Prepping your garden for spring - A how-to guide
Category News
As winter's final month passes in Gauteng, at least, the smell of spring air starts to fill the morning breeze. With the trees blooming and buds of green leaves beginning to resurface from the frosty ground, the auspicious activity of getting our gardens prepped for the warmer months is finally upon us!
Keep in mind that we may have a cold spell - or two - ahead. Regardless of how large or compact your garden may be, follow our how-to guide to get the most out of your gardens this spring.
A Spring makeover for your lawn
Most experienced gardeners know the first thing that needs your attention is your lawn, especially after a frosty winter. Start raking away all of your dead vegetation. This is important for your soil.
Once everything looks all spick and span, spread a layer of topsoil over the lawn and water thoroughly while reseeding dry or dead patches. Topsoil boosts soil nutrition, speeding up lawn regrowth and allowing for improved drainage and drought resistance.
A Spring clean for your garden beds
As mentioned above, August is the month for a complete spring clean of your garden beds. And while your lawn should always be your first goal, plenty of dead leaves have nestled deep into your shrub's soil. In addition, weeds have probably sprouted up left, right, and centre, while other plants have died off completely.
Again, get that rake out and start clearing away all the debris from Autumn. Once the clutter is out of the way, you have free reign to start de-weeding where necessary to prep your beds for new plants.
Be sure to give your bird baths and water features a thorough clean-out. Many bird species will go through their breeding seasons now, so why not help them with a little extra nourishment?
Reimagine your Summer Garden
August presents the perfect opportunity for homeowners to decide how they want their garden to evolve. And, of course, what to get rid of in the process. Once all your beds are cleared of debris, and your lawn is starting to take shape, you have a perfect canvas to reimagine your garden.
Perhaps it's time for the veggie patch you've always wanted? Or maybe you're interested in building that Roman water feature you know will make the perfect topiary centrepiece? Regardless of what you want, you must plan these things to make the most of your summer garden look and avoid making costly mistakes.
Choosing the correct plants
Any experienced homeowner will tell you that selecting the right plants for your environment is paramount. What works for the Western Cape may not always be valid for the more arid climate of Gauteng.
For example, we suggest that northern homeowners look into growing flowers like celosia, marigolds and snapdragons. In the Western Cape, clivias chamelaucium and pincushions are great for this season. Eastern Cape homeowners should probably invest in pineapple lilly, begonias, and amaryllis to complement the wet season.
For veggie patch lovers, now is the perfect time to start growing your beetroot, carrots, parsley, runner beans, sweet corn, and pumpkins that should be ready for summer.
Best nurseries in SA
While this guide works for most gardens, we understand that every home's requirements differ. If you're still unsure of what works for your space and when best to grow, then always seek advice from your local nursery. They will be able to give you a more detailed guide on what works best for your individual needs.
Below we list some of SA's most renowned nurseries:
Read our previous article here: https://www.hamiltons.co.za/news/property-investments-should-you-build-or-buy-and-renovate/
Contact Hamiltons Property Portfolio for all your buying or selling requirements:
Gauteng: 011 463 0155
Western Cape: 021 418 0328
Garden Route: 044 050 3295
Eastern Cape: 076 927 7787
Winelands: 082 825 9020
Or email reception@hamiltons.co.za
Hamilton's Property Portfolio holds a Fidelity Fund Certificate issued by the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority.
Author: Lisa