Daltons Growing Ideas Newsletter Issue 71 - June 2026
Daltons Growing Ideas
Kia ora,
Warmer spells followed by cooler snaps have kept plants, and gardeners, on their toes in some parts of the country. With winter now underway, growth naturally slows, so the focus shifts to keeping plants protected and healthy.
In this month’s newsletter, we have a fruit tree focus and a bumper prize pack featuring two fantastic books, so make sure you enter.
We’re also sharing seasonal gardening tips such as mulching, planting inspiration, a tasty scone recipe and warming winter wellness soups to enjoy.
Happy growing!
The Daltons Team.
June Gardening Tasks
Time to pop on the gumboots, plant fruit trees and remaining winter crops, get the last of your strawberries in and tackle a few other important tasks.
Thank you to everyone who entered our two competitions in the last issue.
Congratulations to Jenny Polstra, who won a copy of the 'Aotearoa in Bloom' book about NZ native flowers. We had a fantastic response to this giveaway, with everyone sharing their favourite native plants. As you can see, Kōwhai was the clear favourite, followed by Kākābeak / Ngutukākā and Pōhutukawa.
Congratulations also to prize pack winners, Shirley Froom and Willow Sands.
Plant deciduous fruit trees through winter and into August while they’re dormant. This gives roots time to settle before spring growth begins. Read our guide for a list of varieties to choose from.
Peaches: Bonanza, Honey Babe, Pixzee, Rose Chiffon
Pear: Garden Belle®
💡Helpful tip: Stock varies by season, region and garden centre. Check with your local for varieties suited to your climate.
Make the Most of Small Spaces
Espaliering is a clever way to make fruit trees more productive in smaller gardens. Trained flat against a fence or frame, they are easier to manage, with better airflow and sun exposure for ripening.
If you didn’t get around to mulching in autumn, this weekend is a great time to get it done.
Think of mulch as a cosy blanket for your soil, helping protect roots from winter wet and cold, reduce nutrient loss during heavy rain and keep garden beds and pots looking tidy.
💡Tips for applying mulch:
Weed first and water well.
Apply up to 10cm around trees, shrubs and flower beds.
Use around 5-6cm for veggie gardens and pots.
Keep mulch clear of stems and trunks to help prevent rot.
Mulch can change the whole look of a garden bed, pot or landscaping project. Choose from decorative coloured mulch, enriched mulch or natural bark finishes to suit your style.
Crafted from recycled, untreated wood waste, Daltons Landscape Black Mulch helps green foliage and colourful planting pop.
Daltons Premium Mulch & Feed includes added Chicken & Sheep Pellets to gently feed the soil and support plant growth.
Daltons pine bark range helps create a clean, natural-looking finish.
Did you know?
Daltons growing media is trusted by professional growers across New Zealand, supporting plants from propagation through to sale.
Many plants you see in garden centres and retail stores have been grown in Daltons mixes from day one.
That same expertise is behind our retail ranges available at Bunnings, The Warehouse, Mitre 10 and all good garden centres, giving home gardeners access to proven, quality growing media.
Warm from the oven, these Date & Orange Scones are lightly sweet, fluffy and full of fresh citrus flavour. They’re a lovely winter afternoon treat, served with butter, orange marmalade or a drizzle of honey.
Because we are a little obsessed with fruit trees this month, we've added twofruit tree books by Kath Irvine and Jason Ross,to our prize pack to help one lucky gardener grow, prune and care for their trees with confidence.
