April May & June
It is the beginning of winter. A time of year that we generally
enjoy the indoors, but good prep work will ensure you have a
garden to come back to in spring. And of course a time to
enjoy the beauty of some winter flowering indigenous plants
Plant out seedlings of winter and spring flowering bedding plants. Include bulbs when
planning beds and consider the height of plants and position they prefer. Primulas and
Cinerarias thrive in semi-shade, but stocks and Calendulas need full sun. Large beds are
expensive to plant up with commercially grown seedlings; fil them with easy to grow
annuals like Namaqualand daisies, Linaria, Nemesia sown in situ.
Finish cutting back perennials which have ceased flowering. Those which are
overcrowded can be divided and replanted in wel -prepared beds. In cold regions and
damp Western Cape it is often best to wait until spring
Water only when necessary as in cool weather plants needs less water. Water in the
mornings to reduce the risk of frost damage. Mulch wil also reduce ground frost, keeping
the roots of plants protected and reducing the water amount needed.
In June, it is important to remove thatch with a wire rake. Feed with a general fertilizer or
organic equivalent of 2:3:2. Insure a low nitrogen content. Spike the lawn and give a light
application of superphosphate or bone meal. Sow seeds in damaged areas and cover
with a light layer of lawn dressing to form a "blanket against ground frost.
Prepare plants like trees and shrubs which transplant wel . Transplanting should be done
during winter. Be sure to make use of frost covers.
Snails and slugs, especially during damp spel s. Mould on lily bulbs. Borer beetles under
bark, particularly on fig trees. They are often brought to your attention by piles of
`sawdust' or frass on the ground. Aphids on new growth. Scale on citrus trees, tea bushes
and indoor plants. Black spot on roses.

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