August GrowBox Instructions
Perfect for our New Zealand winter, this month's GrowBox contains cool-season seedlings that thrive in the colder months. Your box includes Peas, Red lettuce, Broccoli, and Italian parsley - all excellent winter crops. This step-by-step guide will help you plant them using our no-dig approach with seedlings, mulch, and compost.
Step 1: Prepare Your Planting Area
- Spread mulch evenly: Distribute mulch evenly over your designated grow area to create a protective base layer
- Organise your seedlings: Lay out your seedlings (Peas, Red lettuce, Broccoli, Italian parsley) and count them to plan your spacing
- Prepare planting holes: Using a stick or trowel, make holes twice as deep as each root ball. Wiggle the tool to widen each hole appropriately
- Add compost to holes: Place a small amount of compost into each hole and gently mix it with your finger to create nutrient-rich planting pockets
Step 2: Planting & Slug Protection
- Mix slug trap: Combine slug trap ingredients with warm water and leave in a warm place for at least an hour until frothy on top
- Lay out seedlings and count: Lay out your seedlings and count them to plan spacing
- Make planting holes: Using a stick or trowel, make holes twice as deep and wide as the root ball
- Add compost to each hole: Add a small amount of compost into each hole and gently mix it with your finger
- Plant each seedling: Place each seedling in its hole and backfill with a mix of compost and surrounding soil
- Secure and mulch: Gently pat around the base with your fingers and push the surrounding mulch under the leaves
- Water thoroughly: Using a hose or watering can, water the entire area until the soil and mulch appear thoroughly wet
- Place slug trap jar: Position the slug trap jar on an angle near seedlings—remove soil if needed and press into place
Alternative barriers: If this is your first box, complete Step 1 first. Then follow these steps for planting and slug protection.
Step 3: Winter Care for Your Crops
- Peas - Climbing support: Provide stakes or trellises for pea plants to climb as they grow throughout winter
- Red lettuce - Frost protection: Monitor for frost and provide protection if needed, harvest outer leaves regularly
- Broccoli - Head development: Watch for head formation and harvest when heads are tight and firm, before flowering
- Italian parsley - Continuous harvest: Cut outer stems regularly to encourage new growth throughout the winter months
Alternative barriers: These cool-season crops actually thrive in New Zealand's winter conditions and will provide fresh produce during the colder months.
