Plant a fruit tree this autumn

MEDIA RELEASE
26 March, 2007

Plant a fruit tree this autumn

New Zealand’s best-selling gardening magazine is encouraging Kiwi gardeners to plan for a fruitful future – by planting a fruit tree this autumn.

“Growing your own fruit and veges is a huge international trend and there’s no reason why every New Zealand garden shouldn’t have at least one fruit tree in it,” says NZ Gardener editor, Lynda Hallinan.

The April issue of NZ Gardener features 20 of the best fruit trees for home orchards, from dwarf nectarines suitable for apartment balconies, to nostalgic quinces and prolific plums. NZ Gardener’s team of experts also share practical advice for pruning and planting.

“The next best thing to growing your own food is buying it direct from the grower at one of the country’s fantastic farmers’ markets,” adds Lynda.

There are now 32 farmers’ markets operating around New Zealand and this month NZ Gardener launches a new column to profile the growers, gardeners and artisan food producers behind each market, starting with the famous Hastings Farmers’ Market.

Three months into her inner-city self-sufficiency project, Lynda has also reinvented herself as a city farmer to sell her own produce at the Auckland City Farmers’ Market at Britomart.

The North Island and South Island Gardens of the Month in April share one thing in common – both prove that years of hard work are worth the effort. Cath Handley’s Waiheke Island garden overcame the challenges of an exposed hilltop site, solid clay soil and hungry rabbits, while in North Canterbury Penny Zino has put in 40 years of hard slog to create a garden now recognised by the New Zealand Gardens Trust as a Garden of National Significance.

Also in this month’s issue, Paul Thompson provides expert tips for pet-friendly gardens, identifying poisonous plants to avoid and offering practical design solutions with pets in mind.

NZ Gardener's top garden tips for April:
- Autumn’s an ideal time to sort out dry, starved summer lawns. Resow bald patches and boost with lawn fertiliser that’s rich in nitrogen.
- Start planning for winter vege crops. Put in cabbages, cauliflowers and broccoli. Chinese cabbages like Boy Choy are ideal for impatient gardeners – they’re ready to eat in as little as six weeks.

The April issue, including bonus garden gift labels, is on sale from Monday 26 March and retails for $6.80.

ENDS

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