November Gardening.

Gardening Fun under the November Sun

November a great time to get your green thumbs in gear!

Summer's on the horizon, and your garden's begging for TLC. Here's a cheat sheet to keep your plants perky and productive this November.

VEGES

In November, the warmer weather allows for a wide variety of vegetables to be planted. Here are some options to consider:

Warmer-Season Vegetables

  • Tomatoes: Perfect for salads and sauces; plant in a sunny spot.

  • Capsicums: Sweet and colorful, these thrive in warm conditions.

  • Cucumbers: Ideal for fresh salads, they need plenty of sun and water.

  • Zucchinis: Quick-growing and versatile, zucchinis do well in rich soil.

Root Vegetables

  • Carrots: Easy to grow and a staple in many dishes.

  • Beetroot: Great for salads; plant in a well-drained spot.

  • Radishes: Fast-growing and perfect for adding a peppery crunch to salads.

Leafy Greens

  • Lettuce: A must-have for fresh salads, plant in partial shade to avoid wilting.

  • Spinach: Rich in nutrients, spinach is perfect for a healthy diet.

Vegetables Ready to Harvest

As you plant new vegetables, don't forget to harvest some of the delicious produce that's ready in November:

  • Broad Beans: These are ready to be picked; harvest when pods are plump.

  • Peas: Sweet and crisp, they are a delightful snack straight from the vine.

  • Spring Onions: Add a fresh zing to your dishes; these are typically ready now.

  • Asparagus: Tender and delicious, asparagus is at its best when freshly picked.

Great Tips for Gardening in November

Gardening in November can be highly rewarding, but it's essential to consider a few key tips:

Watering and Mulching

  • Consistent Watering: As temperatures rise, ensure your plants receive adequate water, especially those in sunny spots.

  • Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around your plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pest Control

  • Watch for Aphids: These pests can be a problem; encourage natural predators like ladybugs or use insecticidal soap.

  • Slugs and Snails: Keep an eye out for these critters, especially after rain. Use traps or organic pellets to control them.

Support Structures

  • Staking: Support tall plants like tomatoes with stakes to prevent them from toppling over.

  • Trellising: Use trellises for climbing plants such as cucumbers to maximize space and airflow.

Soil Health

  • Composting: Add compost to enrich the soil and provide nutrients for your plants.

  • Soil Testing: Consider testing your soil's pH and nutrient levels to ensure optimal growing conditions.

What to Look Out for in November

Weather Changes

  • Frost Risk: Although rare, keep an eye out for unexpected frosts in cooler regions and protect tender plants with covers.

  • Wind: November can bring strong winds; secure young plants and structures to prevent damage.

Plant Growth

  • Thinning: Thin seedlings like carrots and beets to prevent overcrowding and ensure robust growth.

  • Pruning: Regularly prune plants to encourage new growth and maintain health.

Vegetable gardening in November is a delightful experience. By planting the right vegetables, harvesting what's ready, and following these helpful tips, you'll enjoy a bountiful and thriving garden.

Flowers

November is a fantastic month for planting a variety of annuals and perennials that will brighten up your garden. Some great options to plant now include:

  • Cosmos: These delicate, daisy-like flowers add whimsical beauty to any garden.

  • Petunias: Ideal for colorful borders and containers.

  • Lobelias: Great for ground cover or hanging baskets.

  • Impatiens: Perfect for shady spots in your garden.

  • Marigolds: Their vibrant hues and pest-repellent properties make them a garden favorite.

  • Phlox, Verbena, and Dahlias: These will provide continuous blooms throughout the summer.

Sow and Grow

Don't forget to sow seeds directly into the ground for easy growth. Try these varieties:

  • Alyssum: Known for its sweet scent and bee-friendly nature.

  • Californian Poppy: Bright and cheerful, this flower is a sun-lover.

  • Nasturtium: Edible flowers that add a peppery kick to salads.

  • Sunflowers: Fantastic for creating a statement and attracting bees.

Bee-Friendly Blooms

Bees are essential for pollination, and November is a prime time to plant flowers that will attract them:

  • Pineapple Sage: Offers a burst of color and a sweet aroma.

  • Bergamot and Lemon Balm: Aromatic herbs that bees adore.

  • Blue Salvia and Rosemary: Long-lasting blooms that provide nectar for bees.

Flower Gardening Tips and Tricks

  1. Liquid Feeding: Use DCT Garden to provide nutrients and support healthy growth. These are especially effective for flowering annuals and perennials.

  2. Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around your flowers to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

  3. Water Management: As the weather warms, ensure your flowers receive consistent watering, especially those in pots, and consider using a water retention product to maintain soil moisture.

