Did you know it's time to get eggplants started?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

In this week’s issue we say August is the ideal time to sow eggplants. Plus keep your guard up against cold weather, choose flowers to grow from seed, get a move on with chillies and capsicums, start sowing basil and trick coriander seedlings.

Follow our guide to spring soil preparation and nominate a gardening hero for Ryman Healthcare Gardener of the Year. Plus go in the draw for $35 vouchers from Awapuni Nurseries and sensational new peace lilies from Gellert’s.

Delivered every Friday to your email inbox, Get Growing digital magazine offers seasonal gardening advice from the NZ Gardener magazine's team of experts. Each week we answer all your burning questions on raising fruit and veges and tell you the top tasks to do in your backyard this weekend. Subscribe here:

More messages from your neighbours

The Summer Kiwi Quiz is back by popular demand

Summer Kiwi Quiz - 2026

Grab a copy of your local Stuff newspaper between 1 Jan - 28 Jan and participate in the Summer Kiwi Quiz! Test your knowledge, answer the daily New Zealand based questions, and find out how well you know our beautiful country!

Each correct answer will get you one entry into the draw to WIN 1 of 5 Ooni Karu 2 Portable Pizza Oven bundles, valued at $1024! Each bundle includes: an Ooni Karu 2 Multi-Fuel Portable Pizza Oven, Ooni Karu 2 Carry Cover, Ooni 12" Perforated Peel, Ooni Digital Infrared Thermometer and an Ooni Cookbook: Cooking with Ooni. The more answers you enter correctly, the higher your chance of winning. For more information and to submit your answers, click here

The Team at Stuff Enter Here