COLUMN
GARDENING
Tips for the
HOT WEATHER
Food for thought
Our eyes are the
windows of our soul:
Milanie Vosloo
allowing us to see life in
a specific way...
W
e all have a story: a unique story that shaped us,
allowing us to look at the world in a specific way.
The question is: How do I see the world? Did
pain, disappointment and setbacks darken the
filters of my soul in such a way that I generally see the world in
shades of grey? Or do I - despite everything - see the bright-
er side of life? Do I still see hope, despite heaps of rubble,
laughter after a dark night, the goodness of others despite their
weaknesses?
Faith colours our world differently. It allows us to be brutally
honest with ourselves, but to also believe that things will work
out as they should, that people can change, that tomorrow can
be better. It changes an 'it is' situation to an 'it can' possibility.
And because I can see the unlimited possibilities of my Father,
I hope differently, I see people differently and I live differently.
Perhaps you and I can ask the Spirit to give us the ability to see
the 'it can' possibilities? Perhaps:
Our hearts will then feel lighter - even if our circumstances
don't change;
We will be able to see the good in others - even if they mess
up;
We will hear love - despite the things that make us angry;
We will know intuitively that God is with us: will also be with
us tomorrow.
Let us pray: Please remove the shadows darkening my soul
to enable me to see the light. Believe with new hope. Live with
expectations. Love unconditionally. Yes, Lord, please open my
eyes again... for everything we receive from You. For who You
are.
Win with Senwes and Cum Publishers
Win with Senwes and Cum Publishers. One lucky reader can win a
copy of Hoop wat kaalvoet loop, 101 devotions filled with hope and
inspiration. SMS Senwes, Cum, your name, telephone number
and e-mail address to 31022 on or before 31 March 2019.
Standard sms-tariffs will apply and no Senwes group employees may enter.
Visit the website www.senwes.co.za for comprehensive competition rules.
36
SENWES SCENARIO | MIND-SHIFT 2019
By Johan (Dons) Jordaan
Group Marketing Manager, Bastion
F
ebruary is usually a hot and dry month. It is therefore
necessary to wet deeper by watering for longer peri-
ods of time. Rather water well twice a week than giving
less water every day. It will ensure that plants receive
sufficient water in the total soil profile and that roots penetrate
the soil deeper. In this manner plants will be able to deal with
heatwaves and dry periods better.
Diseases flourish during hot periods and you have to be on
the lookout for powdery mildew, rust and black spot on roses,
dahlias and begonias. To ensure a green lawn until the winter,
use a fertiliser such as 5:1:5.
The worst heat will break in March and your watering pat-
terns can then be adjusted to prevent overwatering. Be sure to
spray for caterpillars and other insects, which could be a prob-
lem at this time.
Preparations for winter have to start in April. Perennials can
now be pruned. All bulbs which flower in spring, can be plant-
ed in pots or flowerbeds. Remember that ranunculus can disap-
pear - rather plant them in a pot. Spray perennial weeds before
they run to seed.
A few tasks need to be done in the orchard and vegeta-
ble garden as well. The mulch around fruit trees have to be
checked in February to make sure that moisture is retained in
extreme heat. In order to prevent diseases and insect damage,
it must be ensured that the trunks are open. Fruit trees which
are harvested by now, can be fertilised with a low N, high K fer-
tiliser, such as 3:1:5.
Broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage can be planted for the
winter. Sow beetroot and carrots in rows. February is also a
good time to plant lettuce, spinach and parsley in cooler areas
of the garden.
Carrots and beetroot can be thinned out in March. Pumpkins
planted in October and November will be ready to harvest now.
Well dried pump-
kins can be stored
in a dry, well ven-
tilated area. Look
out for plant dis-
eases and insects
in your orchard
and vegetable gar-
den.