Hi there! Before you get started on your berm, there are a few things you need to know.
1. When planting, leave a strip of grass (at least 1m wide) along the side of the berm next to the road. This is so you and your neighbours can still have an area to put you bins out. It's also a good idea to keep some spaces free of plants leading from the sidewalk to the road so there is still access.
2. No deep rooted plants, as these can damage utility services buried under the ground. Fruit trees are especially deep rooted. Take a look at our plants page to find out what plants you can plant!
3. No planting fruits or vegetables. Decaying produce can create a mess, smell, and health risk when it is left, and will attract vermin. You may plant herbs, but no one has any right of ownership over them, as well as any flowers grown.
4. Leave a large area unplanted surrounding street lamps and power poles to allow utility operators to access. You don't want them stepping all over your plants!
5. No tall trees. Plants must be low to the ground, such as shrubs, bushes, grasses, and ground cover in order to not interfere with powerlines or impact drivers and cyclists ability to see pedestrians and street signs etc.
6. Maintenance. One of our goals is to reduce the amount of long term maintenance required compared to mowing, but it will still require some. Please make sure that plants do not over grow on to roads or pathways.
7. Try and plant only native plants if you can. One of our goals is to increase the amount of indigenous vegetation in Auckland, which can only be done by planting native species!
8. No large boulders or landscaping features allowed.
To get started you'll need:
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A small container to plant your seeds in, such as an egg carton, small yogurt pots, or the bottom of a milk jug.
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Some seeds to plant
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A small gardening trowel or spade (optional)
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Some healthy soil, compost and potting mix works best
First off figure out what kind of condition your berm is in. Does it get lots of sun? Does it flood or get muddy often? This will determine what kind of plants you should plant. Take a look at our 'Plants' page to figure out what plants work best for your kind of berm. Once you've done that, you also need to figure out if it's the right time of year for your plants. Most are best planted in Spring, which is September to November in Aotearoa. You can get seeds from your local gardening store, such as Bunnings or King's plant barn.
Once you've gotten your seeds, grab your container. Then, using a skewer or scissors, poke holes in the bottom for drainage (very important step, but make sure your parent or adult helps with the poking).
Fill your container almost all the way with soil, then add a few seeds to each container.
Grab some more soil and sprinkle on top of the seeds to cover them. Gently press down on the soil with your fingers, and give it a light watering.
Keep your seeds in a warm, well lit area, but not where it can get too hot or cold. Water your seeds everyday, but don't let them soak. The soil should just be damp to the touch.
When the seedlings have 1-2 sets of leaves, they are ready to transplant! It's time to prepare your berm. Mark out the spots where you want to plant your seedlings, they should be spaced at least 20 cm apart to allow for growth. Using a gardening fork or trowel, try and clear the grass from those spots.
Using your gardening trowel, dig out a hole a bit bigger than the container your seedlings are in. Gently soak your plants in water so they are easier to remove from the container.
Very carefully, put you hand over the top of the container and turn it upside down. If you are using an egg carton or something softer, you may be able to push it out from the bottom. Squeeze the container and lift to remove the plant and soil (which should keep its shape).
Sprinkle a little bit of mulch in your hole, and gently place your plant in it. Sprinkle a little more mulch on top and firmly press around the base of the plant. Water thoroughly, and repeat with your remaining plants. If it's a dry season, remember to water your plants regularly.
