11/08/2026
ONLY 22 DAYS UNTIL SPRING!
It’s hard to believe after all this cold weather, but spring is just around the corner!
A strong El Niño is underway in New Zealand, and it looks like our gardens here in Katikati could be in for a windier, drier spring and a hot, dry summer.
The good news? Winter is the perfect time to prepare. The goal is to build a garden that can hold onto moisture, protect the soil and develop strong, healthy roots.
🌱 What can we do now?
1. Cover your soil
Don’t leave beds bare. Add compost, leaves, straw or other organic matter to protect the soil and help retain moisture.
2. Build healthy soil
Add compost now and let the worms and soil life get to work. Healthy soil with plenty of organic matter holds water much better.
3. Get your mulch ready
Stock up on pea straw, lucerne, leaves or other suitable mulch so you’re ready to protect your summer crops.
4. Create wind protection
Look at where the strong winds hit your garden. Hedges, fences, trellis or shade cloth can help take the sting out of the wind while still allowing airflow.
5. Check your irrigation
Fix those leaky hoses and check your watering system now. When summer arrives, aim to water deeply rather than little and often.
6. Plan for resilient crops
Choose healthy, sturdy plants suited to our local conditions. Strong root systems will help them cope with heat and drying winds.
7. Think about shade
Decide now where you could add shade cloth or plant taller crops to give lettuce, coriander and other leafy greens some protection from the afternoon sun.
And perhaps most importantly… Feed the soil, not just the plants.
Healthy soil, living roots, organic matter and good mulch will all help your garden cope when the weather gets hot and dry.
Prepare for summer =
Build healthy soil → Cover it → Protect from wind → Conserve water
At Grow On, we’re all about working with nature and preparing our gardens for whatever the season brings. A little preparation now can make a big difference later!
What are you doing in your garden to get ready for spring? We’d love to hear your tips! 👇