Deckle Edge Media_Maluti_Issue 1 Winter 2017

What does your Crop say?
Winter
Gardening
By DAN TRÜMPELMANN • 073 724 3705
Winter time has arrived and frosty mornings will be a
sight for the next few months.
For the avid winter gardener it really is a wonderful
time to be out and about in your garden. With the
cooler weather it is more comfortable to be in the
garden without the intense heat of summer.
Mulch your garden beds
Mulching your garden beds is essential for a healthy garden. It
provides insulation from heat and cold temperatures. Mulching
with organic matter such as bark chips, compost, leaves or nut
shells helps to enrich the soil and improves the structure of the
soil, which enhances water holding capacity when the soil breaks
down.
Apply mulch generously, but not too thick. About 5cm would
suffice. Be sure not to have mulch right up against the stem of your
plants, as this may cause rot and invite pests and diseases.
Protect your tender plants
Now is the time to protect your tender plants with a material called
frost cloth. It protects against temperatures of about -2° Celsius, so
it is recommended to double it up.
You can also use hessian to keep your plants protected. Make sure
though that the material is lifted off your plants.
Water tanks
With the severe drought we recently experienced, it might be an
excellent idea to install a water tank or a system that uses grey
water to ensure your garden has sufficient water for the growing
season.
Move deciduous shrubs
Winter is the perfect time to transplant deciduous shrubs as this
reduces transplant shock.
When moving your shrubs, be sure to prepare the new hole in
advance. Add an extra 30 to 60cm to the estimated spread of roots.
Add a generous amount of compost and bone meal into the hole.
Use the old soil-mark on the stem as a guide as to how deep to
replant. Firm the soil around the shrub to eliminate any air pockets.
Give it a good watering and add mulch. In spring feed your shrub
with a general fertilizer.
Move roses
For best results, winter is an ideal time to move rose bushes. It is
best when they are dormant as they will suffer less from transplant
shock and settle better. Be sure to keep them well watered until
they have taken root.
Winter is also a good time to plant new rose bushes. It will give
them a head start without having to deal with the extreme heat of
summer.
Plan a vegetable garden
Not only will a vegetable garden save you money, but you will also
get great satisfaction when you finally harvest your own homegrown
fresh vegetables.
Use winter time to start planning where you would like to have
your vegetable garden, as well as what you would like to grow. If
you don’t have enough space for a vegetable garden, then why not
try growing some in containers?
There is just something remarkable about going out your back door
and picking fresh veggies!
Maluti Berg & Dal • Winter 2017 • 14
Add colour to your garden
We are so lucky with the range of colourful winter annuals
that are available for our cold winters.
Winter needn’t be dull and depressing. Just by planting up
a pot or hanging a basket or two can bring a lot of joy and
colour. Why not try planting a border of pansies or planting
some Iceland poppies to fill a gap?
Have you tried planting stocks? They are sweetly scented
with a quite addictive fragrance. Stocks are hardy to frost
and enjoy full sun.
Maybe add a splash of ranunculus (the Mache hybrid). With
their large heads and vigorous growth ability they are a
stunner in the garden or in containers.
Got a shady spot? No problem. There are primula malacoides
with their dainty flowers that will soften an area with their
delightful pink, white, lavender or wine red colours. If you
are looking for something more bold, try some primroses.
They are short, compact little plants with bright flowers and
are available in a range of colours.
Remember, winter is a good time to prepare your garden for
a spectacular spring and summer show. With the few warm
hours during our winter days, retreat to your bright garden.
Enjoy your garden this winter.
Maluti Berg & Dal • Winter 2017 • 15