Moving Plants
There’s no better time to relocate plants that haven’t fared well in their original position – because active growth has stopped and they’re dormant now, they’ll cope with the disturbance. So move your clivias to a spot where the leaves won’t get scorched, relocate the deciduous tree that got too big for its boots, and shift the fuchsias that get too much wind along the garden path. Also move your hydrangeas that get too much sun – and the roses that don’t.

Prepare For The Cold Snaps
Wrap the stems of young, frost sensitive plants in hessian or even veld grasses and shield your standard plants or topiaries against black frost.

Compost Heap
All the fallen leaves should now be happily resting on your compost heap, so you can start thinking about sifting, bagging and storing the compost.

Repairs And Maintenance
In Gauteng, this is the right time to have the lawnmower and edge trimmer serviced. In the Western Cape, check your irrigation; repair all the leaks in your hose and sprinkler system.

Feeding
It’s time to cut back on fertiliser in the summer rainfall regions, but keep giving annuals, like poppies and spring bulbs, 3:1:5 or a foliar feed, such as Nitrosol. In winter rainfall regions, now’s the time for an organic fertiliser, such as Bounce Back or Kelpak.

Pruning
The shapes of deciduous trees are clearly visible now, so check for crossed or unsightly branches. Prune deadwood, low-growing branches and clean the trunks.

Plant Trees
Now’s the perfect time to plant new specimens and ensure they’re established when spring comes around.

Text and image: Home