Page 21 - Waterfall City Issue 8 August 2025

ideal amount of water to be applied
during a week in your garden
is 25mm. It is recommended to
deepwater, i.e. 12.5mm on a Tuesday
and the remaining 12.5mm on a
Friday. Ask your local garden centre
about nozzle sizes to determine how
long you should water.
• Water in the morning to allow
foliage to dry before cooler evening
temperatures.

Protect emerging growth:
• Apply a fresh layer of mulch (5-7cm)
Note the importance of using quality mulch. It assists greatly in times of frost and dry spells in summer as well.
around plants to regulate soil
pruning tools to prevent disease. For levels and pH of the soil, as cold temperature and retain moisture,
perennials, cut back dead growth winters can deplete soil nutrients. keeping it away from stems to
to reveal healthy tissue or down to Add organic matter like compost prevent rot.
ground level if no signs of life remain. or well-rotted manure to improve
• Avoid heavy pruning of marginally soil structure and fertility during Fertilise sparingly:
damaged plants until new growth spring when soil temperatures start • Apply a balanced, slow-release
appears, as this can stress them further. to increase. The ideal pH range is fertiliser or organic compost once
between 6 and 8. plants show signs of new growth.
Clean up debris: • Aerate compacted soil to enhance Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers early
• Clear fallen leaves, broken branches, root access to water, air and on, as they can promote weak, frost-
and other debris to prevent fungal nutrients. vulnerable growth.
diseases and pest infestations. • For specific plants like roses or fruit
• Remove any mulch that may have Water wisely: trees, use targeted fertilisers suited
compacted or frozen solid to allow • Water plants deeply once the soil to their needs.
soil to warm up and breathe. thaws, especially if the winter was
dry. This rehydrates the roots. Avoid Note: Before fertiliser is applied, ensure
Test and amend soil: overwatering, as waterlogged soil that the soil temperature has increased
• Conduct a soil test to check nutrient can harm recovering plants. The and remained consistent for about two

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