Plant maintenance in bags

Old flowers, twigs and yellow leaves should be removed regularly. The plant should not be kept in the same container for more than a year.

RECOMMENDED PLANTING PROCEDURE

1. Dig a hole twice the size of container.
2. Soak the plant thoroughly in a container of water, if possible. Larger containers must be drenched thoroughly with water.
3. Mix the removed soil with half compost
4. Scatter some soil mixture on the bottom of the hole, so that when plant is planted, it should be slightly below the actual soil level.
5. Fill the hole with water and let it drain.
6. Remove plastic bag or container from the plant and place it in the hole.
7. Add the rest of the compost mixture into the hole.
8. Ensure that the soil around the plant is firmly pressed down.
9. Make a dam around the plant and fill it with water.
10. Fertilise with granular fertilizer, as indicated by the manufacturer, once the plant is established (±3 months) after planting.

DISEASES

Plants should be inspected regularly for diseases and treated with the correct spraying programme. When using a spraying programme, remember not to water the plant for at least 4 hours afterwards.

NB! Please read the manufacturers’ instructions, before you commence spraying.

BASIC RECOMMENDED SPRAYING PROGRAMME

Sucking and biting insects:

• Merit®
• Confidor®
• Malasol
• Insecticide granules

Rust, Leaf Spot or Downy Mildew, and Black Spot:

• Bravo 500
• Virikop
• Rosecare 3
• Folicur®
• Funginex

Fertilisers should be given from spring until autumn at least every six weeks. During winter give fertiliser only once. Fertiliser must NEVER be strewn on dry plants.

We recommend 2:3:2 (22) to be used on most plants.

Fertiliser must not be strewn near the stem. The plant must be watered immediately. When using a soluble fertiliser, please follow the manufacturers’ instructions.

Water is a scarce and dwindling resource, and South Africa is a dry country with unpredictable rainfall and an ever increasing demand for it. As the demand for this precious resource grows, so will its price along with legislation discouraging excessive use. It is, therefore, important to garden for the future.

Water-wise gardens cut down water usage but are still beautiful and, as there are so many indigenous options to choose from, water-wise gardening should be the norm

CHOOSE LOCALLY SUITABLE WATER-WISE PLANTS
There are numerous beautiful plants that require minimal to no watering once established. Remember to plant in autumn, after the first rains – this gives plants a full winter to develop a strong root system before facing the dry season.

GROUP PLANTS ACCORDING TO THEIR WATER NEEDS
Water-wise plants need minimal watering once established. And by grouping your plants according to their water needs, you avoid wasting water on plants that don’t need it. Those plants that need more watering should be planted together in a small area where their water needs can be attended to.

RECONSIDER YOUR LAWN
Lawns are thirsty so think about the lawn space you use and need. Buffalo grass requires less water and less mowing. Just don’t cut the grass too short as longer leaves shade the roots and reduce water evaporation.

PREPARE THE SOIL WELL AND ADD COMPOST
Dig in plenty of compost as it aids the water retention ability of the soil, adds nutrients, and also encourages earthworm activity, which improves aeration and drainage. Remember to compost your beds at least once a year.

USE LOTS OF MULCH BETWEEN PLANTS
Mulch helps to keep the soil cool and reduces evaporation. It also reduces run-off and erosion, suppresses weed growth, enriches the soil and prevents compacting of the soil. Mulch is available in a variety of options including bark, compost and dried leaves.

WATER CORRECTLY AND ONLY WHEN NECESSARY
Most people over water. Save water by watering thoroughly but less often and when evaporation is lowest (early morning and evening). A drip or underground irrigation also saves water and reduces weed growth

CREATE SHADE AND WINDBREAKS
Wind and sun can dry out plants. Plant fast-growing, wind-resistant, water-wise trees and shrubs suited to your area to provide shade and shelter.