Gardening in August

Bees are responsible for much of the food on your plate. Bees perform a task that is vital to the survival of agriculture. In fact, one third of our global food supply is pollinated by bees. Support our SAVING THE BEES initiative this coming season and plant our Bee Favourite seed or visit us for some plants the bees will love. (Lavender, Borage, Stattice, Alyssum and many more) Look out for signs in our nursery for more options. 

The outdoor growing season for your favourite medicinal herbs is now open. A visit to our stores will surprise you with an improved and expanded range of trusted products allowing you to grow with confidence. We cater for the newbie to the seasoned grower with all the popular brands of growing mediums, fertilizers and additives. Freedom Farms Premium Classic 30L blend Now R159

Start sowing summer seeds early in trays. Varieties such as Patty Pans, Butternut, Beans, Brinjal, Squash, Chillies, Tomatoes and Sweet Basil can be germinated in protected areas in some Palm peat and fed with a water-soluble fertilizer such as Nutrifeed or Seagro. Transplant seedlings directly into the ground and protect them against cutworm by applying some Cutworm bait. 

Plant spring-flowering seedlings such as Pansies, Poppies, Lobelias, Calendulas Alyssum, Begonias, Marigolds and Anthirrhinums (Snapdragons). 

Plant trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals in holes well prepared with water retaining Zeolite, Compost, Vermiculite, Bonemeal and beneficial Microbes.  Water retaining agents will extend the periods between watering. Zeolite is a very effective soil amendment, consisting of fully natural minerals, is 100 % Organic and will save 50% of water applied to trees, plants and lawns.

Wanting a beautiful Spring lawn? Take advantage of the seasonal rainfall and sow one of the following two Starke Ayres’ lawn seeds: Four Seasons or Shady Mix. Apply Talborne Organic Fertiliser 2:3:2 which is higher in phosphate to ensure good root establishment.

Azaleas and Camellias are coming into bloom now. Starke Ayres Acid Loving Plant Food as an acidification treatment should be applied in Spring and before Winter annually to all Azaleas, Camellias, Gardenias and Hydrangea flower beds.

This is Snail season – protect newly planted seedlings by sprinkling some Organic Ferramol or Kombat Snail bait in close proximity to new as well as established plantings. Liquid Snail solutions are also available for gardeners who refrains from applying snail pellets.  

Winter in the Western Cape is when we plant and enjoy the spectacular blooms of our Protea, Pincushion and Blushing Brides. All thrive in acidic soils and their blooms will attract a variety of nectar-loving birds into your garden. Arnelia Potting Mix is the ideal ready mixed soil solution to be used when planting these and feed them with Bounce Back and Culterra Super Fyngro Supers.

Starke Ayres, West Coast Village

Tel: 021 554 8450