Daltons Growing Ideas Newsletter Issue 77 - August 2026
Daltons Growing Ideas
Kia Ora,
We hope this finds you well. Mother Nature has certainly been flexing her winter muscles over the past few weeks, but things are warming up as spring gets closer.
This month, we’re getting a head start on the growing season with seed sowing tips, advice for getting your potatoes underway, and plenty of practical August gardening jobs.
You’ll also find a tasty bread recipe (perfect with winter soups!), and an immune boosting recipe from nutritionist Melanie Storey.
Congratulations to Kirsten Raureti and Lisa MacDonell for their questions about potatoes and roses.
Happy growing,
The Daltons Team
August Gardening Tasks
This month is about getting ready for the growing season ahead without rushing it.
August and September are when many gardeners start thinking about sowing seeds for the growing season ahead, and planning their summer garden.
If you have a warm, bright and protected spot, you can start some summer vegetables and flowers from seed indoors now - see our August notes above for what to sow.
There’s no need to rush though. In cooler parts of New Zealand, September is still a good time to get summer crops underway.
Our Daltons Premium Seed Raising Mix is one of our most popular products - and is trusted by commerical growers. Its fine, free-draining blend is specially formulated for germinating seeds and supporting young seedling growth.
A few seed-sowing tips
✔️ Check your seed packet for the best sowing time for your variety and region.
✔️ Use clean seed trays or small pots. ✔️ Keep the mix moist, but not wet. ✔️ Place trays somewhere warm with plenty of light.
Keep tender seedlings protected
August is still too early to plant many summer vegetables outside, particularly where cold nights and frosts can continue into spring.
Lots of cold and flu bugs going around right now. Melanie from Elani Wellness and Nutrition has shared a great way to boost your immunity while using citrus fruit from your garden.
Oranges & lemons: Rich in vitamin C, which supports the normal function of the immune system.
Ginger: Contains natural compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Tumeric: Contains curcumin, a compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Mel's Tips:
🍊Try having this shot with breakfast, particularly if your meal contains healthy fats (such as eggs, nuts, seeds, avocado, or yoghurt) for better absorption.
🍊Remember, strong immunity starts with good nutrition, enough sleep, regular activity and managing stress.
If homegrown new potatoes are on your Christmas menu, now’s the time to get organised. Choose an early cropping variety and start preparing your certified seed potatoes for planting.
What to plant:
Plant early cropping varieties (shortcrop) in early spring, or late winter in warmer areas. These varieties mature quickly, usually within around three months. Popular options include Ilam Hardy, Cliffs Kidney, Jersey Bennes and Maris Anchor.
Start chitting for a head start Place certified seed potatoes in a dry, well-lit spot for 3-4 weeks before planting, until short, sturdy sprouts around 2-3cm long appear.
🥔Top tip:Avoid planting potatoes where tomatoes, eggplants or capsicums have recently grown, as they can share pests and diseases.
For planting times, varieties, soil preparation and growing potatoes in containers, see our full guide.
You know Daltons for our home gardening products, but we also work closely with professional nurseries and growers across New Zealand, supplying growing media, pots, trays and more for commercial plant production.
Last week, our team was at the annual North Island Nursery Trade Day in Hamilton. It's an important event on the calendar and a great opporutnity to catch up with growers, garden centres and others from across the nursery industry.
From Your Garden to Your Plate
Herby Cheese Bread Knot
Nothing beats the smell (and taste!) of freshly baked bread, especially alongside a hearty soup.
Packed with garlic, fresh herbs and plenty of cheese, this easy bread knot is well worth giving a go.
Together with our friends at Kings Seeds we have two Seed Sowing Packs up for grabs.
Each pack includes Kings Seeds Wonderful Wildflowers and Heirloom Tomatoes collections, plus Daltons seed-sowing essentials to help get your seedlings off to a healthy start.
Ask your gardening question to enter!Entries close Thursday 27August 2026. T&Cs apply.
