Reliance Bark 30mm 30l From R 41.40 | Grovida Bark Landscape From R 30.00
GARDEN
The one time that watering is essential is immediately after planting . This settles the soil around the roots and removes air pockets which prevent root establishment . If the weather is very hot and dry after planting , you may want to water newbies every two to three weeks , but only for their first summer . Rake soil into a low retaining basin around the plant . The basin should be at least 60 centimetres in diameter and hold 20 to 30 litres . Fill it every two to three weeks . This forces the plant to send roots down after the water .
Fynbos plants are introverts by nature : they don ’ t want other plants too close and they resent disturbance . You need to find a way to control weeds without resorting to wielding a fork around your plants . The solution is mulch . Apply a generous layer of organic mulch such as bark nuggets or wood chips . This will suppress weeds as well as help retain soil moisture . Mulch also looks good and encourages wildlife .
Because fynbos has adapted and thrives on poor soils , the plants are sensitive to nutrients . Don ’ t give them inorganic fertilisers or rich compost like chicken mature . They will reward your efforts by dropping dead . Proteas , ericas and related plants are especially averse to feeding .
Reliance Bark 30mm 30l From R 41.40 | Grovida Bark Landscape From R 30.00
PRUNING
Products available at your nearest Agrimark and online at www . agrimark . co . za
Pruning fynbos trees and shrubs depends on each species . As a general rule , you should remove any abnormal or dead wood . You can also improve air circulation and reduce disease risk by thinning out branches . Remove excess branches at the base . Don ’ t leave stumps or snags as these are potential entry points for infection . Shrubs can be trimmed to improve the shape or control the size . Many fynbos shrubs don ’ t produce new growth from old wood , so always trim to above healthy leaves . If you ’ re not enthusiastic about pruning , remember that plants will be fine without it — no one is pruning the plants on Table Mountain .
GARDEN ZONE
Visit your local Agrimark Garden Zone for tools , feeds , fertilisers and seasonal plants .
68 MARKtoe ! Julie 2024