  4. Pest Control: Keep an eye out for any pests and use eco-friendly solutions to manage them without harming beneficial insects.

  5. Deadheading: Regularly remove dead flowers to encourage new blooms and maintain plant health.

With these tips and a bit of love, your flower garden will be buzzing with life and color all November long. 🌸🐝

Lawn

November marks a delightful time for lawn care in New Zealand, as the warmer spring weather encourages lush growth and vibrant green lawns. With the right care and attention, you can ensure your lawn stays healthy and beautiful throughout the season. Here's a fun and informative guide to help you maintain your lawn in November.

Great Tips for Your Lawn

Taking care of your lawn in November requires a few key practices to promote robust growth and prevent common issues. Here are some helpful tips to keep your lawn looking its best:

Mowing

  • Regular Mowing: With increased growth in November, mow your lawn regularly to maintain an even height. Aim to keep your grass around 2.5 to 3.5 cm tall to encourage healthy growth.

  • Sharp Blades: Ensure your mower blades are sharp to avoid tearing the grass, which can lead to disease.

Watering

  • Consistent Watering: As temperatures rise, ensure your lawn receives consistent watering. Water deeply but less frequently to encourage strong root systems.

  • Morning Watering: Water your lawn early in the morning to prevent evaporation and reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilising

  • Spring Fertiliser: Apply DCT Lawn to provide essential nutrients for your lawn's growth.

  • Organic Options: Consider using our organic option Lazerhume to enrich the soil and promote sustainable lawn health.

Weed Control

  • Weed Prevention: Keep an eye out for weeds and remove them promptly. Use a selective herbicide if needed, DCT Weed Spray Enhance is a great way to minimise chemical use.

  • Healthy Competition: A healthy, dense lawn naturally suppresses weeds by reducing space for them to grow.

Aeration

  • If your lawn soil is compacted, consider aerating more DCT Lazerhume to help break up the compaction and to improve air circulation and water penetration. This encourages healthier root development.

What to Look Out for in November

While November is generally a positive month for lawn growth, there are a few challenges to be aware of:

Weather Changes

  • Unexpected Frosts: In cooler regions, be mindful of sudden frosts that can damage tender new growth. Protect your lawn by avoiding mowing on frosty mornings.

  • Wind and Dryness: November can be windy, leading to dry conditions. Ensure your lawn is well-watered to prevent stress.

Pest and Disease Monitoring

  • Grubs and Pests: Be vigilant for signs of grubs and other pests. Early detection and treatment can prevent significant damage.

  • Fungal Diseases: Watch for signs of fungal diseases, especially if there’s been heavy rain. Proper drainage and airflow can help mitigate these issues.

Lawn care in November in New Zealand is a rewarding endeavor. By following these tips and being attentive to weather and potential issues, your lawn will thrive and provide a lush, green backdrop for outdoor activities. Enjoy the beauty of your well-maintained lawn this spring!

Directions

Recipe

It’s time to cash in on all that elbow grease in the garden with a delicious recipe that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance!

Vegetable Salad

  • 10 fresh asparagus spears, trimmed to 5 inches

  • 2 ears corn, husked

  • 2 zucchini, halved lengthwise

  • 2 yellow squash, halved lengthwise

  • 1 bunch green onions, tops trimmed a few inches

  • 1 large red bell pepper, cut lengthwise into 4 sections and seeded

  • 1 large red onion, sliced thickly

  • ¼ cup olive oil, or as needed

  • salt and ground black pepper to taste

Vinaigrette:

  • 1 shallot, minced (Optional)

  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh Coriander

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil, or more to taste

Step 1

Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.

Step 2

Whisk shallot, red wine vinegar, white balsamic vinegar, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, parsley, chives, coriander, and dill together in a large bowl. Slowly stream olive oil into the mixture while whisking vigorously until the oil is incorporated into a smooth and creamy dressing.

Step 3

Arrange asparagus, corn, zucchini, yellow squash, green onions, bell pepper, and red onion onto baking sheets. Brush olive oil onto all the vegetables to coat; season with salt and pepper.

Step 4

Cook vegetables directly on preheated grill, turning frequently, until slightly charred and just tender, about 5 minutes for green onions, 8 minutes for asparagus, zucchini, yellow squash, bell pepper, and red onion, and 10 minutes for corn. Remove vegetables to the baking sheets used for preparation and cool.

Step 5

Cut asparagus, green onions, zucchini, yellow squash, and red bell pepper crosswise into 1-inch pieces and put into a large bowl. Quarter red onion slices; add to bowl. Cut corn kernels from cobs; add to bowl. Let vegetables cool to room temperature.

Step 6

Drizzle vinaigrette over the vegetable mixture and toss to coat.