It's disheartening to see our lovingly tended edible plants die because of lack of water. But with some simple techniques, this doesn't have to be the case.
Healthy soil
No-dig gardening methods and increasing the amount of organic matter and humus in the soil improve its water-retaining ability. Humus acts like a huge underground sponge. Instead of water running off, it is soaked up and held in the soil with air pockets so it doesn't become waterlogged. Water does more than provide liquid for plants to drink. It breaks organic matter into soluble nutrients, which it carries through the soil to the roots.
Mulch, mulch, mulch
Mulching (adding leaves, compost, manure and other organic matter to the surface of the soil) is one of the simplest yet most beneficial things we can do. Mulching creates a forest floor environment that plants love.
It reduces weeds and the spread of disease, strengthens roots, improves the quality and fertility of the soil, and, most importantly, retains moisture and regulates temperature.
→Weed and water well before applying mulch.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Garden & Home August 2023-Ausgabe von South African Garden and Home.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Garden & Home August 2023-Ausgabe von South African Garden and Home.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
ALL THE COLOURS
My wardrobe may be mostly black, but my world is awash with every hue
Be Prepared Pet First Aid
Get a wound-care first aid kit ready for when pet emergencies strike with the help of veterinarian Dr Caitlyn
ESCAPE THE CITY
You don't need to travel far from the city to experience the best South Africa has to offer this Easter weekend
BRING THE HEAT
Upgrade your outdoor living space this autumn with the essential element of fire
ABANDONED BEAUTY
Bring love into your home with the leftovers of nature and second-hand treasures
ADAPT and GROW
This Johannesburg garden proves some trends are always worth following
FIERY SUCCULENTS
Spice up your autumn and winter garden with these warm-toned succulent species
Paint Your Patio
Learn how to paint your patio floor with Elle
Art of LIVING
A visit to the former home and garden of Sir Hans Heysen and his talented daughter, Nora, opens a window to their artworks and lives
IN BALANCE
While it was first and foremost created to fit around their family, this 1920s home at the foot of Table Mountain reflects the refined design sensibilities and collector's eye of its owners