Spring into action
There sure is plenty to do in garden as days get warmer
After what has felt like a tumultuous year, we have reached the light at the end of the tunnel for the home gardener — spring!
While it can often be a wet and windy month, the days are getting longer and temperatures are on the rise, so it’s a very active month in the indoor or outdoor garden.
Houseplants
Many houseplants can look tired towards the end of winter — a combination of lack of nutrients and withstanding growing conditions that have been very cold or very warm (near fires or heating systems).
It’s still a little early for repotting, wait until the end of the month as temperatures rise.
Pay careful attention to the light where your houseplants are located as very few thrive in dark parts of the home.
Continue watering your houseplants as required rather than routinely as overwatering kills more houseplants than any other factor. Always use lukewarm water so there is less shock to the plant.
Dust gathers easily on plants with large glossy leaves, so clean them regularly with a moist cloth.
Remember, a well-lit bathroom is an excellent part of the house to rejuvenate ailing houseplants as the warm, moist air from showers provides excellent growing conditions.
Lawns
In warmer areas of the country, the grass is beginning to grow. Lawn fertiliser can be applied towards the end of the month and seeds can be sown on bare patches.
Add new “clean” topsoil before broadcasting the seed. Start mowing the lawn regularly to encourage vigorous, healthy lawn growth.
Roses
Most rose bushes are producing new growth and, in some instances, breaking into flower. Apply a side dressing of rose fertiliser around plants towards the end of the month. Fresh compost can be spread around rose beds now, and throughout the growing season.
Container gardens
It’s time to consider what to grow in containers over summer months — flowers, herbs, or summer salad vegetables. Prepare by emptying the containers, washing thoroughly and ensuring drainage holes are adequate. Start planting towards the end of September/early October.
Herb garden
Herb gardens may be looking rather sad in September, as most herbs prefer a hot, dry climate. Prepare for replanting in October by removing old plants now and raising the area to be planted and adding fresh compost.