January is a great time to be gardening in New Zealand. It's quite warm and the days are long. Here are some good tips for what to do in your garden throughout the summer.
Hero plant this month: Blueberries
It's a great time to be planting tropical shrubs such as gardenias, day lilies or hibiscus. Petunias are a great choice this month too. Their bold colours will brighten up any area of your garden. Alternatively plant them in a pot in a sunny position.
Another favourite that's in store now are blueberries, with their pretty flowers and tasty fruit, which are said to be rich in antioxidants. Plant in well-drained, acidic soil for good results. Blueberries grow well in pots too. Pick the fruit from December to March, depending on the variety. Taste test them fresh from the bush to make sure they are sweet.

What else to plant
There's nothing like fresh herbs for your cooking, and summer is a great time to put in basil, coriander, or parsley. Pick a sunny spot in the garden with fertile, well-drained soil. If you're space poor, plant them in a pot.

Maintenance
In January it's a great time to be getting out into the garden. Deadheading spent flowers from roses and rhododendrons will improve the look of your plants and importantly will stimulate new growth. Plants such as azaleas, gardenias and other perennials will also benefit when old flowers are removed.
In summer it's important to keep up with the water. Pots dry out quickly in the heat, so be vigilant on checking their moisture levels regularly. Add a wetting agent to pots and also to garden beds and the lawn. This will help the soil retain moisture. Before turning on your sprinklers, check with your local regulator for water restrictions.
Fertilise flower beds and pots to restore much needed nutrients. But don't do this on a really hot day as it could burn the plants. And if you need advice on what to apply, come in store and speak to the experts.
Add seasol every 2-4 weeks to keep your plants thriving. It's a great tonic for root growth and also helps to strengthen plant cell walls.
Consider netting your tomatoes to protect the ripening fruit from hungry birds.
January is a really good time to be getting out into the garden. Tasks done this month, will mean you reap the rewards later.

Harvest
In January there is lots of summer produce ripening in the patch. Pick tomatoes, zucchini, pumpkins, carrots, cauliflowers, strawberries, squash and cucumber.

Our Perfect Plant Promise
Remember the Perfect Plant Promise. All our plants (except seedlings) are guaranteed for 12 months. If you're not 100 per cent happy, return your plant (with receipt or tax invoice) and we'll refund it.
Start planting today
Check out the wide range of plants available at your local Bunnings and bring your garden to life.