What to do in your garden in January.

Our gardens welcome in the new year in splendid form with ever increasing flowering repertoires from Dahlias, Roses, Strelitzias late flowering Agapanthus, Impatiens, Fuchsias and Hibiscus. It is important to keep a close eye on watering conditions, only water early in the morning or late evening to increase plants holding retention. Scorching January temperatures will take its toll on many plants, with this in mind it will be a good idea to replenish tired looking annuals with fresh seedlings and plants.

Flowers

• Keep deadheading perennials to encourage a second flush of blooms.
• Stake Dahlias properly and remove the first flower buds to encourage more side growth.
• Sow flower seeds like Ageratum, Foxgloves, Petunias, Marigolds and Zinnias for autumn flowering.
• Water Hydrangeas regularly and don’t forget to fertilise with Wonder Vitaliser Rose and Flower Fertiliser to enhance and enrich flower colour.
• Spray Roses with RoseCare 3 to control black spot, mildew and aphids.
• Deadhead Roses and feed regularly with Wonder Vitaliser Rose and Flower Fertiliser 8.1.5 (17) SR.
• Pinch back Asters, Fuchsias and Chrysanthemums to encourage bushy growth and more flowers.

Lawns

• Raise the mower setting to cut the lawn higher so it can withstand hot, dry weather during the height of summer.
• Continue to fertilise your lawn every four to six weeks with either Wonder Vitaliser Lawns & Leaf 7:1:3 (15) SR or Bio Ganic for Lawns.
• Water very well and often after fertilising to prevent chemical burn.

Vegetables, Herbs & Fruit

• Plant and grow flavoursome ‘braai’ herbs like Marjoram, Thyme, Sage, Rosemary and Chives.
• Sow herb seeds like Anise, Basil, Borage, Parsley, Sage, Thyme and Coriander.
• Grow a variety of salad leaves that can be harvested throughout the summer.
• Pick Rasberries regularly.
• Remove straw from under Strawberries when finished fruiting.
• Feed all vegetable and herbs with an organic fertiliser like Talborne’s Vita Veg 6:3:4 (16).

General Tasks

• Keep on top of the weeding. Luckily weeds don’t grow as quickly in mid-summer.
• Stake young plants and standard roses well to prevent summer storm damage.
• Don’t forget to water your trees and shrubs, as they need adequate moisture to weather the heat. This is especially important for any new trees and shrubs you have just planted this season.
• Water hanging baskets and containers at least once a day and feed once a week.
• Use Ludwig’s Insect Spray Plus to control ants naturally in the garden.