For many avid gardeners, the thought of Mother Nature’s elements during winter time can send a chill up the spine.
In winter, plants tend to wither away and the ground can become unfavourable if not overturned regularly. Because we do not experience large amounts of snow in most parts of the warmer KZN, growing a winter garden can be a simple process.
During these cold months, vegetables that thrive in the colder temperatures, can be sowed in summer and allowed for one’s own produce to be harvested in winter. Carrots, beets, turnips onions and other root vegetables tend to grow well during winter and may be a great start to the creation of a winter vegetable garden. Once your vegetables have been harvested, prepare the soil and start planting straight away to deter other seedlings from finding their place in the soil and growing unwanted plants and weeds.
Did you know? A carrot is best planted in summer and harvested in winter. As it is a root vegetable, the cold soil acts like a freezer that allows the vegetable to develop sweetness.
If you do not have a garden beaming with vegetables or cringe at the thought of creating one, but rather take pride in the gorgeous array of flora and fauna that currently adorn your lawns, then here are some hints and tricks to help your garden along the winter months.
- Remove dead/crumpled flowers using scissors for thinner, softer stems and pruning shears for thicker and harder stems – this process, called “Deadheading”, helps improve the look of the garden.
- For big, dramatic looking flowers, a tip is to disbud them. This involves pulling off all the flower buds, and leaving just one, before the buds start to open/ blossom. All the nutrients are drawn towards this one bud and thus the flower then results in more luscious/larger looking flowers. It is also important to prune any dead flowers sharing a stem with another, as these also draw nutrients that could be beneficial elsewhere.
- Due to there being smaller amount of pests and weeds in winter, there tends to be less maintenance than in hotter months.
- Some winter months may produce wetter weather which may work in your favour with not having to water your gardens as regularly
These tips have been supplied by Mark Robson, Gardener and Landscaper for Granny Mouse Country House & Spa – well-known for its green and luscious gardens.
