Millbrook Resort is committed to sustainability, and as part of that commitment, we have established a Kitchen Garden which is maintained by our Biodynamic Gardener, Mikey. Our garden provides fresh vegetables and fruit to all of our resort restaurants, including the Millhouse which features a seasonal menu of delicious dishes. Due to this, it is critical that it is maintained and growing produce all year round. With having very distinct seasonal changes in the Queenstown and Arrowtown area each year, this can create challenging growing conditions. Despite this, Mikey has gained an understanding of this climate and is able to keep the garden growing, even in the winter. He believes that with the right knowledge and techniques, your garden can thrive.
If you’re unsure about what to plant and how to properly prepare and maintain your garden in this unpredictable climate, Mikey has you covered. Below, you’ll find some valuable tips and tricks that can be applied to gardens of any size, whether you’re tending to an indoor planter or outdoor vegetable garden in a lifestyle block.
Covering soil
Mikey strongly emphasises the importance of prioritising soil protection during the winter by implementing covering techniques. This is important for many reasons. Firstly, it serves as a preventive measure against erosion. Winter introduces harsh weather conditions, including heavy rainfall, snow, frosts, and strong winds from the south. When soil is left exposed, moisture from these conditions can wash away the topsoil, which contains vital nutrients necessary for plant growth.
Secondly, covering the soil plays a crucial role in maintaining its structure, preserving its fertility and overall health, ensuring optimal conditions for plant growth, and productivity in the coming seasons. Fortunately, there are numerous affordable methods available to cover your soil during the winter, including:
Mulching: Mulching is a covering of biodegradable material which contains various materials such as straw, wood chips, leaves, grass clippings, shredded bark, kitchen scraps, compost, or earth warms. This natural blanket protects the soil and keeps it protected from erosion by harsh winds and water. It can also prevent weed growth and deter garden pests.
Green manure crops: Integrating cover crops or green manures into your soil is an effective method to enhance soil health and fertility, particularly when planted between regular crop rotations. The process of planting green manure crops starts off with planting specific seed varieties after harvesting your crop and before the arrival of winter. These seeds often include legumes such as vetch, clover, beans, peas, lupin, as well as mustard, oats, lucerne, broad beans, and buckwheat.
Once these cover crops begin to flower, you can use a sharp blade to cut them down. Following this, you dig the crop’s stalks and leaves into the soil, allowing them to decompose gradually and release their valuable nutrients. This process contributes to the improvement of soil quality and overall fertility.
Tarps: Tarps are also an effective way to cover soil. To prepare the soil for a tarp, it is important to clear the soil of any debris, rocks, or weeds. It is also important to use a durable good quality tarp that is UV resistant. When the tarp is laid, secure the edges with heavy objects such as rock, bricks, wood, or pegs. Continue to monitor the tarp to ensure it is in place and doesn’t create any pooling of water on the surface.
At Millbrook’s Kitchen Garden, all the above soil covering techniques are actively being used. Mikey confirms their effectiveness in safeguarding the soil during the winter season. These methods are not only easily accessible to all gardeners but also promote sustainability.
What to plant?
When it comes to planting vegetables during the wintertime, the most common questions that arise is what to plant? If you desire vegetables that can be harvested by arrival of spring; onions, garlics, and broad beans are excellent choices. However, if you prefer fast-growing options, consider cultivating rocket, mustard greens, winter spinach, radishes, and even brussels sprouts.
For optimal growth and protection against the winter elements, Mikey suggests using a tunnel house, although not everyone has access to this. Therefore, he recommends using frost cloth as a protective measure. Additionally, applying mulch to the soil helps in keeping the roots warm and well-nourished.
Hot tips:
Mikey also recommends taking advantage of the opportunity to grow microgreens. if you prefer to avoid the cold weather outside, you can still enjoy fresh, delicious, and healthy salad greens by planting microgreens indoors. They are easy to grow and can thrive in shallow containers placed on a sunny windowsill. If sunlight is insufficient, you can explore the use of artificial lighting to support their growth.
In addition, Mikey recommends conducting a soil test during this time of year. Soil testing provides valuable insights into nutrient deficiencies that may hinder your plants optimal growth.
We hope these tips from Mikey will inspire you to maintain and prepare your garden during the winter, ensuring it thrives when the warmer months arrive. We understand that gardening can feel intimidating for some, but with proper preparation and knowledge, you can achieve success in growing vegetables. If you’re a beginner, start small by using trays and pots. As you gain experience and confidence, you can gradually expand your garden to include planter boxes or eventually a greenhouse. Remember, every journey starts with a single step, and with determination, your garden can flourish and grow over time.
In addition to our world-class facilities, guests who stay at Millbrook Resort can enjoy a complimentary garden tour in the warmer months. If you want to learn more from Mikey about gardening and Millbrook’s sustainable Kitchen Garden, CLICK HERE.
