By Rami Moorosi
It is important for your garden to always remain immaculate, so that you may fully enjoy the benefits of outdoor living.
Correct feeding
Fertiliser provides three major nutrients that plants need, namely nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Experts advise that fertiliser be applied twice a year. Compost is a mixture of decomposed plant and some animal material, which is used by plants as food. Compost also holds the soil together and prevents erosion, while helping to retain water and regulating moisture and soil temperature. Compost and fertiliser should ideally be used in conjunction with each other, as they perform different yet important functions.
Pruning and weeding
Regular trimming, deadheading (which is the removal of old flowers to improve the appearance of a plant) and removing dead material will help to maintain a goodlooking garden. Ensure the garden is weed-free at all times.
Watering
It goes without saying that watering is important. Yochai Zlotnick of Renaldo and YZ Gardens says: “I believe that the most important seasonal requirement of a garden is water. Most plants have a much slower habit or growth in winter and so the amount of water should be adjusted. I recommend watering every day in summer (barring rain of course), and three times a week in winter.”
Pest control
The garden is not only made up of plants but also of myriad little creatures. Some of these are good friends to the gardener. A successful garden is ecologically balanced. Many of the harmful products used to control pests are released into the environment. If possible, an organic option should be selected to combat insect pests.
Pesticides and fungicides should generally only be applied as part of our seasonal maintenance if absolutely necessary. The work of a gardener is never done, but the benefits of all your hard work will always be repaid with a scenic garden.
With thanks to Apalis Gardens, De Wet Enviroscaping, Longmans Landscaping, Renaldo and YZ Gardens and Plantscapes Landscaping and Irrigation.
