Plants Popular Questions
2 ½ times the size of the seed, alternatively, read the back of the packet.
Yes, the roots are dormant, they aren’t disturbed as when the sap is rising, and they settle in before spring.
That is chlorosis, caused by a difficiency in the soil. Treat with phosphates, magnesium sulphate, iron.
Lawn Dressing should be applied at the beginning of the growing season and (in South Africa) is typically applied during August & September. Kick start your dormant winter lawn by scarifying and spike rolling to improve aeration. Apply a topping of Earth2Earth weed free River Sand to level uneven areas. Follow up with an application of nitrogen rich fertilizer i.e. LAN, then cover with an even layer of Earth2Earth Lawn Dressing. Spread the Lawn Dressing evenly using the back of a steel rake, allowing the tops of your grass to show. 1 x 30dm bag covers 2 -2.5m2 Water thoroughly with a fine garden sprayer, after 2 weeks you can mow the lawn, stand back and admire a lush green carpet.
Some of the plants that will attract bees include: Lampranthus(Vygie), Rosemary, Callistemon, Escallonia, Hebe, Viburnum, Abelia, Aloes, Dianthus, Gaillardia, Duranta, Phlox.
These are just some shrubs are great for bonsai:
Acers (maples)
Bauhnia
Bougainvillea
Buddleja
Celtis
Cape May
Diospyros
Erythina
Ficus
Pines – Cedrus, Cypress, Juniprus
Pests Popular Questions
You only spray a lemon tree if it is necessary, do not spray preventatively! (Should you see any sign of insects or fungus then you can spray) – hence there is not a correct time to spray. For Fungus use “funginex” alternatively for insects “oleum” is very good and natural spray. Please, note these are purely suggestions of what you can use, you might need to be more specific about what you are wanting to spray against.
I do not think that ‘soapy water’ will help with the aphids, it might act as a deterrent. There are special sprays which have been formulated by the gurus. Pop into your local accredited Garden Centre to see what they have available.
Snails can be a problem and you would have to continue using the pellets. You also get a liquid snail pesticide that you can spray with, called Snailflo. You can get an aerosol that you can use to kill spiders. Try Fendona to get rid of the ants around the house.
Maintenance Popular Questions
When a finger pushed into the soil comes out dry, you must water…when it is wet, don’t. Also it depends on the plant.
Compost enriched with bonemeal, nitrogen and potassium.
The stones will give good drainage.
Potting Soil is a premium screened product with natural microbial nutrients making it the ideal growing medium for container planting. Compost is milled and screened to produce a product that is easily integrated into the soil, adding microbes and organic media for enhanced earthworm activity.
Mulching is an excellent water-wise practice and both products would be suitable for retaining soil moisture in your garden. The product selection would be a cosmetic decision – do you prefer the ‘finer’ layer of Mulch or the ‘chunkier’ layer of bark Nuggets. Also bear in mind that the Nuggets will take longer to break down than Mulch, which will add nutrients to your soil in the process, for this reason adding mulch should be an annual spring operation.
General Popular Questions
No, Life is a Garden is an information portal. Please see our Garden Centres page to find your nearest accredited garden centre.
Kraal Manure is most suitable for use in vegetable gardens as it is both organic and nutritious, replacing much needed macro and micro nutrients for healthy crop production. Healthy plants are more resistant to pests and diseases which in turn reduces the need to use harsh chemicals for a delicious organic crop.
I would suggest adding only a few weeds, (not in a great quantity) . Also be sure that you know what type of weed it is that you are adding to your compost heap.
Firstly never exceed the dosage stated on the package. A good tip is also to first always wet the plant and then apply the fertiliser. I would recommend a third weekly feed.
A compost heap should be in the sun. Try and get the heap in as much sun as possible.
Some of the plants that will attract bees include: Lampranthus(Vygie), Rosemary, Callistemon, Escallonia, Hebe, Viburnum, Abelia, Aloes, Dianthus, Gaillardia, Duranta, Phlox.