While we celebrate the further easing of lockdown restrictions in South Africa, we’re still urged to refrain from excessive social interaction.
The viral transmission rate might be down, but Covid-19 isn’t going anywhere.
Fortunately, with spring just around the corner, we can spend more time in the garden, getting in touch with nature in a socially-distant way.
If you’re keen to get your fingers a bit dirty, here are some tips on how to get the garden ready for spring.
Tackle those weeds
A very therapeutic gardening activity, weeds will undoubtedly have found their way into your garden during this lockdown period.
While it’s a near-impossible task trying to completely eliminate the weeds – and you will probably notice several more the day after you begin weeding – you will manage to get on top of it eventually if you’re systematic and consistent.
A key weeding technique is to ensure you remove the roots, otherwise they will spread quickly. For the more persistent weeds, use a trowel to dig around the weed and uplift the weed. It’s a lot easier to remove these while the ground is soft.
Tend to your lawn
The grass doesn’t require much attention in winter, and it’s likely looking a bit browner than you’d prefer.
Make sure you sweep up any fallen leaves and cut back any branches so that your lawn has a bit of sunlight.
If your grass look particularly tired, throw over a layer of topsoil and water it constantly. You might need to re-seed any areas that have died off completely, particularly those in high-traffic areas.
Prune the plants
Get out the garden shears, take a stroll around the garden, and prune any trees or shrubs that are in need.
It’s best to prune before the weather heats up as the cooler weather will give the plants time to heal before spring.
Pruning once a year allows you to remove any dead wood and give your plants a healthy start before flowering season.
In terms of pruning techniques, cut half a centimetre from the leaf node, as this will eventually sprout new growth.
Enrich the soil
If at all possible, start a compost heap in your garden. This is a quick, easy, affordable way to ensure you have nutrient-enriched fertilizer, while also giving you a place to store your fallen leaves and other plant debris.
Alternatively, add some form of nitrogen-rich manure, cover crops or mineral ash which can be sprinkled over the soil for added nutrients.
Choose your 2020 plants
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance garden that is likely to attract local insect and birdlife, as well as being beneficial to the environment, then it’s worth considering planting indigenous.
According to renowned South African botanist, Elsa Pooley, these are some great coastal plants to consider for a KwaZulu-Natal garden.
– Bush Lily (Clivia miniate)
– River Lily (Crinum macowanii)
– Forest Lily (Crinum moorei)
– White Paint Brush Lily (Haemanthus albiflos)
– Paintbrush Lily (Scadoxus puniceus)
– Glossy Forest Lily (Veltheimia bracteate)
If you don’t have a lawn, you can consider getting potted plants to add some greenery to your life.
Alternatively, if gardening isn’t for you then just hit the beaches and parks this weekend to celebrate lockdown Level 2!
