Winter in New Zealand can be a challenging time for gardeners. The colder temperatures and shorter days often lead to a slowdown in plant growth, making it crucial to provide the right care and nutrition to your garden. The EMNZ Garden + range of products can help maintain and even enhance your garden's health during the winter months.
EMNZ offers a variety of products designed to boost soil health and plant growth through the use of beneficial microorganisms. These microorganisms work to improve soil structure, enhance nutrient availability, and support the overall health of plants. Key EMNZ products include:
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Organic Plant Food + is a nutrition packed formula for quality flowers fruits and vegetables.
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Healthy Soil + contains nourishing microbial food sources to stimulates healthy soil function and earthworms, help to build soil structure and breakdown organic material.
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Amino + has been formulated to provide essential amino acids maximising yield and quality of fruits and vegetables.
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Fulvic + is a powerful organic extract from humates which chelates nutrients and promotes plant absorption.
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Humic + is a soil conditioner which will promotes root growth and mineral retention and neutralises toxic residues and heavy metals.
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Silicon + is a soil conditioner which will promotes root growth and mineral retention and neutralises toxic residues and heavy metals.
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Compost Boost + contains billions of natural bacteria and fungi
to reduce odours and enhance the breakdown of organic material
and speed up the composting process by over 30%. -
EM1 Concentrate is a unique blend of microorganisms that will
enhance your soil, grow healthy productive vegetables and fruits.
It will also activate your compost and reduce odours.
Preparing Your Garden for Winter
1. Soil Health
Winter is an ideal time to focus on improving soil health. Healthy Soil +, EM1 Concentrate and Humic + can be used by applying tot he soil before planting winter crops. These products enhance soil structure, promotes nutrient cycling, and boosts the microbial activity essential for healthy plant growth.
2. Composting with Compost + or EM1 Concentrate
Composting during winter can be challenging due to slower decomposition rates. EM1 and Compost + offer a solution by accelerating the breakdown of organic waste through fermentation. Drench your organic matter with these products and speed up the composting process to make a healthy and microbe rich garden fertiliser.
3. Mulching
Mulching is crucial in winter to protect the soil from erosion, maintain moisture levels, and regulate soil temperature. Using organic mulch materials like straw, leaves, or wood chips, combined with an application of EM1 or Healthy Soil, can help suppress weeds and support beneficial microbial activity under the mulch layer.
Winter Crops and Care
1. Choosing the Right Crops
In New Zealand, hardy vegetables like kale, spinach, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts thrive in winter. These crops are resilient to frost and can continue to grow despite lower temperatures. Before planting, treat the soil with EM1, Healthy Soil or Humic + and water the plants with Organic Plant Food or Amino + to give them a strong start.
2. Protection and Maintenance
While winter crops are generally hardy, they still benefit from protection during extreme weather. Using cloches, cold frames, or frost cloths can shield them from frost and wind. Regularly applying EM1, Silicon + or Organic Plant Food + to the plants can enhance their resistance to cold stress and improve overall health.
The Benefits of EMNZ Products in Winter Gardening
- Enhanced Soil Structure: EMNZ products improve soil aeration and water retention, crucial for winter when soil can become compacted.
- Improved Nutrient Availability: The beneficial microorganisms in EMNZ products help break down organic matter, making nutrients more accessible to plants.
- Increased Plant Resilience: Regular applications boost plant immunity, making them more resistant to pests and diseases common in winter.
- Sustainable Practices: Using EMNZ products promotes sustainable gardening practices by reducing the need for chemical fertilisers and pesticides.
Conclusion
Winter gardening in New Zealand doesn't have to be a dormant period. With the help of EMNZ products, gardeners can maintain healthy soils and robust plants even during the colder months. By focusing on soil health, effective composting, and protecting winter crops, you can ensure your garden remains productive and vibrant year-round. Embrace the power of effective microorganisms and enjoy the benefits of a thriving winter garden.
