Theres a bit of bad weather on the way for Auckland and the North so if youve already planted some spring seedlings then you should take some steps to protect them. A layer of mulch will help prevent soil erosion from rain and wind, but dont lay it on too thick at this time of year because it can prevent the soil from heating up when the sun does come out - inhibiting the growth of your little seedlings. A poly tunnel or other plastic structure can be thrown over rows of seedlings or the whole garden bed if necessary. You can drape clear plastic over bent wire hoops, irrigation pipe staked in a U shape, wire mesh - whatever you can find that can be held down securely and will withstand the weather. Or try making individual cloches for your seedlings out of plastic milk bottles with the bottoms cut off and staked down - the added bonus being that they double as slug and snail protection. Just remember when the sun does show up, remove the cap so the seedlings dont overheat. metservice/towns-cities/auckland/auckland-central
Posted on: Mon, 18 Aug 2014 22:10:59 +0000