HOW TO PROTECT YOUR GARDEN IN WINTER
HOW TO WINTER PROOF YOUR GARDEN
Gauteng winters are known to drop to very low temperatures, to have icy cold breezes and the unpleasant layers of frost.
Preparing your garden for the cold months is a very wise move and quite simple to do with our winter garden tips.
MELT THE FROST ON TENDER PLANTS BY SPRAYING WATER ON THEM EARLY EVERY MORNING.
ROSE BUSH CARE
Prune early in winter
Roses need to be pruned as early as July. In preparation for winter, it is imperative to take down almost two-thirds of the rose bush to stimulate healthy growth in the summer months.
Pruning at a 45-degree angle away from the bud and seal the plant with pruning gel. Other plants that also need to be pruned like roses are Hydrangeas.
Fertilise your garden
Once you have pruned your rose bushes, use a good rose fertiliser to feed the roses and cover the plant base with kraal manure or mulch.
FRUIT TREE CARE
Pruning fruit trees in winter
Similar to the rose bushes, fruit trees also need to be pruned before winter.
Pruning at a 45-degree angle
Cutting the branches growing in the middle of the tree at a 45-degree angle is crucial as shaded branches won’t provide fruit in summer.
Add lime to the base of these plants
Lime will improve soil PH and make for healthier flowers. Feed trees a 3.1.5 fertiliser and kraal manure once you have pruned them.
LAWN CARE
Cutting and Feeding your Lawn during winter
Cutting lawns low during winter is also not recommended as this can cause disease. Aerating and feeding your lawn with a good root stimulating fertiliser is very important.
Feed your garden to avoid moles
Lawns are known to lose their healthy characteristics during winter as they get invaded by moles a lot of the time. These underground fellows are fond of caterpillars, so treating your lawn for caterpillar will reduce the frequency of the moles visiting your garden.
GENERAL GARDEN CARE
Contrary to what a lot of people believe, planting trees and shrubs during winter is a great idea. When spring rainfall arrives, the plant roots develop faster from the deep watering.
Cover frost-sensitive plants
In Gauteng, frost is a big danger to your garden. By wrapping frost-sensitive plants in frost covers will protect them during the winter months.
Mulch it up
Mulching all the beds in your garden and keeping them weed-free will retain the moisture in the soil.
Add lime to the base of these plants
Lime will improve soil PH and make for healthier flowers. Feed trees a 3.1.5 fertiliser and kraal manure once you have pruned them.
Colours to brighten up your garden
Adding colour to your garden during winter by flowering violas, cinerarias and primulas in pots is also a wonderful addition that you should really consider.