We can all relate to the hot February days which are great to spend at the poolside on weekends, or finding a spot in the shade to just cool down.
Gardening chores not to be neglected are feeding to replace nutrients and adding some colour to get rid of that washed out summer feeling.
Gardens are where you have all your senses stimulated to restore your energy and balance, that is what is important to us not just this month but always.
Feed your container plants
One of the projects for this month is to freshen up the patio containers.
After the holidays and back to school routine of the past few weeks a quick look at the containers will show some looking a bit tired.
They too take strain as the heat bakes them and after all the regular watering they need a boost. Feeding container plants at least once to twice a month is essential to maintain that lush and vibrant feel.
It is recommend too use a water soluble fertiliser as this works faster and moves through the whole container making it easier for the plant to absorb.
Multifeed Classic and Flowergro are tried and tested and if you need to see the results.
As an organic alternative Nitrosol and Seagro are great for leafy plants and food gardens.
Alternating fertilisers is ideal.
Similarly to how we use different vitamins for a boost so too will plants benefit from different ratios of nutrients as they use different ones at different times, almost like they get used to the same one all the time and become lazy.
Each time you shop for plant food try alternating the product and see the results in the growth.
Autumn seedlings
Freshen up the garden with some autumn annuals to replace the tired summer ones such as begonias and dianthus.
Feed your seedlings with Multifeed flowergro every ten days or so to get the best results.
Three of our best for full sun are planted around Eckards every year this time.
Marigolds are great fillers.
Planted in full sun now they will last well into April and as companion plants they also act as a natural pest repellent and also clean up the soil of some fungal spores.
Zinnias are super this time of the year, needing little attention and flowering non-stop.
Try the succulent roses of Portulaca, tough and hardy, quick to flower in full sun and available in a wide range of colours.
- Complied by Eckards
