Hot weather, combined with the rush and bustle of December can take a toll on your garden. Just a little attention can go a long way, though, in helping your garden to stay a refreshing, green retreat, instead of turning into a scraggly eyesore through the holidays.
Look through the list of handy hints below to see how you can keep your garden looking well-cared-for through the month.
With Lawns, Longer is Lush
People sometimes think that cutting grass really short is a good way to reduce mowing frequency. But we recommend leaving the blades as long as your mower will allow – not only does this leave the lawn looking and feeling lusher underfoot, it also protects the grassroots from sunburn better. The clincher? Lush lawns keep out pesky weeds like oxalis and bindii more effectively than short-cropped grass.If the festive season is taking up all your time, no worries – just leave lawn care in the hands of your friendly, local Top Cut gardener!
Mulch, not Mildew
Give your plants and lawn a deep drink early in the day. Use organic mulch like pea-straw or sugar cane, spread evenly to a thickness of about 7cm. This ensures that your garden retains moisture while minimising the risk of mildew, especially on those sensitive roses. When mulching, be careful not to cover plant stems.
Tip: Spray a homemade mildew barrier made from 1 part cow’s milk diluted in 10 parts water to prevent attacks on rose bushes.
(Keep in mind that this remedy prevents mildew, but doesn’t reverse it.)
Don’t cut your grass too short!
Nourish Your Garden with Tea and Trace Elements
To grow really well in the warm weather, your garden needs a good feed. A mix of seaweed tea with the right trace elements can give those plants the boost they need. Citruses and flowering varieties like azaleas, camellias and grevillea could use a shot of iron, particularly if the leaves are yellowing – dissolve dry chelates in water for good uptake. Roses and camellias often thrive with a bit of magnesium, while citrus, lychee and banana do well with potash.
Don't forget, we at Top Cut are always here to assist with your gardening needs