Page 27 - Silver Lakes Issue 3 March 2023

Use roughly crushed peanut shells as mulch in small GARDENING
pots to control weeds and make them look neater.
Mix it into the soil once it decomposes. Coconut coir:
Coir provides good aeration and is an
excellent water retainer. It can be used on
its own or added in a soil mix. It does not
contain any nutrients. The coir blocks are
expensive, hard to break down and need
soaking before use.

Products that can be used Compost:
Peanut shells: It will improve soil structure, increase micro-
Not only do they retain moisture, but and macro-organisms and contain nutrients.
they also prevent soil compaction and Compost does not expire, but it will lose
improve drainage. The shells contain its nutrients over time and should be used An-organic water retention materials:
nitrogen, phosphate and potassium, all within four months after completion. A wide variety of products are available,
organic. The dried shell can take 10 years such as:
to decompose in soil, making it a long- Using high volumes in landscaping is not • Stark Ayres Hydrocache Water Retaining
term solution for soil improvement. As a advised as it degrades and decomposes, and Gel with Carbon; and
mulch, it can be a bit messy because it will this will change the required soil levels. • Wonder Waterwise Crystals.
be blown away by wind.
These are usually added to the soil before
Perlite and vermiculite: planting.
Both are natural mineral products with a
neutral pH.

Perlite improves soil drainage. Do not
use it for plants that require consistently
moist soil.

Vermiculite will improve water-holding
capacity and reduce soil compaction. Do
not use it in a soil mix for succulents.

References:
https://www.epicgardening.com/perlite-vs-vermiculite
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-
and-biological-sciences/soil-structure

Tel: 012 804 1807
Fax: 012 804 0278
Web: www.garden-group.co.za
Email: admin@garden-group.co.za

INTRAMUROS MARCH 2023 | 25