Variety name of the game in November

• Published date: 04 November 2021
• Publication title: Taupo Weekender

Set up climbing frames for your peas, beans, tomatoes and cucumbers. Training plants upwards also means you’ll end up with more room in your garden for herbs and smaller vege to be poked in between things. Any gaps are also good for planting a few spring onions in. We recommend staking your tomato plants early on for better support, by staking the plants early you’ll also prevent damaging the roots later on.

If you’re growing watermelon, remember that they need a warm climate and require at least three months of sun heat averaging above 20C, rich soil and plenty of water. For more tips, see our watermelon gardening guide.

Basil — is it summertime without basil in your garden? Plant some basil around your garden to deter pests. If you’re wanting some for dessert flavouring try planting lemon and cinnamon basil, they add an interesting flavour to custards and creme patissier. For something a bit more savoury plant thyme, coriander and chives.

Flower gardenPetunias seem to be the flower of the month. The nursery stocks over 15 varieties including duo burgundy, mixed, frost red and duo red and white.

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