DECEMBER GARDENING TIPS

Ones things for sure we need to weed regularly in this season before weeds go to seed. A thick layer of mulch will also help to suppress weeds.

For the bird lovers, your birdbaths will need to be cleaned and topped up more regularly during the hot months to provide a drink and a quick dip for our feathered friends.

Look at spreading a layer of compost throughout your garden which will condition your soil and create a nive layer of mulch. This will help keep the roots of the plants cool and retain moisture – this is especially useful for when you are going away and won’t be able to water regularly.

Christmas is almost here and with it comes the notorious Christmas beetle or chafer beetle, this sneaky little critter hides behind your rose leaves and other leaves. Because they are nocturnal, chafer beetles are quite hard to control manually. During the daytime they burrow into the soil around the plants, so a good control measure would be to spray the soil with an organic insecticide. Things like Margaret Roberts organic insecticide is a good choice.

Be sure to continue that dead heading of your rose bushes and fertilise them with 3:1:5 or a balanced rose fertiliser of your choice. Depending on the rainfall, you should water your roses deeply 3 times per week (±15L per week). Spray fortnightly against fungal infestations and aphids and check for redspidermite, Rosecare plus can help combat against this.

Look at setting your lawnmower on a higher level. Keeping the grass blades slightly longer will protect the roots against the heat and dry winds. Feed with a fertiliser high in nitrogen or a specially balanced lawn fertiliser of your choice and water very well before and after you apply it. Continue watering lawn twice a week, unless it rains.

December Watering Guide

Days are getting considerably hot and the rains are not always a sure thing. If you’re going away try and ensure that someone waters your garden and pots or that the timer on your irrigation system is set and in good working condition. Try group your potted plants together in a semi-shaded spot or the east side of the house to make watering easier.

Look at watering in early mornings during the hot summer months to prevent fungal infestations in the garden and rather water deeply less often.

As it heats up it is important to water your plants in pots and containers more regularly. Look at mixing the potting soil with water absorbent crystals or gel even vermiculite into the soil of containers and hanging baskets to improve water retention.

Nowadays we all trying to save a little so its a perfect time to take advantage of the summer rainfall and invest in a rainwater tank to harvest our precious rainwater which can be used throughout your home and garden, and to help save on your water bill!

Also pay attention to those areas of the garden that receive less rain, for e.g. under roof hangings and against high walls. If the down pipes from your gutter run into a bed, also ensure the drainage in the bed is sufficient.

Things to consider are installing a drip irrigation system to more efficiently water your garden.

December Planting

Continue with deadheading all your spent flowers from annuals and fertilise with an organic 3:1:5 or a liquid fertiliser, like seagro. Fill the gaps in beds and hanging baskets with annuals and water very well. Annuals that are in colour pots are the perfect way to quickly spruce up your beds just in time for that Christmas entertainment.

Plant some Hydrangeas now in those shady garden spots – they are a hot summer favourite! You can pick their pompom blooms to fill vases for your entertainment area.

In shady areas and on patios add a dash of colour with Impatiens, Sun Impatiens, Coleus, Begonias and Hypoestes.

The choice for those sunny areas has more variety – choose your favourites from Dianthus, Lobelias, Petunias, Salvias, Celosias, Marigolds, Gazanias, Zinnias, Alyssum and many more, all available at Tuingenoot.

Plant ground covers to act as mulch during the hot season – ground covers assist in holding moisture and decreasing evaporation which in turn helps to retain the nutrients in the soil.

Look at planting bougainvillea to add beautiful masses of summer colour to your garden –available in various sizes and colours, they can withstand intense heat and will survive infrequent watering. Other popular choices for colour all summer long are Hemerocallis, Mandevilla, Agapanthus and Hibiscus.

For the Festive Table

Look at planting loose-leafed lettuces at weekly intervals for summer salads – plant these in the shade of taller plants, like Swiss chard or in beds and pots that only receive morning sun.

Find all the herbs you need right here at Tuingenoot for your festive dishes, dips and sauces like mint, basil, rocket and dill to name a few.

We also stock a variety of convenient, ready to use vegetables and herbs, including some scrumptious tomatoes and peppers, in various combinations are available in our herb section.

Fertilise all your citrus trees with an organic fertiliser like gwano pellets or flower power along the driplines of the trees and water in well. Top up with mulch around the trees, keeping it well away from the stem. Also be careful not to overwater during the rainy seasons

Look at watering your veg and herbs early in the morning to prevent blight, powdery mildew and other fungal diseases on leaves. Larger plants can be watered twice a week, while those younger plants along with those that have a shallow root system might need a daily watering.

Fertilise your veggies and herbs fortnightly with an organic liquid fertiliser, we stock a number of fertilisers which are great for this, seagro, Nitrosol, kelp to name a few

Look at supporting your vine tomatoes against stakes or obelisks and fix with soft plant tie to prevent the stems from breaking. Also try ensure good air flow between the vines, you can do this by removing some of the leaves and smaller branches.

Get that Christmas Spirit

Buy poinsettias or other flowering indoor plants for decor and table enhancements during the festive season. They will beautify your home and give you loads of pleasure long after the guests have gone.

Give a living gift that will last long after the silly season is over… consider pots or baskets planted up with cheerful colour, a trendy indoor plant or orchid in an attractive potholder, a rose bush for someone special, a window box filled with favourite herbs, a bonsai or a berry bush or a range of fashionable succulents. The possibilities are endless when it comes to living gifts!

If you’re opting for a real live Christmas tree, why not try one of our indigenous Yellowwoods? It will add a ‘feel good’, organic touch to your festivities and the bonus is that you can plant it in your garden or a container to reuse next year.

What is Compulsory during this time, is to put your feet up, have a little siesta in the cool shade of your favourite tree and enjoy time out in the garden. You have earned every moment of it!