WHAT?S BEEN HAPPENING?:

It's all go at Diack's. The sun is shinnig and people are into their gardens. The plants are selling quicker than we can grow them. Everything is in demand at the moment. Tomatoes are probably the best sellers this week, so many varieties these days, with all the new hybrids. Some of the old varieties are still hard to beat for flavour. Grandad always used to grow best of all, money maker and potentate, which are all still avaliable today. Potato crops are still being planted, early crops should be in, although you will still get potatoes for Christmas if you plant Rocket, Swift or Liseta within the next couple of weeks. Main crops usually go in about labour weekend, same as yams. Ready now for another planting of vege plants, the first lot will be ready next month, so it pays to plant more now, especially the mixed brassica packs. We have runner beans and corn plants ready, but it could be early enough for those yet. Plenty of Corgettes, Cucumbers and Capsicums are ready now to be planted out in the tunnelhouse. For outside flower gardens we have all sorts for borders, beds and baskets, which are all our own seedlings. We also have good pots of Geraniums, Fuchsias and Pelargoniums. Instant colour for thoughout summer.

WHAT SHOULD YOU BE DOING?:

Watch out for the first bugs. I saw the first this morning, on some Helleborous. Weeds are germinating now. "A good hand hoe, on a hot day does wonders," is what Grandad used to say, "especially those that seed readily." (Stinging nettle etc.)
Now is planting time for everything, seeds (carrots and parsnip) and seedlings (veges and annuals.) Its also a good time to look at the big trees - they are all flowering and breaking into leaf. Even the Rhododendrons are flowering. So there's plenty to look at and think bout. This month is the peak of the season for gardeners.
 
PRODUCT OF THE WEEK:
Gro South: Big Red Tomato Food.

Easy to use, more flavour, more fruit, premium quality and long term feeding.

Ideal for greenhouse crops.

Now only $16.99.

(To check out our other Gro South products, go to our website: www.diacks.co.nz )

THIS WEEKS SPECIAL:

FREE Grosouth Lawn Fertilizer valued at $29.99, when you purchase the handygreen hand spreader for $39.99.

PLANT OF THE WEEK COMPETITION:

Take a look at the plant attached below and if you recognise it e-mail us with your answer. If you are the first to guess correctly you will win!

Last weeks answer: Feijoa.

Last weeks winner: Pat Robinson.

SUPERSAVE PET DEPOT:

Free luckydip! Garfield knapsack free with every bag of Nutrience super premium, cat original and supreme 3kg bag or over. Only while stocks last. 

RECIPE OF THE WEEK:

Camellia Sinensis Green Tea
Pick tender young growth from you Camellia Sinensis. Young shoots with 2-3 leaves are best.
Leave the leaves and shoots to wilt in the shade for a few hours. This make rolling easier.
Roll a few shoots between your hands until the leaves darken and become crinkled, (but not broken into pieces.)
Continue this process until all the leaves are bruised. (This allows the fermentation process to begin.)
Put the leaves in the oven at 120 Degrees Celsius for 20 minutes to dry them.
Store your tea in an airtight container or use straight away.

This tea is delicious. It is very smooth and not bitter.

JOKE OF THE WEEK:
How to stop a dog from digging in a garden. Start right! Never let the dog see you digging . . . Doggy see, doggy do

Win One of Wally's New Book >> Here 2 autographed copies 2 give away