Gardening by the maramataka

The wet traditionally follows the cold – this month is known for the wet. It is also the month that we start to see the tohu or cues that tell us spring is imminent.

Watch for signs of early flowering, lack or masses of flowering, new shoots, bird and insect behaviour to initiate our preparation for kō anga (spring).

But before spring, we need to see out the winter.

In te reo, the prefix ‘‘here’’ means to bind or support and this month is prone to winds, according to the maramataka.

The mā ra therefore will need your support to ensure plants are stable and not prone to damage.

Pruning should be complete by now (that is part of the support against the winds) and waste material taken away.

In the north, establish the early tā papa or pā rekereke (kū mara beds) to initiate the new season tipū for planting around October.