Got a little patch of dirt and a big dream of growing your own kai (food) or beautiful flowers? Getting started can feel a bit overwhelming, but it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do. And with spring just around the corner, now is the perfect time to get your hands dirty!
This guide is tailored for us here in New Zealand, especially if you’re in a sunny spot like the Bay of Plenty. Forget about those overseas gardening guides; we’ve got a different climate and a unique set of plants that thrive here.
Getting Started: The Gardener’s Golden Rules
Before we get to the good stuff, remember these three simple rules:
- Check the packet: Every seed packet is your new best friend. It’ll tell you how deep to plant, how far apart to space them, and the best time of year to sow.
- Sunshine and Water: Most seeds love a warm, sunny spot. Make sure your garden bed gets plenty of sunlight and that you keep the soil moist, not soggy.
- Good Soil is Everything: You wouldn’t want to live in a run-down house, and your seeds don’t either. Improve your soil with compost or sheep pellets to give your plants the best start.
The Best Veggies to Plant Now (Late Winter / Early Spring)
In late winter and early spring (like right now in August!), the Bay of Plenty’s mild climate is perfect for getting a head start on some cool-weather crops. These are often called “brassicas” and “leafy greens.”
- Lettuce and Leafy Greens: These are the ultimate beginner’s choice because they grow fast. You can sow seeds of lettuce, spinach, and rocket directly into your garden bed. They’ll give you fresh salads in no time!
- Broad Beans & Peas: These legumes are a win-win. They’re hardy, can handle a bit of chilly weather, and actually improve your soil by adding nitrogen. Plus, they’re super fun to harvest.
- Root Veggies: Carrots and radishes are a great choice. Radishes grow so fast you can be harvesting them in just a few weeks! Just make sure your soil is loose and free of big clumps so the roots can grow easily.
- Potatoes: August is the perfect time to get those seed potatoes sprouting. Plant them in September for a delicious Christmas harvest!
Colour and Pollinators: The Best Flowers to Sow
Remember our chat about bees? Planting the right flowers is a fantastic way to support them and make your garden look amazing.
- Sweet Peas: These are a must-have for any garden. Their fragrant blooms are gorgeous, and they’re easy to grow from seed. They’re climbing plants, so give them a fence or a trellis to clamber up.
- Calendula and Poppies: These hardy annuals are perfect for scattering straight into your garden beds. They’ll bring a pop of colour and attract helpful insects.
- New Zealand Natives: Consider planting native seeds like kōwhai or mānuka. The kōwhai’s bright yellow flowers are a beacon for birds and bees in early spring, and mānuka flowers are a hit with our native bees. You might also find seeds for harakeke (flax), which has a mass of flowers that provide a feast for bees and birds from spring to summer.
What’s Next? (Planning for Spring)
As the weather gets warmer, you’ll be able to plant even more! In the coming months (September onwards), you can start thinking about heat-loving plants like:
- Tomatoes
- Capsicums
- Corn
- Cucumbers and Zucchini
So grab a packet of seeds, find a sunny spot, and get planting. Your future self (and the local bees!) will thank you for it!