Gardening per climate zone

Summer is here.

All micro-climates

Summer and weeds arrive at more or less the same time, unfortunately – and in all gardens around the country. No matter where you live in south africa, make sure you weed your garden regularly to prevent an unwanted takeover. Otherwise, you may need to call in the big efekto guns to put an end to the spread. Another gardening practice that applies to all south african summer gardens is mulching. If you mulch your garden beds correctly and regularly at this time of year, you can help the soil retain moisture, and slow down (or even prevent) weed growth. Composting leaves, wonder organic vita-boost vermicompost and straw make a perfect mulch mix. So come on, fellow gardeners, glove up and let’s get to work!

Coastal winter rainfall

If you live in a coastal winter rainfall area like cape town, summer is a great time to plant bedding varieties like amaranthus, dianthus, gazanias, gomphrena, verbena, vinca, and zinnia. These plants are heat-resistant and thrive in the summer sunshine. In the patio garden, you can add potted hydrangeas and gardenias for a burst of colour. Just make sure they aren’t left in direct sunlight for the whole day, as this can dry them out quickly. Hardy brassica vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, and cabbage can also be planted now, along with water-wise herbs such as origanum, rosemary, sage, and thyme. Remember not to overwater these veggie garden varieties – they tend to like it dry.

Wonder Organic Vita-Boost

Vermicompost is a multi-purpose fertiliser that gives plants an energising dose of vitamins, nutrients, enzymes, and root zone enhancers.

Summer rainfall karoo/highveld

At this time of year, summer rainfall areas can do with a seasonal flower takeover! If you share this climate zone, plant colourful shade-loving varieties like impatiens, begonias and coleus, and sun-loving varieties like alstroemerias, dahlias, lavender, marigolds, dianthus, carnations, and petunias. And if you want to add another dimension to your floral display, put up hanging flower baskets in and around your home. In the vegetable garden, you can plant peppers, tomatoes, carrots, and brassicas, as well as herbs like
Rosemary, thyme and chives.

Coastal summer rainfall

Gardeners in coastal summer rainfall areas, like durban, can plant summer-loving varieties like impatiens, begonias, bougainvillea, lavender, hemerocallis, and coleus. And in the vegetable garden, fresh produce like rocket, tomatoes, peppers, chillies, and artichokes. If you live in this climate zone, you can also plant flowers in hanging baskets and pots to spread summer’s floral gifts around your home. Just be sure to keep them out of direct sunlight if the blooms are sensitive to heat. Pro tip: remember to keep an eye on your hibiscus plants! They may need a good fertiliser application at this time, followed up by a generous watering.

Credits

Referenced from Efekto, Greenfingers: Summer Gardening Guide