Page 26 - FWG Issue 1 February 2023

Gardening

A time for making improvements

February is one of the hottest months of the year. It can also be very
windy, with lots of thunderstorms. Rain quickly leaches nutrients out
of the soil, so it’s recommended that you fertilise your beds regularly
with a balanced, organic fertiliser.

t is too late to sow most summer Finish purchasing and planting bare-root
seedlings, but you can still plant instant fruit trees, berries, grapes, kiwis and roses.
colour seedlings and fast-maturing Most of these are high water-use plants, so
Ivarieties. create a zone just for these types – preferably
a small zone compared to the large zones of
Pull out the old flowering stems of Inca lilies moderate, low and very low water use.
with a firm tug. If the plants have stopped
flowering, you can dig up some roots and Dig a hole twice as wide, but just as deep
new shoots and replant them in other parts as the root ball. Plant high, even with the
of the garden to spread the flowering cheer crown an inch or more above the soil level.
of these easy-to-grow perennials. Water to settle the soil, then add a thick layer
of contour organic mulch to retain moisture GARDENER OF
Even with the warm sun and soil, there and protect the crown and roots. THE MONTH
are a few things to do to stay active in the
garden. I love working out in the garden in Roses Tebogo Letsoalo is our gardener of
February. The hills are green, and bundled Preventive spraying of roses is the best the month. He helped to clean up
up, I’m ready to spend several hours in the control method for pests and diseases. the substation that burnt down and
garden pruning, planting, mulching and During wet weather, the plants are worked every day over Christmas
making more improvements. susceptible to Black Spot and in hot, dry and the New Year period to keep
weather they can be plagued by red spiders, the estate neat and clean.
so keep a lookout for these. Well done, Tebogo!

Continue to fertilise regularly and prune
lightly if necessary to remove any weak or healthy, especially in air-conditioned homes
spindly growth, but remember: roses need and offices where the air tends to be dry.
plenty of healthy leaves to protect them Occasionally, place them outside in a shady
from the fierce summer sun. spot and hose the leaves down gently with
water. Or, even better, put them outside
Lily borer caterpillars when it is raining gently.
Check for lily borer caterpillars, which
attack the bulbs and leaves of many plants Vegetable garden
like amaryllis, agapanthus, crinum, nerine, Sow dwarf beans, beetroot, broccoli,
clivias, and cyrtanthus elatus (George lily). cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, lettuce,
Spray regularly with Margaret Roberts leeks, radishes, rocket, spinach, Swiss chard,
Biological Caterpillar insecticide. Brussels sprout, celery, eggplant, peas,
potatoes and pumpkin.
Indoor pot plants
Mist spray your indoor pot plants regularly Most herbs are looking their best now, so
with water. This will keep them clean and increase your stock and variety.

To purchase natural gardening products, or for more information
about how to be eco-friendly, contact Turfnet on 073 935 9754.
Address: Plot 17, School Road, Diepsloot. 2187.
Photo by Anna Pavlin
Fourways Gardens • 24 • February 2023