Page 30 - FWG_Issue 10_2022

Gardening

November in the Garden to efficient lawn care. While they are more
expensive than traditional lawnmowers,
this investment is worth it in the long run.

2. Do not be fanatical when cutting your
lawn
A general rule of thumb for achieving
optimal results from mowing, is to never
cut off more than one third of the height of
your lawn. Shearing a lawn too short results
in the root system becoming exposed.
Shallow roots are unable to absorb enough
water and nutrients, leaving your lawn
susceptible to drought, as well as being at
the mercy of weeds.

Image by Hartono Subagio Remember to apply contour/fine compost
3. Mulch/compost regularly
in spring. The type and the amount required
is dependent on the condition of your soil,
as well as the type of grass you’re growing.
Coleus
It’s therefore advisable to consult a lawn
care professional who’ll be able to test your
FOR THE PLANT ENTHUSIAST • Cut back old canes of loganberries and soil and establish the needs of your lawn.
• Fill gaps with flowers that will keep boysenberries.
blooming through to autumn. This • Sow parsley seeds: refrigerate for a few 4. Tackle weeds and pests
includes petunias, dianthus, alyssum, days first to speed up germination. Unfortunately, a lush, verdant lawn is at
cleome, zinnias, ageratum, gaillardia, • Nip out the tips of basil for bushier plants. the mercy of weeds and pests. The most
hollyhocks, lobelias, portulacas, salvias, • Feed green peppers regularly and keep common pests found in lawns across South
and verbenas. In semi-shade, try begonias, them well watered to ensure they will Africa are white Grub, Mole crickets and
toneria and coleus. produce crisp, tasty fruit. lawn caterpillar, all of which can wreak
• Keep deadheading and feeding your roses havoc on a lawn in a short space of time.
to encourage new growth for the next LAWN CARE TIPS If you are unsure what pests are plaguing
flush in January. 1. Invest in the right lawnmower your grass, soak an area with a bucket of
• Plant out refrigerated amaryllis Have it serviced regularly to avoid the water mixed with dishwashing liquid. This
(hypogastrium’s) bulbs now for flowers at blades becoming blunt and damaging will draw pests to the surface, enabling
Christmas as they take about six weeks to your lawn. Just like our hair requires regular you to identify the culprits. Once you have
flower. trimming to keep it healthy and boost its established what type of pest you are
• Feed winter flowering hellebores, winter growth, so too does your lawn. You’d never dealing with, consult an expert in lawn care.
iris, Bergenia’s and indigenous daisies like cut your hair with a pair of blunt scissors, They will be able to advise as to the best
Osteospermum: divide and replant those and as far as lawn care is concerned, the way to treat the problem, as well as how
that have outgrown their space. Feed equivalent is the same. Blunt blades end up best to avoid re-infestation.
summer bulbs, liked cannas, agapanthus, bruising the individual leaves of the grass,
day and Inca lilies and dahlias regularly. resulting in ‘split-ends’. If you have invested 5. Use lawn cuttings as food for your
• Trim topiary trees and hedges that have a substantial amount of time and money garden
had a spring growth spurt. in getting your lawn ready for summer, it Lawn clippings make excellent mulch for
• Remove the shoots of the variegated makes sense to ensure that you have the roses, as well as a great base for compost.
shrubs that have reverted to green foliage. right lawnmower too. A cylinder mower Re-using cuttings is an economical and
is highly recommended. Used on cricket natural way of feeding your garden, so
FOR THE KITCHEN GARDEN pitches, bowling greens and golf courses, make sure you collect the cuttings and add
• Mulch strawberries with straw. cylinder mowers are far more conducive them to your compost heap.

To purchase natural gardening products, or for more information about how to be eco-friendly, contact Turfnet on
Tel: 011 464 5088 or Mobile: 073 935 9754. Alternatively, email: Jerida@mweb.co.za, or visit www.turfgreen.co.za
Address: Plot 17, School Road, Diepsloot. 2187.

Fourways Gardens • 28 • November 2022