Selwyn_Times: January 24, 2024

Wednesday January 24 2024 Selwyn Times 41
HOME PROFESSIONALS
Intelligro’s top tips for
battling nor-wester winds
Hard to believe we’re coming into the end of
January already – but as we all know, February can be
the hottest and most intense of the summer months.
At this time of year, the hot and dry nor-wester
wind is at its most powerful. It whips through your
plants, potentially damaging them and certainly
drying them. It increases transpiration from all plants
– especially seedlings, which are far more at risk of
stress.
Here’s some top tips from our experienced team
about battling the wind.
1) Put shade cloth shelters over newly planted
seedlings and over younger plants. Or plant straight
into a Vegepod, with its built-in shade protection.
2) Think about where you
establish new gardens – sun is
important, but look for locations
that provide shelter from strong
wind.
3) Secure taller plants to bamboo
canes, wooden stakes and steel
waratahs. This reduces ‘wind rock’
when the wind literally tears the
plant out from the ground. Use a
soft, expandable tie like pantyhose
or strips of old cloth to allow some
movement and room for growth
while still holding the plant secure.
4) Pinch out the top of your taller
crops to keep them at the height you
need. This works especially well with
vining tomatoes, broad beans and
runner beans.
5) Do some sustainable upcycling to add protective
structures into the soil. Try carefully cutting the
bottom out of large flowerpots or old plastic buckets.
You’ll need strong scissors or a serrated knife (an old
bread knife is ideal) or a hack saw. Push the plastic
rings that you’ve created well into the ground around
each plant.
6) Keep on top of your watering. Water deep and
often to keep your garden hydrated and colours
bright. If you’re back at work now, water timers and
soaker hoses are handy tools.
7) Remember to use a good quality bark mulch,
or spread some compost over the surface to prevent
moisture loss from the wind.
8) Don’t forget the lawn! Lawns benefit
from deep watering every few days, to
establish a healthy root system. Check
out Intelligro’s own “Green Lines”
range of lawn care products for those
who want simplified professional lawn
care at home. The range contains
fertilisers, fungicides and seeds
to suit the most extreme of
Canterbury conditions.
For more advice, visit
the friendly team at
261 Manion Road, Rolleston,
7:30–5:30 Mon–Sat, and
Sundays 8–4:30 in summer.
Order our full range of
products through
www.intelligro.co.nz
PATIos - ouTDoor AreAs - CAr PorTs
Shadecraft is a locally owned company who specialise in shade and weather
protection products to enhance your homes design and use of outdoor areas.
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