The Zimbabwean Gardener Issue 6 Spring 2013 | Page 27

What to do

October

The hot October weather
results in more outdoor
living. So, this is the op
timum month to look
at the
patio, the braai area, the
swimming pool surround
s
and all the places you
frequent in the warm weat
her.

Busy Lizzies (Impatiens) giv
e us such a welcome
It is not too late to divide ove
splash of colour and are ide
rcrowded clumps of
al for pot plants as well
Michaelmas daisies and Sha
as growing in semi-shade
sta daisies. Remove the
beds. They do, however,
old middle growth and rep
need plenty of water. Hyd
lant the newer suckers
rangeas need to be kept
in well-prepared soil. Plant
well watered and mulched
up small herb plants in
too. Remove any weak
pots so they will be ready
straggly stems and lightly
for Christmas. As a genera
fork the soil, taking care
l
rule, annuals will take abo
not to disturb the roots. If
ut eight weeks to flower so
the month is hot and dry it
if you want a show for Christ
is vital to water your dahlias
mas, nip back the buds
regularly and to see that
until the end of October.
they are well mulched.
This must be followed by
regular feeding and waterin
Irises are at their very bes
g.
t at this time of the year.
Remember that summer
Keep them well watered and
heralds the start of our
when clumps become
rainy season and this also
overcrowded divide them
means an increase in
at the end of the season.
humidity, providing ideal con
Apart from the bearded one
ditions for pests and
s, the Louisiana cultivars
diseases. Constantly check
do well near water.
for leaf damage and
signs of fungal disease, aph
Mulch all your beds and pot
ids and other pests. Spray
s with dried leaves or
promptly with the approp
dried lawn clippings, this is
riate chemical or herbal
a must particularly for
spray.
those who are short of wat
er. Take care to spread the
During the month of Octob
mulch evenly; if matted, the
er, you will have to start
water will not penetrate.
removing your spent spring
Also, keep a l