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• •
GAR DEN I N G T I P S • •
Prepare for
summer!
CARL KIRSTEIN
I
t is now officially spring - the busiest time for
gardeners. We have quite a few duties to final
ise in order to prepare our gardens for a summer
pleasure garden.
These are the most important things to do:
• Prepare new flower beds.
• Pruning of trees, shrubs, etcetera.
• Breaking up of plants such as grasses, agapanthus
and clivias in order to allow them to increase/
spread.
• General fertilising (preferably organic fertiliser).
• Cleaning of fish-ponds and water features is also
important.
• Lawns must be cut short, aerated and a thin lay
er of top-dressing is important for a level lawn.
Fertilise with a lawn fertiliser such as LAN or
even sheep or cow dung or fowl droppings. Do
not apply too thickly, since it can burn the grass.
Water well after application.
• Sow the seeds for flowers and vegetables.
• Seedlings can be planted now. Do not plant the
seedlings deeper than their current soil level,
since it could result in funguses which will result
in the seedlings dying.
• After planning, add mulch on the soil between
the plants. Earthworm or mushroom compost
works well, as well as pieces of bark.
• Clean gutters and if possible, buy a water storage
tank. Water is becoming increasingly scarcer.
I had the privilege of meeting a soil analyst who
specialises in hydroponics in Klerksdorp. This is
very good news for people with small gardens who
want to save water. It involves a system designed for
your specific circumstances. The advantage is that
we can pick our own salad without it being in the
sand. The total system has a “silent” pump, which
can be used close to your house. If you are interest
ed, look at the examples at nurseries. I was amazed
at what the plants produce and how little water is
used. Do yourself a favour and investigate the fu
ture of discerning gardening.
Keep it green and organic!
SENWES Scenario • OCT/NOV 2017
55