GARDENING
Gardening tips
before spring arrives
By Carl Kirstein
Horticulturist
T
he time is right for pruning. It applies to particularly
fruit trees and roses, as well as flowering shrubs and
trees. Remember to work as many of the cuttings as
possible into your compost heap.
Time to replant is running out - do it now and reshape your
garden. Most plants are dormant now and the shock will not be
too great. It is also a good time to plant winter vegetables. It
includes lettuce, beetroot, onions, carrots and spinach. These
plants are available at your nearest garden centre.
Another tip is to allow your lawn to grow a bit longer to pro-
tect roots against the worst cold. Although it is time for pruning
and replanting, it is also the perfect time to plan your garden
and to execute the plans. It includes changing beds, building
or placing water features and fish ponds.
Food and water are scarce at the moment - put some out for
the birds and attract them to your garden.
August must be the most unpleasant month for gardeners.
It is cold and dry, but it is important to prepare for the coming
spring and summer. Get rid of all weeds in flowerbeds and on
the paving. Cover your beds with compost. Don't work it into
the beds - rather use as mulch.
Lawns should receive a lot of attention before the summer.
Cut short and aerate with a garden fork or roller. The lawn
should be fertilised as well.
August is the time to prepare fruit tree and rose cuttings.
Cut shoots below an eye and above two more eyes. Dip in a
hormone powder and place in clean sand. Keep moist and see
how they develop roots in spring. As soon as the new plants
have strong roots and leaves, they can be planted in your gar-
den from November to December.
Enjoy your gardening and cold weather. We will be com-
plaining about the heat quite soon!
SENWES SCENARIO | SPRING 2018
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