Page 16 - Silver Lakes June 2021

GARDENING

The basics should never stand in a water filled Re-potting
• You need at least three drainage holes drip tray. • When a large shrub or tree in a big
at the bottom of a planter so that the • Raising planters on ‘feet’ or bricks aids container gets root bound it is difficult
roots are not waterlogged. drainage and discourages pests from (or impossible) to take it out. Remove
• Place a thin layer of gravel at the entering the soil. the top ten centimetres of soil, as well
bottom of the planter and then a layer as some soil from the sides, and replace
of weed mat or similar permeable Placing potted plants with fresh potting soil. Some root
material. Fill with good quality potting • Be careful of too much variety in pot trimming may be required.
soil. shapes and colour when using different • Plants in regular sized planters should
• Loosen all root balls and carefully plant sizes together. The display should form be removed from the planter. Carefully
at the same level as before, leaving a unity. cut away old roots and remove up to a
space between plants for growth. • The container is part of the picture, third of the old potting mix. Thoroughly
• Remember to firm up the soil and add do not hide it in shrubbery. Trim clean the container and repeat the
more if required should the soil level surrounding plants, if required. basics for planting. Place the plant in
drop after watering. • It would be difficult to keep small position and pour more potting mixture
• Add a mulch of compost, nutshells, planters, placed next to a hot west- in around the roots. Use enough to
bark chips or shredded leaves to keep facing wall, effectively irrigated due to cover the roots but not to encroach on
the soil cool. excessive afternoon heat. the green stem.
• Containers need regular watering, more • Containers in a position where hand/
often than garden plants. Roses in pots hose irrigation is difficult will need an Fertilising
will require watering every day, but automated drip irrigation system. • Container plants are often overdosed
when using granular fertilisers. Rather
use liquid fertilisers, diluted according
to instructions during the months of
active growth.
• This could include organic ‘worm tea’
(vermitea) or similar products.
• Plants requiring special treatment such
as Azaleas and Camelias will need a
liquid fertiliser developed for acid
loving plants.
Tel: 012 804 1807
Fax: 012 804 0278
Web: www.garden-group.co.za
E-mail: admin@garden-group.co.za

Photos supplied by: Carol Knoll

14 INTRA MUROS JUNE 2021