The first rains have already arrived and although there will still be many sunny days until winter arrives it is clear the time has come to prepare for the winter and spring gardens.
Composting and mulching is an ongoing process. By adding a layer of compost, wood chip mulch, bark nuggets or other mulches, we assist the soil by preventing run-off, enabling rain water to filter into the soil gently, protecting the soil against cold. Mulch will also smother most germinating weed seeds. Decomposing organic mulches add nutrients to the soil and improve the structure of our sandy soils.
Agapanthus, Dietes and Michaelmas daisies are some examples of perennials that need to be dug up, divided and replanted.
Spring bulbs are ready for planting now that cooler weather has arrived. Daffodils, Ranunculus, Freesias and more, especially specialised indigenous bulbs like Geissorhiza, Babiana and Ixia have been loaded onto the shelves and should be planted within the next two months. Prepare the soil with compost and as a rule of thumb, plant as deep as the length of the bulb, for example, if a Freesia bulb is 4cm long, then that is how much soil needs to be above the bulb. When in doubt plant bulbs pointy side up, except for Ranunculus which is planted with the “fingers” facing down. Use Bonemeal when planting and feed with Hadeco Bulb food for optimal blooming and to boost the developing bulbs for next year.
Trees, shrubs and Fynbos will respond well to being planted in autumn. They settle in the warm soil and are ready to grow when the rainy season arrives.
GROWING WINTER VEGETABLES
The winter vegetable selection is wider than at any other time of year. Either sow seed now or plant a six-week old seedling. Square foot gardening is a method of planting and managing a vegetable garden within square foot (30 cm) sections.