December January February
Glorious summer... This time of year is the perfect time to
spruce up the garden while enjoying the great weather and
end the rewarding experience with Christmas outdoors
Feed and deadhead annuals and remove weeds. Fill gaps with hardy varieties such as
marigolds, balsam or Ageratum. In cool areas sow seed of winter-flowering annuals which
have a long growing season (Primulas, ornamental kale and anemones) In hot, dry areas
delay sowing until weather is cooler
Pinch back Chrysanthemums to encourage new and bushy growth. Feed groundcovers,
cur beck untidy spring flowering varieties and lay down a layer of mulch to preserve
moisture
Maintain a regular watering program. Adhere to the drought guidelines and remember
plants only take up 3-5% of al the water put down. Water for a few minutes, wait 5-10
minutes and water again instead of leaving the sprinklers on. A deep water should come
from rain, but if not once every two weeks should in most cases be sufficient.
Lift the lawnmower blades to al ow the grass to grow longer, thus protecting the roots
from the heat of the sun and from drying winds. To transform the lawn in time for
Christmas feed with a higher Nitrogen organic fertilizer and water wel after. If you are
going away, do not feed the lawn.
Feed with a granular or enriched organic food high in potash to encourage the next flush
of flowers. Prune lightly towards the end of January and remove dead weak or spindly
wood.
Fungal outbreaks of black spot, mildew and rust can be expected in hot humid areas,
especial y where there is a lack of air circulation.
King crickets on lawns. Increase the phosphate levels with superphosphate or bone meal
to increase the lawns' natural resistance.

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