Winter gardening can seem daunting to plant-o-holics with so much advice doing the rounds on the wide web. We have searched far and wide, dug in the deepest trenches and found the answers to the most common questions we’ve all asked ourselves when it comes to gardening in the colder seasons. We shall be dispelling the myths of winter gardening, letting you know what is, in fact, true and what is not.
Winter gardening and morning waterings.
We have heard many times that giving plants water first thing in the day is good for growing greenery. Morning watering gives the soil a chance to dry before night falls, and with it the temperature. If it is possible, water the soil by avoiding the foliage. Remember to check the soil is drying out before your habitual watering. This will help reduce the risk of fungal diseases and rotting – which can be slow, silent plant killers – as the soil can stay cold and damp for weeks.
Our winter gardening verdict: FACT
Fertilising before or during winter is unnecessary.
Fertilising is actually an important step in Winter gardening to keep your plants happy and healthy through the cold weather. Doing this will ensure your garden will flourish once spring finally arrives. Our organic, slow-release vita-boost fertiliser is a great year-round fertiliser, but it is our top pick for your garden winter prep.
If you have a veggie garden, it is worthwhile adding nutrient-rich compost and manure to the garden bed to give those plants a much-needed nutrient boost. Browse the rest of our fertilising range to get those grounds winter prepped.
Our winter gardening verdict: FICTION
Grow grass by cutting it short
A lush lawn is a goal for gardeners year-round, but what advice should you follow to achieve that? Well, cutting your grass short in the winter is not exactly the way to keep your lawn green and lush. Keep your grass cut no shorter than 3 cm. Having some extra length will act as a layer of insulation to the lawn roots and runners as they grow and spread during the colder months of winter gardening.
Our winter gardening verdict: FICTION
Herbs can’t survive winter
Just as with flowers and veggies, some herbs like it hot and some can handle the cold. Basil will begin to brown at the first sign of cold nights, while perennial herbs can keep hydrated throughout the winter. These perennial herbs include rosemary, bay, and oregano.
If you’re looking for which herbs to grow, you can always ask our experts: http://wonder.co.za.www37.cpt3.host-h.net/ask-the-expert/
Our winter gardening verdict: FACT and FICTION
Root vegetables do best with winter gardening
Root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, beetroot and potatoes as well as leafy greens are all excellent choices for the cool season veggie garden. They will tolerate both shorter daylight hours and cooler weather. The big bonus of the winter veggie patch is it’s almost maintenance-free. Water lightly about once a week if it’s dry, watch out for the odd bug or insect and that’s about it!
Our winter gardening verdict: FACT
Plants can still flourish in winter
This one is easy. Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean your garden needs to be bare of beautiful plants, brown and abandoned. It also needn’t be elaborate – even a potful of pansies can brighten up the dreariest of surroundings. With the proper care and research, there are many plants that can thrive in chilly weather.
If you’re after flowers to bring life to your outdoors, there are enormous numbers of beautiful winter annuals that will put on gorgeous shows in pots or winter gardening beds. Choose a plant food, such as Wonder Colour Boost, to assist in trauma recovery and enhance nutrient uptake.
Besides these colourful flowers, you might consider decorating your flower pots with paint or coloured twine, for example. Aloes, cacti and succulents also make excellent accent plants and are available in various vibrant shades.
Azaleas, daisies, roses, pansies, tulips and proteas.
Our winter gardening verdict: FACT
Read more about what type of gardening you can do in our May gardening calendar:
http://wonder.co.za.www37.cpt3.host-h.net/gardening-calendar/
