b> Capsicum seeks tomato for friendship and more Copy: If you followed my advice and planted

Tomatoes last month, it's time to play matchmaker and introduce them to the trusty capsicum. It's another summer favourite of mine - light, fresh and full of vitamin C. The two summer plants grow well together where it's sunny and dry, and out of the wind. You'll be pleased to know capsicums don't need a lot of love and attention. They can actually grow in quite confined spaces and thrive with little watering.

For easy access, or if you don't have a proper garden, why not grow your capsicums in terracotta pots on the deck? The brightly coloured fruit - red, yellow and green - looks fantastic against the dusky, desert red of the pots.

And, if you want to get the kids in on the action, get them to paint a pot and help you with the planting. You can bet they won't be picking the pepper off their pizza after all that fun.

If you're a fan of hot and spicy fare, keep in mind they also grow well with chillies, as the two plants develop in the same way. And, when they're both done, throw them into a guacamole for a tasty snack.

So, get down to your local Bunnings, The Warehouse or supermarket and pick up some capsicum seedlings.

Or head to our online shop at www.awapuni.co.nz and get the seedlings delivered straight to your door. Purchase six or more items and get free delivery to a non-rural address or pay just $4 for delivery to a rural address.

Once you’ve found the perfect spot for planting, increase the quality of your soil by mixing in compost.

And if you want to give your seedlings a really good head start, mix a general fertiliser, such as nitrophoska blue, into the soil prior to planting. This will encourage growth and ensure bountiful capsicums come harvest.

Like courgettes, capsicums take around 12 weeks to cultivate. However, they're a bit like tomatoes - you have to focus on growing the plant first before you see any action on the fruit front.

Lastly, surprisingly, capsicums are quite tasty to slugs – so be sure to put our some slug bait.

Tod Palenski Awapuni Nurseries www.awapuni.co.nz

Crazy about courgettes

Mmmm courgettes – otherwise known as zucchini. Stuffed, roasted, baked, barbecued or thrown into a simple stir-fry – they're certainly a versatile veg and a great one for the garden. The important thing to note about cultivating courgettes is they like to be in a nice, sunny spot with plenty of drainage. But, I have to say, they're a little fussy - they don't like getting their leaves wet because it tends to spread diseases, so stay away from overhead watering. Instead, water around the plants and surround them with pea straw so they don't sit on the ground.

Just like human babies, newly planted crops are a bit unstable and need some protection. I like to cut a milk container and put it over the top of the plant (until it gets established) to stop the wind blowing around. But don't forget to leave a hole open at the top.

Or, better still, plant your courgettes in a roomy pot. Because pots are free draining, the plant doesn't sit in water and when the vegetables start to emerge, they hang nicely over the sides. So grab some courgette seedlings from your local Bunnings, The Warehouse or supermarket.

Better still, head to our online shop at www.awapuni.co.nz and get the seedlings delivered straight to your door. Purchase six or more items and get free delivery to a non-rural address or pay just $4 for delivery to a rural address.

Planting’s easy – simply dig a little hole, approximately 3cm deep, and space each seedling around 10cm apart.

Growing courgettes takes about 12 weeks, so now's the perfect time to get planting. Don't be put off by my care instructions - they're generally really easy to cultivate and a common staple in New Zealand gardens. Remember - the more water you give, the bigger they get, eventually turning into a type of marrow.

Tod Palenski Awapuni Nurseries www.awapuni.co.nz

Thinking colour? Think impatiens

Just because the shady spots in your garden are free of sun, that doesn't mean they should be free of colour and interest.

In fact, impatiens grow really well in shady areas, and come in a range of bright colours to liven up any dark corner.

From pale pink to vibrant orange, we have a range of shades in our Traditional Value and easy- plant Pop 'n' Grow seedling ranges.

To get started, pop into your local Bunnings, The Warehouse or supermarket to pick up the seedlings.

Or take the easy option and head to our online shop at www.awapuni.co.nz to get them delivered straight to your door. Purchase six or more items and get free delivery to a non-rural address or pay just $4 for delivery to a rural address.

Once you’ve got your seedlings, pop them into hanging baskets filled with potting mix to add a splash of colour right around the house and garden.

Lastly, be sure to use slug bait to keep pests away and pick off dead flower heads to encourage new ones to grow.

Tod Palenski Awapuni Nurseries www.awapuni.co.nz

ENDS

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