February is the height of summer in New Zealand, bringing warm temperatures, long days, and plenty of growth in the garden. However, it’s also a time when plants can suffer from heat stress, pests become more active, and soil can dry out quickly. This month, focus on maintaining your summer garden while preparing for the transition into autumn.
1. Keep Up with Watering and Mulching
With hot weather in full swing, keeping your garden hydrated is crucial. Water deeply in the early morning or evening to prevent evaporation. A layer of wool mulch will help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
Tip: Use Cozy Crops Wool Pellets as a natural mulch alternative. They help retain moisture and break down over time, enriching the soil with nutrients.
2. Harvest and Preserve Your Summer Crops
Many summer vegetables and fruits are at their peak in February, so enjoy your fresh produce! Regular harvesting encourages plants to keep producing.
• Pick: Tomatoes, zucchinis, cucumbers, beans, sweetcorn, and peppers.
• Harvest herbs: Basil, mint, and oregano before they go to seed.
• Collect fruit: Apples, peaches, plums, and nectarines may be ready.
Tip: If you have an abundance of crops, preserve them by freezing, pickling, or drying. We love a quick pickle like this one from Laura over at Kiwi Country Girl, for extra cucumbers.
3. Plant Late Summer Crops
It’s not too late to plant fast-growing summer crops that will mature before the cooler months. Consider sowing:
• Leafy greens: Lettuce, spinach, silverbeet
• Root crops: Beetroot, radish, carrots
• Herbs: Coriander, parsley, and basil
For cooler regions, start thinking about planting autumn crops like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower in seed trays. Make sure your risk of Cabbage Butterfly is well past!
4. Feed Your Soil
Summer crops take a lot of nutrients from the soil, so replenishing them is essential for healthy autumn planting.
• Add compost or well-rotted manure to garden beds.
• Use liquid seaweed or fish-based fertilisers to give plants an extra boost.
• Apply Cozy Crops Wool Pellets to improve soil structure and provide slow-release nutrients.
5. Keep an Eye on Pests and Diseases
The warmth of February creates the perfect conditions for pests like aphids, whiteflies, and caterpillars. Check your plants regularly and use organic solutions such as neem oil or companion planting to keep them under control.
Fungal diseases like powdery mildew can also appear in humid conditions—remove affected leaves and ensure good air circulation around plants.
6. Tidy Up and Prepare for Autumn
• Trim back overgrown plants to maintain airflow and prevent disease.
• Remove spent crops and weeds to keep your garden tidy.
• Start preparing garden beds for autumn planting by adding compost and/or wool.
7. Save Seeds for Next Season
If you’ve grown heirloom varieties of vegetables or flowers, now is a great time to collect seeds for next season. Let some plants go to seed, dry them out, and store them in a cool, dry place for future planting.
8. Plan for Autumn Gardening
As summer winds down, think about what you’d like to grow in autumn and winter. Now is the time to:
• Order seeds and seedlings.
• Plan crop rotations to keep your soil healthy.
• Set up frost protection measures for delicate plants.
February is a month of abundance, harvesting, and preparation. By keeping up with watering, feeding, and pest control, your garden will continue to thrive as the seasons change.
Boost your garden naturally with Cozy Crops Wool Pellets! They improve soil health, retain moisture, and help your plants stay strong through summer and into autumn.