As summer fully kicks into gear in New Zealand, December is a busy month in the vegetable garden. With longer days and warmer temperatures, it's the perfect time to nurture your crops and set the stage for a bountiful harvest. If you’re aiming to cultivate a thriving garden through the heat of summer, here’s a practical guide to the essential tasks for your vege patch in December. Time seems to be a little tight at this time of year which is why I’ve left the food forest to do its thing a bit more this month and put more focus onto the vege garden as it is a shorter term gardening approach and not as resilient as the food forest.
Watering – The Alchemy of Hydration
Water is the elixir of life for your plants during the summer months, and proper hydration is key. With New Zealand's summer heat, it's crucial to keep your garden well-watered, but it’s just as important to do so wisely. Early morning or late evening watering helps prevent evaporation and gives your plants the moisture they need overnight. If you water in the evenings make sure there is time for the water to evaporate off the leaves before nightfall to reduce fungal issues. It’s also better to water deeply every second day then just a quick daily water as this will encourage root growth downwards, more resilience, and for the plants to search for their own water. Put your hand in the soil after watering to check you’ve done enough. It always amazes me how much water you actually need to give the ground a really good soak.
Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are excellent for efficient watering, especially for more extensive gardens. This type of watering is also better for your more Mediterranean type plants like tomato and courgette that can be prone to fungal issues.
Compost/seaweed/worm tea feed generously around your plants to retain moisture and reduce water stress.can be a secret potion for enhancing soil health and boosting plant immunity. Make sure to water this in well
Weeding – The Magical Clearing
Weeds love the warm weather as much as your veggies, so stay on top of them to prevent them from taking over. Weeding can feel like a never-ending task, but keeping weeds under control early on will reduce competition for nutrients and water.
I like to weed on a waxing moon (between the new moon and full moon) when the vitality is moving into the top half of the plant and the roots aren’t as strong. I just cut weeds off just under the soil line and compost the top halves. Finding the right tools like stirrup hoes, flat blade hoes, and getting the weeds while they are still very small are great ways to keep on top of the weeds easily.
Feeding and Fertilising – Nourishing the Soil
In December, your plants are in full growth mode, and they need plenty of nutrients to thrive. Regular feeding with organic fertilisers will encourage strong growth and help your plants withstand the heat. I find the tui organic range works well for me, but I’m planning to get organised and make a lot more of my own next year .
Seaweed extract or fish emulsion are excellent organic fertilisers that promote healthy root and leaf growth.
Use compost to improve the overall health of your soil and provide slow-release nutrients.
If you're growing leafy greens or tomatoes, make sure to supplement with a high-potash fertiliser to support fruiting and flowering.
Pruning – Shaping for Abundance
Pruning isn’t just about tidying up your plants; it’s also about encouraging strong, productive growth. By trimming back excess foliage, you allow your plants to focus energy on producing fruit or vegetables rather than unnecessary growth.
- Prune your tomato plants to remove any suckers (the shoots that grow between the main stem and branches), encouraging the plant to focus on fruit production.
- Cut back overgrown herbs like basil and mint to promote bushier growth and prevent them from flowering too early.
- For brassicas like cabbage and broccoli, remove any yellowing or damaged leaves to help improve airflow and reduce the risk of disease.
Warm weather invites pests, but with a little vigilance and some natural solutions, you can keep your garden protected without resorting to harsh chemicals. Focus on prevention and intervention before problems get out of hand. If you do have any pest issues, it’s your gardens way of saying something is out of balance and that it needs your attention. A biodiverse, thriving garden will naturally keep the pest numbers low.
Here's are a few tips:
- Neem oil is a great natural pesticide that works on a range of pests, from aphids to whiteflies. I only use this as a last resort if nothing else has worked and my plants are showing signs of stress.
- Introduce or plant for beneficial insects like ladybugs or predatory beetles to combat aphids and other common pests. |
- Keep a close eye on your plants for signs of fungal diseases. If you notice any, remove the affected leaves and consider applying a baking soda spray, diluted apple cider vinegar or copper-based fungicide as a last resort.
- Companion planting can help repel pests. For example, planting marigolds near tomatoes can help deter aphids and other pests.
December marks the beginning of the harvest season for many crops, and there’s something truly magical about watching your hard work come to fruition. Early summer crops like lettuce, spinach, and radishes can be ready to pick in just a few weeks, while tomatoes, beans, and zucchinis will soon be making their appearance.
- Harvest leafy greens like spinach and lettuce regularly to encourage new growth and prevent them from bolting in the heat.
- Pick courgette and cucumbers when they’re young and tender for the best flavour.
- For tomatoes, wait until they’re fully ripe and deep in colour before harvesting. Picking them early can result in less flavourful fruit.
- Don’t let your beans or peas sit too long on the plant—harvest them regularly to ensure a steady supply.
Mulching – The Blanket of Protection
Mulching is one of the simplest yet most powerful tools in your summer gardening toolkit. A thick layer of mulch not only helps retain moisture but also suppresses weeds and regulates soil temperature. It’s like giving your plants a comfortable blanket to keep them cozy through the summer heat.
- Use straw, hay, or wood chips for a natural, effective mulch.
- Avoid mulching too close to the base of plants, as this can encourage rot. Leave a small gap around the stem.
- Consider living mulches like clover or mustard greens to add extra protection while also enriching the soil.
While December is the height of summer, it’s never too early to start thinking about the cooler months ahead. Start planning for your autumn crops, and consider sowing hardy vegetables like kale, spinach, and peas now to give them a head start for cooler weather.
- Direct sow seeds for late summer and autumn crops like carrots, beets, and turnips.
- Start hardening off seedlings of brassicas (like cabbage and broccoli) to prepare them for cooler weather.
- Use shade cloth for crops that are sensitive to intense sun, like lettuces, to extend the harvest season.
Conclusion: Turning Your Garden into an Alchemical Wonderland
December is a month of abundance and magic in the garden. With the right care and attention, your vegetable patch can transform into a thriving ecosystem, brimming with healthy, delicious crops. By staying on top of watering, weeding, feeding, and pest control, you’ll ensure that your garden remains productive and beautiful throughout the summer. And with a little bit of garden alchemy, you can continue to harness the natural forces at play, creating a lush paradise for both you and your plants.
So grab your tools, put on your gardening gloves, and enjoy the rewards of your efforts. December in the garden is a time to nurture, grow, and watch the fruits of your labour come to life!
Happy gardening! 🌿🌞