THIS MONTH
WEEDS
WITH all the rain and heat, weeds will grow out of control.
The best way to remove a large area of weeds is to spray but this also kills other plants, so you have to be careful.
It’s best to remove the weeds physically. Plant up these areas with a quick growing groundcover that reduces the threat of new weeds growing. LAWNS
Cut lawns at different intervals to reduce the stress on the grass.
When you finally get to the right height, top dress with lawn dressing and fertilise with a high nitrogen fertiliser such as 2.3.2 which should be done just before it rains.
FERTILISER
Fertilise flower beds with a general 2.3.2 nitrogen fertiliser.
ROSES
Roses are susceptible to many fungal problems because of rain and humidity of Durban.
Black spot in particular attacks the roses so make sure to either remove the worst affected leaves or spray using Dithane M45.
Roses are heavy feeders so ensure you mulch with well decomposed compost and feed with a granular fertiliser 2.3.2 at least every three weeks in the rainy season.
MULCH
Mulch newly planted areas because new plants sulk when just planted.
Water well after planting to allow the water to settle around the roots and to keep the soil warm.
PRUNING
Summer growth on many of your shrubs can get out of hand. Keep pruning your shrubs because this is the time of the year for maximum growth with many shrubs becoming overgrown and untidy.
If you prune throughout the summer season it will control growth and keep any garden in shape.
Do not remove more than a third of the shrub.
PLANTS IN FLOWER?
Spathodea campanulata, Gardenia thunbergia, Scadoxus multiflorus spp katherinae, Erythrina humeana, Hydrangea sp., Bauhinia galpinii, Gladiolus dalenii, Turraea obtusifolia, Nelumbo nucifera, Watsonia confusa, Agapanthus sp., Haemanthus albiflos,.