Don’t let cold weather fool you – your garden still needs care. Here’s the truth about winter fertilising.
As winter sets in and temperatures drop, many gardeners assume it’s time to pack away the tools and wait for spring. But your garden doesn’t go completely dormant just because it’s cold. In fact, winter is an ideal time to prepare your garden for the growing season ahead.
At Wonder, we’re here to help you cut through the confusion. Let’s take a closer look at some common winter fertilising myths and reveal what your garden actually needs during the cooler months.
Myth 1: You shouldn’t fertilise in winter because your plants are dormant
The reality: While many plants slow their growth during winter, that doesn’t mean they’re inactive. Below the surface, roots continue to grow, particularly in South Africa’s generally mild winter conditions. Supplying your plants with the right nutrients during this time supports root development and sets the foundation for a vibrant spring.
What to use:
Wonder Lawn & Leaf is ideal for feeding lawns and leafy shrubs in winter. It strengthens roots and helps maintain a healthy green colour, even in colder months. It also gives your lawn a much-needed head start when temperatures rise.
Myth 2: Watering isn’t necessary in winter
The reality: Cooler weather and occasional rain don’t mean your garden is getting all the moisture it needs. Many regions experience dry spells during winter, and plants, especially evergreens and winter crops still require consistent hydration to stay healthy. Ignoring watering can lead to stressed plants and poor growth come spring.
What to do:
Keep an eye on rainfall and supplement with watering during dry periods. For an extra boost, apply Wonder Plant Starter All Purpose to ornamental beds and Wonder Organics Veggie Garden to veggie patches. These products support root development and nutrient uptake, helping your garden thrive, even in winter.
Myth 3: Fertiliser attracts pests, even in winter
The reality: Pests are much less active during winter. Most modern fertilisers – especially organic or slow-release options – do not attract insects or rodents. In fact, well-fed plants are more resilient and less prone to disease or pest problems later in the year.
What to use:
Use Wonder All Purpose Plant Food to improve plant health and boost resilience. Proper nutrition during winter reduces vulnerability to common garden problems when the weather warms up.
Myth 4: Fertilising in winter won’t help in spring
The reality: Winter feeding prepares your garden for spring success. Nutrients absorbed now are stored in the roots and soil, making them readily available when active growth resumes. This helps your plants respond faster and perform better as conditions improve.
What to use:
Wonder Lawn & Leaf is particularly effective in this role, delivering the macro elements your lawn needs to recover quickly and look its best in early spring.
Myth 5: The soil is too cold for fertiliser to work
The reality: While extreme cold can slow down nutrient uptake, it rarely stops it completely in South African gardens. In well-drained soil, plant roots remain active enough to absorb nutrients, especially when using organic or slow-release products.
What to use:
Prepare your soil for spring planting with Wonder Organic Vita Boost. It improves soil quality and stimulates microbial activity, helping roots absorb nutrients more effectively when the weather starts to warm.
Final Thoughts
Winter fertilising is not about forcing your garden to grow; it’s about supporting and strengthening it through the colder months. With the right products and approach, you can maintain plant health, build stronger root systems, and ensure a faster, fuller recovery when spring arrives.
Now is the time to act. Feed your garden the right way this winter, and it will thank you with lush, healthy growth in the months to come.
Explore Wonder’s full winter fertiliser range online or at your local retailer. Your garden will feel the difference.
Shop Wonder Lawn & Leaf, Wonder Plant Starter All Purpose, Wonder Organic Veggie Garden and Wonder All Purpose Plant Food online at HomelifeSA. Plus, follow Wonder on Facebook and Instagram for more expert tips, advice, and updates on keeping your lawn looking its best!
Registration holder: Agro-Serve (Pty) Ltd; Reg. No. 1973/000868/07; PO Box 652147, Benmore; 2010; 0861 333 586; www.wonder.co.za
Wonder Lawn & Leaf Reg. No. K8299 Act No. 36 of 1947, N-F0580, W130553; NOT CLASSIFIABLE IN TERMS OF GHS
Wonder Plant Starter All Purpose Reg. No. K8301 Act No. 36 of 1947, N-F0588, W130552; NOT CLASSIFIABLE IN TERMS OF GHS
Wonder Organic Veggie Garden Reg. No. M139 Act No. 36 of 1947 N-F1963; NOT CLASSIFIABLE IN TERMS OF GHS
Wonder All Purpose Plant Food Reg. No. K8556 Act No. 36 of 1947, N-F0623, NOT CLASSIFIABLE IN TERMS OF GHS
Wonder Organic Vita Boost Reg. No. B5695 Act No. 36 of 1947, N-F1705 W130566; NOT CLASSIFIABLE IN TERMS OF GHS
