Summertime is usually when we really see gardens taking off in all their glory – flowers, trees, lawns – much that’s been growing over springtime comes to fruition!

While this summer has been a bit of a slow starter – temperature and sunshine wise – in places, we have heard from many of our readers who grow fruit and vegetables saying their gardens are finally starting to pick up.

In this week’s poll, we wanted to know how many kiwis are growing veggies – even just as a hobby – and how this year has been for them.

The results are in – and they show that 80%, or 4 out of 5 are growing vegetables on their own property!

One commenter said while it’s not a classic year, “it’s coming right”.

“I think 2012 we picked tomatoes before Christmas.

“We also have solar hot water and we still are little reliant on power – first time in Dercember for 8 years so sunshine hours are down.”

Keep your correspondence coming through, stay in touch and let us know how those veggies are getting on as we get further into summer!

– Drew Chappell, WeatherWatch.co.nz