Weekend Work
* Plant fruit trees.
* Spray apricots, nectarines and peaches for curly leaf before bud burst.
* Thin out main feijoa fruiting limbs. If hedged, trim back.
* Complete pruning of grapes and kiwifruit as soon as possible.
VEGETABLES
* Chit potatoes by placing in a shallow tray and storing in dry, light area. Plant when sprouts are 1cm to 2cm long.
* Sow seeds of salads, herbs, tomatoes, beans and cucurbits under glass.
* Plant asparagus crowns in a well- composted and fertilised bed.
ORNAMENTALS
* Prompt removal of spent camellia blooms will help control spread of petal blight.
* Remove dead foliage from the base of perennials that don't fully die down -- it's a haven for pests and diseases.
* Cut back bougainvillea's long new shoots by a third, and shear rest to keep compact.
* Dig in lime and compost in spring and summer flower beds.
WINTER WARMER
* Twigs of pussy willow, (Salix caprea) picked before the buds open, brought inside and placed in a vase will continue to grow. For a preview of spring, watch the pussies peek out and the brilliant green leafbuds unfurl.
* Golden willow (Salix alba Vitellina) will peform just as stunningly. Instead of the cute fluffy buds, gorge your eyes on the brilliantly coloured stems.
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(c) 2006 Press, The; Christchurch, New Zealand. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.
Source: Press, The; Christchurch, New Zealand
