Gardening Tasks to Prepare for the Festive Season
1. Tidy Up Flower and Vegetable Beds
Make sure all flower and vegetable beds are weed-free. Left unchecked, weeds will quickly multiply. Spread a generous layer of mulch or compost over the soil to help retain moisture and reduce the likelihood of weeds taking root and spreading.
2. Keep Plants Well-Watered
Regularly water your plants, especially container plants and hanging baskets. Check that any irrigation systems you’ve installed are functioning correctly and are appropriately set.
3. Continue Planting in the Vegetable Garden
There’s still plenty to plant in the vegetable garden. Consider adding:
- Vegetables: Beetroot, carrots, radish, tomatoes, spring onions, peppers, eggplants, beans, squashes, and cucumbers.
- Herbs: Parsley, thyme, basil, borage, and coriander.
- Harvest: Baby potatoes will be ready to dig up once their flowers have faded—perfect for a fresh, home-grown salad!
4. Keep Pests Under Control
Watch out for pests like slugs, snails, aphids, and caterpillars, which can wreak havoc on your plants. Opt for environmentally friendly, homemade deterrents:
- A garlic, chilli, or washing-up liquid spray diluted with water for aphids.
- Beer traps or gravel barriers for slugs and snails.
5. Add Instant Color to Your Garden
For a quick splash of festive cheer, plant vibrant flowers such as petunias, salvias, dianthus, cupheas, penstemons, osteospermums, zinnias, and nicotianas.
6. Care for Roses and Other Flowers
7. Maintain Your Lawn
Water your lawn early in the morning to maximise moisture retention. Apply a general fertiliser to keep the grass lush and healthy.
8. Prepare for Holidays
If you’re planning to go away for the holidays:
- Move containers and hanging baskets to a shady spot.
- Give all plants a deep watering before you leave.
- Cover bare soil with lawn clippings or mulch to retain moisture.
- Place large stones between vegetable rows to help the soil stay damp for longer.
With these gardening tasks completed, your outdoor space will be ready to impress while you enjoy the holiday festivities!
