Page 18 - FWG Issue 2 March 2023

Gardening

March in the garden

According to the calendar, it
should be early autumn. But
in South Africa, the sun is still

shining brightly and in no great
hurry to set at the end of the day.

njoy this special month by running
around with your wheelbarrow that’s
filled with quality organic compost.
EPlant like there is no tomorrow: feed
everything that has given you pleasure, so
they do it again. Go shopping for winter
and spring flowering bulbs.

COMPOSTING AT HOME
Compost is one of the most important
ways to create a no-waste, eco-friendly
lifestyle. It is a beneficial material that offers
a nutrient-rich solution for the growth of
indoor and outdoor plants. Photo by Jakayla Toney

Compost is used for new and established
planting areas, top dressing and established
lawn, new lawns, and potted plants or
container plantings. It is also placed around THE BEST HERBS TO PLANT IN AUTUMN
trees and shrubs. The first step is to pick herbs that are they should be grown in pots so they can
hardy enough to weather our cold be moved around to follow the sun.
The benefits of composting include the highveld winters. We recommend thyme,
healthy growth and good care of all your organum, chervil, parsley and sage for Choose containers that are at least 20cm in
indoor and outdoor plants. During this culinary use. diameter, have drainage holes and are deep
process, beneficial organisms are also enough for the herb’s roots to develop. Use
introduced into the soil to break down Thyme, sage and parsley also have strong normal commercial potting soil that drains
organic material and ward off plant disease. medicinal properties, and to complement well.
them you can grow hyssop (for bronchitis)
THE VEGETABLE GARDEN and yarrow (for infections and fevers). Herbs do not like wet feet, so don’t put
In the veggie garden you can keep on sowing saucers underneath the pots. Check the
seeds of short-lived herbs such as coriander, Herbs such as sweet basil, borage, lemon soil moisture levels daily because the soil
rocket and dill. You can also plant basil, balm and the various mints are too tender should not dry out completely.
parsley, borage, chives and garlic chives. and will die down, so rather treat them as
summer annuals. Generally, potted herbs only need to be
Sow seeds of spinach, globe artichokes, watered once or twice a week in winter,
beans, beetroots, radishes, carrots, Herbs need at least four hours of sun in preferably in the morning. Feed once a
gooseberries and turnips. winter and a sheltered position. Therefore, month with an organic liquid fertiliser.

To purchase natural gardening products, or for more information about how to be eco-friendly,
give us a call on 073 935 9754 or visit us at School Road, Plot 17, Diepsloot.

Fourways Gardens • 16 • March 2023