advantage of the fresh produce available in December but also provides a delightful combination of textures and flavors, making it a perfect addition to your seasonal menu. Enjoy!

Happy Gardening