Organic Gardening Guide

Whether you’re growing delicious seasonal vegetables and herbs, or fresh fruit, using the Tui Organic range means you have maximised the natural goodness in your garden. Follow our guide to grow your edibles the organic way this season.

PREPARE

Like building a house a good foundation is the key to success in your garden. The better the soil, the better your plants will grow. If you are starting with an existing garden bed dig in organic matter like sheep pellets and Tui Performance Organics Compost to your soil.

When planting veges add a layer of BioGro Certified Tui Performance Organics Vegetable Mix. Crafted from natural ingredients including bark fines, the healthy additions of a slow release fertiliser, a disease suppressant, calcium and potassium, this mix is designed to ensure you get the most from your vegetable patch.

If planting fruit trees dig in Tui Performance Organics Compost to the soil before planting. The combination of organic matter, blood and bone and gypsum will help break up heavy or clay soil, improve drainage in compacted soil, and increase water holding capacity in sandy soil. It also increases microbial activity, and encourages earthworms!

PLANT

If you’re a first time gardener you may find it easier to grow from seedlings, rather than seeds, although seeds are a more economical option. Check seed packets for individual planting instructions and use Tui Performance Organics Seed Raising Mix.

The best times to plant are early in the morning or late in the day, so the plants aren’t exposed to the hot sun straight away.

Directions for planting veges and herbs in garden beds:

• Before planting your vege plants, soak in a bucket of Tui Organic Seaweed Plant Tonic and allow to drain. This will help prevent transplant shock.
• Dig a hole, approximately twice the depth and width of the root ball of your plant.
• Partly fill the hole with Tui Performance Organics Vegetable Mix.
• Gently loosen the root ball of your plant and position the plant in the centre of the hole.
• Fill in with Tui Performance Organics Vegetable Mix.
• Press soil gently around the base of the plant.
• Water your vege plants well after planting.

Directions for planting fruit trees in garden beds:

• Dig a hole approximately twice the depth and width of the root ball of your plant.
• Gently loosen the root ball of your plant.
• Place the tree in the hole, and fill in with soil, ensuring the tree is no deeper than it was in the container or bag.
• Stake when planting using a stake on either side of the tree.
• Water your fruit trees well after planting.

If you're planning on planting in pots and containers the organic way, see our Organic Container Gardening Guide here

NOURISH

Feed your plants and they will feed you. Plants use nutrients from the soil as they grow, so replenishing the nutrients ensures your veges grow to their full potential.

Sheep pellets, blood & bone, and seaweed based fertilisers are all natural options, or to get the most from your vegetable garden use an all purpose blend such as Tui Organic General Fertiliser. Apply every four weeks at the recommended rate to fast growing vegetables and flowers during key growth periods.

Well watered, well nourished veges will have a better chance of keeping insect pests and diseases at bay.

Tui Tips:

• A great natural fertiliser is worm tea. See the Tui Worm Farming Guide on how to get your very own worm farm started and your garden will enjoy an endless supply of nourishing worm tea.
• The weather, weeds, pest insects and diseases can all impact on the success of your garden. Protect your veges from the elements with layers of Tui Pea Straw Mulch.

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