Page 11 - Blue Valley_Issue 1_2022

GARDENING

MARCH IN THE GARDEN

March is changeover time in
Gauteng, marking the start of the
shift from summer to winter. This
makes it quite a tricky month for
planting. It’s even sometimes
quite a wet month.

• Time to lift and divide agapanthus, wild iris, penstemon,
campanula and asters. Cut them back, lift out, split up and
replant into freshly composted soil.
• Sow Namaqualand daisies, sweet peas, poppies, primula,
foxgloves, hollyhock, and larkspur. Don’t be scared to sow
the flowers that you love – success is guaranteed if you
just follow the instructions on the seed packet.
• Sow seeds for new lawn grass, especially in colder areas
where Shade Over and All Seasons Evergreen grow well.
• In the veggie garden, sow fast-growing greens like lettuce
and spinach, and start preparing to plant winter crops like
cabbage, cauliflower, parsnips, and broad beans.
• Top tip: Before it gets cold and the job becomes
uncomfortable, clean out your water features. Check that
your pump is clean and in good condition. You do not
want to do this when it’s freezing cold!
• Pull out spent annuals and old perennials and tidy up
beds and borders. Prepare the soil to a spade’s depth
for seasonal annuals and bulbs: loosen the soil and mix
in well-rotted manure with good-quality compost and a
little bonemeal.
• Rose care – Build healthy leaves by fertilising with a Image: Geraldine Dukes – unsplash
rose-specific fertiliser this month. With plenty of leaves,
the process of photosynthesis remains in full swing,
strengthening plant stems for fast spring sprouting and
winter flowering.

Image: James Coleman – unsplash Image: Laura Lefurgey-Smith – unsplash
March is truly a marvellous month in the garden and promises many treats before
autumn sets in. Enjoy planting your plant communities and have fun decorating with
smart, ornamental grasses.

To purchase natural gardening products, or for more information about how to be eco-friendly, contact Turfnet on
Tel no: (011) 464-5088 or Mobile no: 073 935 9754. Alternatively, email: Jerida@mweb.co.za, or visit www.turfgreen.co.za
Address: Plot 17, School Road, Diepsloot, 2187.

BLUE VALLEY NEWS • Issue 1 2022• 9