Here in South Africa, we are fast approaching winter. This means people in the northern hemisphere are enjoying Spring and heading in to Summer. Lucky you! I thought I would do an article on gardening preparations for spring, to help those of you, who maybe need a bit of planning at this stage. I have made a list of things that need doing.

1, Now is the time to plant out young, fresh Basil and Chilli plants, or seedlings, as they are important additions to summer cooking. Plant in full sun and ensure that they get rich, well filtered  soil, for best growing.

2, Prune back all spring shrubs, as soon as they have finished their first flowerings, to prepare them for the new growing season. This will maximize their showings during the spring and summer months.

3, Clip all trees and bushes and hedges of all new spring growth, to allow for more to emerge. Don’t remove too much at a time. It is better to remove a little growth, often, rather than to remove a lot, seldom. This will prolong the lifespan of these topiary varieties.

4, Take cuttings, from your succulent plants. This is a quick and easy way, to increase the number of Echeveria, Graptopetalum and other plants that are best grown in rockeries, or pots. Cut rosettes of leaves from mature plants, with lengthy stems and then plant these in the new area.

5, Slugs and snails start to appear in early spring, so put out some slug and snail bait,whereever you see their signs. You will see the slime trails. They can devour whole seedlings overnight.

6, Top up, or replace pebbles where ever used in your garden and clean up around and between pavers and rocks.

7, Feed and fertilize all plants in the garden. Be sure to keep granular fertilizer away from stems, as they could cause scorching. Water thoroughly after applying.

8, If you have a Cupressus Macrocarpa, or Gold Crest in your garden, prune it and ensure it has healthy growing conditions. It gives off a lovely lemon aroma.

9, Seriously consider a Curry Leaf tree (Murraya Koenigii). This not only has a lovely smell, but is an essential ingredient of Indian curry dishes. Watch out for the Citrus Pysylla, which is an insect that attacks any new growths and causes a bubbly effect on leaves. Spray with insecticide, to avoid disfigured leaves.

10, Clean up and tidy around pools and water features. Remove all dry, or dead bits and replace with spring flowers. Only when you are sure the frosts are over, plant out Impatient and Begonia seedlings. These will add endless color in the spring months and should last through the summer, to autumn.

11,  Re-pot all indoors and outdoors plants, especially those that may have become pot bound. Remember to loosen the soil around the roots, when transferring them to new pots, so that the plant will not battle to grow, in the new soil.

12, Tidy up and remove all dead wood from Hydrangeas. Apply a balanced mix of fertilizer and Hydrangea food, especially to those which produce blue flowers.

13, Start watering your garden. Use water liberally and allow it to soak deep in to the soil. This optimizes new spring growth.

14, Fill pots and hanging baskets with a mix of trailing plants like Verbenas, blue Salvias, purple Petunias and offset these with some foliage like Helichrysums and Dichonras, or Silver Falls.

15, Start your herb garden, near the kitchen, or in pots. These need to be in a sunny spot. Plant out Parsley, Mint, Thyme, Rosemary, Marjoram and Chives, as these plants can all be used in summer meals. The leaves and stems of Rosemary and Bay Leaves can be added to the coals during a braai, or barbecue. This greatly enhances the flavor of the meat. Alternatively, they can be added to the marinade prior, to cooking.

16, For Arbor Month, do your bit, by planting a tree. The Baobab, or False Cabbage trees are good suggestions.

17, Mulch your whole garden. Dig up and turn the soil and then add compost. Use Kraal manure first and then cover with dry leaves. This makes the best compost. 

Well, we were going so well here, but have run out of space. I will have to continue, in a second part, so look out for tomorrow’s article.

Get the book titled Easy Gardening. It is one of the best sellers and a worthy guide to all serious gardeners. See more here. http://dersalsites.com/eg/

Sally Robson is a South African Internet marketer, who together with her husband Derek, have a vision of empowering all fellow South Africans and other non U.S folk, to have equal opportunity and success on the internet, by overcoming the many obstacles facing them. They have started a string of sites, resources, courses and articles, as part of Dersalsites. Sally has a passion for gardening. For more articles and advice on gardening topics, visit Sally at: http://www.dersalsites.com/sallysgardeningtips/ 

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