Winter prunning
Now is the time to prune your fruit trees, hydrangeas and roses.
-Pick a fine day if the trees are wet this increases your chances of spreading disease. Insure your secateurs & loppers are sharp to prevent any ripping of branches and you have some pruning paste for those larger cuts.
-Hydrangeas, cut back and cut out weak canes and prune back the stronger canes back 2 or 3 of the plump lateral buds.
-Fruit trees, know the shape you are aiming for when pruning. eg. Plum and peach trees into an open-vase shape. Apple and pears into a central leader shapes. Remember it's generally best to avoid pruning back by more than 1/3.
-Keep roses looking young by removing old & spent dead wood. Prune 1 cm above a bud. (Remember to angle your secateurs highest point being above the bud) Prune at least 1/3 off or up to 50% back in Winter.
Enjoy and don't be in a hurry. My advise is always step back now and again and re look at your plant shape. This will insure your plant has a great final shape. If unsure cut a little and as your confidence grows cut a bit more.
Poll: If we want to reduce speeding, what do you think actually changes driver behaviour? 🛻🚨🚓
In the Post's article on speeding penalties, the question is asked whether speeding fines are truly about road safety, or are they just a way to boost revenue for the Crown?
What do you think? Should speeding motorists receive speeding fines or demerit points?
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36.4% The sting of a fine (Money talks!)
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63.6% The threat of demerit points (Nobody wants to lose their license!)
Scam Alert: Bank cold calls
ASB is warning customers about reports of cold calls from scammers claiming to be from ASB. These scammers are trying to obtain personal information, including usernames, dates of birth, and verification codes sent to your mobile phone.
🛡️ The "Caller Check" Test
If you get a call from someone claiming to be from ASB and you’re unsure, just ask them for a Caller Check. You will then be able to verify the call through the app.
Remember, banks will:
❌ Never ask for your banking passwords, PINs, or verification codes
❌ Never need to know your full credit card number – especially the CVC
❌ Never ask you to download software or remotely access your device
❌ Never ask you to purchase gift cards or transfer funds.
If you have received a phone call and think your account has been compromised, call ASB on 0800 ASB FRAUD (0800 272 372), or visit your local branch.
Share your favourite main crop potato recipe and win a copy of our mag!
Love potatoes? We will give away free copies of the May 2026 issue to readers whose potato recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite way to enjoy potatoes: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by March 1, 2026.
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