AUTUMN GARDENING TIPS

Contrary to popular belief, autumn, and not spring, is the best time to plant.

To go crazy with new plantings come spring is the norm, but you can get a head start by planting your garden now.  All plants, except those that are susceptible to frost and those that are supposed to flower in autumn, can be planted.  A plant set out now has summer's peak heat behind it, the probability of soaking rains ahead, like in the Western Cape, and still-warm soil to encourage immediate and deep-root growth.

Water-wise gardeners have long recognized the value of autumn planting. As days shorten and nights lengthen, plants transpire less and require less water. Strong roots begin to develop in the warm soil, and a good watering will encourage them to penetrate their roots deeper, giving them a head start in spring.

In June the gardener should:

• Start to clean-up the garden (plants have stopped growing and plant debris needs to be removed)
• Pruning is high on the list of activities.  This is the time to prune your roses.  Hybrid tea roses need to be pruned back drastically to promote new growth.  Floribundas should not be pruned as ruthlessly as this will reduce the number of flowers for the next spring.
• Now is the time to start feeding the garden for next year’s growth.  If you have compost that’s ready to use, apply a four-centimeter layer to the garden to form a rich blanket of humus.
• Dividing perennials is a must.
• Moving your plants to new positions should happen during this time.  This is the time of year for transplanting as plants that need to establish themselves before the summer heat arrives and plants transpire more.  Remember to water these plants during the winter.
• To start preparing beds for spring bedding plants.  Dig well and add plenty compost and fertilizers.
• Remember, if you have not planted your spring flowering bulbs, like Lilium, yet, you should do so as soon as possible.  Remember to water deeply at least two to three times a week.

In July the gardener should:

• Although it seems like the garden has gone in hibernation you should continue to feed your plants.
• You can also continue to make compost by raking and collecting of all the dead leaves, grass clippings and other organic material.
• Mulching is another good activity for winter.  Spreading a layer of mulch over your garden.  This will protect the roots for the plants against cold weather and keep the winter weeds down.
• Clean your garden by emptying the garden pots – on compost heaps – clean pots and store them for the next season.
• Tool maintenance is also in important part of autumn and winter gardening.  Lubricate all moving equipment like secateurs, loppers, and so on.  Service your lawnmowers, edge cutters and brush cutters. Make sure that the blades of all tools are sharpened.
• Plan for the next season.

Have a great gardening time!