Page 24 - FWG Issue 8_2022

Gardening

September in the Garden IN THE FLOWER GARDEN
Continue to feed and deadhead shrubs.
Keep deadheading annuals and perennials.
Prune back flowering shrubs such as roses,
hydrangeas etc.
IN THE FRUIT GARDEN
Tidy up your strawberry plants and clear away
used straw, as this will harbour pests and
diseases during summer.

Pick ripe apples. To test when they are ripe,
gently lift them in the palm of your hand or
give them a gentle pull – they should come
away easily.

Mow long grass under fruit trees to make it
easier to spot windfall fruits.

Cut back the fruited canes of your summer
raspberries, if you have not already done
so, leaving the new green canes for next
year’s crop. Tie next year’s raspberry canes to
Photo by Jay Gomez support wires or fencing.

PRUNING recovery from the scarifying process.
Prune winter flowering shrubs and hedges Contour compost encourages root and leaf
that have finished flowering. Pinch outgrowth growth. Remember to water well directly
tips to encourage branching. Frost sensitive after application to make sure that it does
shrubs that flower after mid-summer on the not dry out.
new season’s growth can also be pruned Top dressing – After you have scarified and
when all danger of frost is over. aerated your lawn, apply ORGANIC weed-
free lawn dressing to enhance your soil
LAWN AREAS quality and ensure that the roots do not
Scarifying – Thatch is a layer of dead stems dry out. Top dressing also helps to level out
and roots that can build up on the surface depressions and undulated areas in the lawn
of the soil. If the thatch is more than 2cm so that mowing is easier.
thick, problems with diseases are almost a
certainty. Remove the thick layer of thatch, Other jobs to do in the garden this month
and scarify the lawn by mowing it as short 1. Divide your herbaceous perennials. This
as possible. Rake off the thatch and throw it will keep your plants healthy and vigorous GARDENER
away. Your lawn will grow back very quickly year after year and multiply your stock. OF THE MONTH
with new healthy shoots/leaves. 2. Net ponds now before spring gets
Aerating – If a lawn has dry patches where underway to get them clean for the Zaneth Mashaba receives the
grass will not grow, it needs to be aerated. coming warm summer season. Gardener of the Month Award for
The air needs to penetrate the soil to keep 3. Clean out greenhouses ahead of spring August. He has proven himself to be
the lawn roots healthy. An aerator punches and plant up bare areas for the growing the best all-rounder staff member
holes in the lawn, allowing air and water to season. – as tractor driver, water tank driver,
penetrate the soil faster and deeper. 4. Plant spring-flowering bulbs now, such chainsaw operator, tackling irrigation
Fertilising – You need to choose the best as daffodils, crocus and hyacinths, for repairs and more. He always goes
organic fertiliser. This will ensure rapid glorious colour next season. above and beyond the call of duty!

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 • 22 • September 2022