February is peak summer across Auckland and Hamilton. Long, hot days, drying winds and high UV can stress plants, soil and lawns. But here's how to enjoy this month in your garden -smart watering, mulching, careful feeding, and a wee bit of grunt work! Plus, it's time to plan ahead for autumn crops and landscaping projects.
At Central Landscape Supplies, we stock everything you need to keep your garden productive and resilient through late summer, from mulches and soils to decorative aggregates and garden boosters.
1. Water Smart, Not Hard
February heat means water is precious. Early morning or late evening watering allows moisture to soak deep into the soil before evaporation kicks in. Daily watering of potted plants and raised vegetable beds is recommended (between the tropical downpours). Deep, less frequent watering compared to daily surface watering is more valuable to fruit trees, shrubs and new plantings.
Improve water retention by enriching garden beds with Premium Garden Mix, which holds moisture while maintaining good drainage. Follow with a thick layer of Mulch to dramatically reduce evaporation., save water and allow more time to sit in the garden, rather be a salve to the hose.
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2. Mulch Is Your Summer Insurance
If there is one job you should prioritize in February, it’s mulching. A generous layer of mulch protects soil from heat, suppresses weeds and feeds the soil as it breaks down. After rainfall is the ideal time to apply mulch, sealing moisture into the ground.
Mulches like Premium Black Mulch and Forest Floor Mulch are excellent for ornamental gardens, while arborist mulch is ideal around fruit trees, hedges and larger garden beds.
Apply mulch at least 75–100mm deep, keeping it clear of plant stems to avoid rot. In Auckland and Hamilton’s windy conditions, mulch limits evaporation and keeps the earthworms doing their work around the plant roots.
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3. Keep Veggies Productive Through the Heat
Vegetable gardens can struggle in February without careful management. Leafy greens like lettuce, and basil benefit from partial shade, while fruiting crops like tomatoes, courgettes and beans need consistent moisture and feeding.
Restore storm damaged tomatoes, cucumbers and other tall growing vegetables by cutting back dead foliage and harvesting ripe produce. Feed plants with  Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster, which provides a gentle tonic to support growth and get plants back into production again.Â
If plants have finished for the season add some some Premium Compost back to the soil and consider more summer crops that will produce through the autumn months - lettuce, rocket, chilli, capsicum and aubergines.Â
Harvest daily to prevent vegetables bolting or becoming oversized. Sharing surplus with neighbours is part of the summer gardening tradition.
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4. Protect Fruit Trees & Berries
February is critical for developing fruit. Continue to thin imperfect apples and pears to ensure quality fruit at a good size. Mulch heavily around trees to maintain consistent moisture and reduce heat stress.
Birds become more active as fruit ripens, so net berries and fruit trees early. Hanging bright silver bird tape amongst the branches in fruit trees makes an effective deterrent. Improve fruit quality by maintaining healthy soil using compost-rich mixes and organic boosters. A layer of mulch or pea straw mulch helps stabilize soil temperature and feeds beneficial microbes.
Think ahead: consistent watering is essential, particularly for feijoas, passionfruit, tamarillos and citrus whose fruit will ripen for autumn. Potted citrus - check the back of the leaves for scale. Remove the waxy brown ovals or spray a heavy infestation. Â
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5. Refresh Ornamental Gardens
Deadheading flowers keeps gardens looking fresh and encourages repeat blooms. Remove spent flowers from roses, dahlias and annuals, then apply a liquid feed to support recovery.
Cut back spent flowers on lavenders, daisies, catmint and hebes.Â
Layering mulch around ornamentals using Premium Black Mulch improves moisture retention while providing a clean, modern finish. For shaded areas, focus on moisture-loving plants such as hydrangeas and ligularias. Combine with White Limestone Chip for an effortless high contrast garden.
February heat can bring rust and powdery mildew, so remove affected foliage promptly and improve airflow. Mildew is easily controlled by mixing 1L water to 1C baking soda and spraying the leaves.Â
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6. Prepare Lawns for Autumn Recovery
Lawns often struggle in February. Raise mower blades to reduce stress and avoid resowing bare patches until autumn. Cracks caused by dry soil will close once rain returns.
If needed, lightly topdress problem areas with Premium Lawn Soil or Lawn Mix 50/50. This helps protect roots and improves soil structure without overstimulating growth.
Manual weed removal is best at this time of year, especially for entrenched summer weeds.
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7. Start Autumn Veges Early
Late February is ideal for sowing beetroot, carrots and parsnips directly into prepared beds. Brassicas such as broccoli and cabbage can be started in trays for planting out once temperatures cool.
Use high-quality soil like Premium Garden Mix to ensure good germination and moisture retention. Consistent watering is essential during establishment.
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8. Improve Paths & Outdoor Spaces
February is ideal for quick landscaping upgrades. Decorative pebbles instantly tidy garden paths and seating areas while reducing maintenance. Combine pavers with White Limestone Chip for stunning high contrast pathways.
Pebbled area for relaxation? Install a stable base of GAP 20 and finish with River Pebble 10–20mm or River Pebble 20–40mm. Just add the outdoor furniture!
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- Paving
- White Limestone Chip
- River Pebble 10–20mm
- River Pebble 20–40mm
- Shop our range of Decorative Pebbles & Stones
9. Maintain Compost Systems
Compost breaks down quickly in summer heat. Keep heaps moist and turn regularly to maintain airflow. Adding a layer of soil or existing compost helps retain moisture and prevents overheating, while interacting with the good 'bugs' starting the composting process.
Central Landscape Supplies' ready to use Premium Compost can be incorporated into beds or used as a top-up around plants to improve soil biology.
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10. Prepare Firewood & Plan Ahead
February is a great time to stack firewood neatly and allow airflow for continued drying. A well-built woodpile stays drier and looks great as a feature.
Planning garden changes now gives you a head start for autumn landscaping and planting projects.