Page 31 - FWG_Issue 7_2022

Gardening

Gardening tips for August

Windy August is not a hot favourite amongst
gardeners. It is normally miserably cold, blustery,

and dry. But take heart! The promise of spring, with
the sweet scent of jasmine, is already in the air.

our main job this month is to . . . . get the soil into prime
planting condition by adding copious amounts of
organic compost, as well as our Vermi-plus (carbon-based
Yfertiliser), to new and planted beds. Do not dig it in, you
will just encourage dormant weeds to germinate. Spread it out in a
thick layer on top of the soil and around the root area (not against
the stems of plants) and rake it level. This will improve your soil
structure and condition it for the summer season ahead.

• Pruning: Do not be tempted to prune frost-damaged plants just
yet, even if they look sad. Pruning now will encourage soft new
growth that will be killed off by late frost.
• Scarify your lawn by mowing on a low setting to remove the
thatch build-up. This process removes all the old dry grass and
encourages new shoots to grow. After that, spike it, feed it and
top-dress with a good weed-free lawn dressing around the end
of August. You should also repair ragged lawn edges as they are
easier to trim if neat. Do this by laying new sods or pieces from a
healthy patch of the lawn on a bed of fine compost and level with
the existing lawn.
• For something light and fresh, start planting different salad
varieties. You can also be very fashionable by planting a variety of
salad types in pots or wooden boxes.
• Sow some nasturtium seeds between the leafy stuff — the
flowers and leaves are edible and great for salads. In addition, the
plants are known as great companions that will keep pests like
aphids away.

An edible sowing guide for August in temperate areas of the
Highveld includes nasturtiums, Italian parsley, spinach, Swiss chard,
lettuce, rocket, carrots, beetroot, radish, beans, sweet peppers,
tomatoes, and celery. Follow the instructions on the seed packets,
and preferably first sow them in seed trays so that you can protect
the new seedlings from cold snaps.

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.

Fourways Gardens • 29 • August 2022