Luckily for you, in this blog, we look at how to care for azaleas in South Africa, to ensure yours thrive and give you many seasons of beautiful blooms.

Why azaleas are perfect for beginner gardeners

Azaleas are great for beginner gardening as they are easy to grow, being hardy plants that reward gardeners with a bounty of blooms.

In the right conditions and with some light maintenance, azaleas are a deciduous or evergreen shrub that can make a real impact to the colourscape of your garden.

Well cared for, they’ll usher in spring with a riot of colour, from magenta and fiery orange to pinks and whites.

The best conditions for growing azaleas

Your choice of azalea depends on the type of soil you have in your garden.

As a rule of thumb, acidic soil is the best soil for azaleas. Acidic soil with a pH of 4.5 to 6.0 promotes better nutrient absorption for azaleas, which will help grow strong, vibrant plants and flowers.

How to plant azaleas successfully

If you’re wondering where to plant azaleas in your garden, how the light moves through your garden will guide you.

Azaleas are a fan of filtered light, but the variety you choose really determines their exact spot in your garden.

Most evergreen azaleas thrive in partial shade; think dappled light found under tall trees. The golden standard for these varieties? Morning sun followed by afternoon shade.

On the other hand, a sunny spot is better suited to deciduous varieties, which bloom better with more light.

The great thing about azaleas is their versatility. In small spaces, growing azaleas in pots in South Africa is easy, with dwarf or groundcover varieties suited to growing in containers.

Looking for a screening shrub? Grow yours to hide a fence or create a lush backdrop, reaching up to 2 metres tall.

Watering tips for healthy azaleas

If you find yourself searching, ‘how often should you water azaleas’, the simple answer is enough to minimise the risk for root rot.

These hardy plants grow better in well-draining soil. A good guide is to keep the soil damp, but never soggy.

In sunnier spots, azaleas need deep watering 1 – 2 times per week. Shadier spots don’t lose moisture as quickly, so you could get away with watering once a week.

Feeding and fertilising azaleas

If your azaleas need fertiliser, the best time to apply general fertiliser as part of your azalea care is late winter and early spring. An organic formula benefits these shrubs with their slow release of nutrients. That said, not all of them need it.

Once yours are established in a flower bed rich in compost, with well-aerated, well-draining acidic soil, you can give fertiliser a miss. These shrubs have long feeder roots that extend several metres from the plant, absorbing the vital nutrients that nourish the plant.

If you do use fertiliser, ensure it doesn’t increase the soil pH. Test the acidity with a pH metre.

How and when to prune azaleas

These plants are perennial, so they need to be pruned seasonally.

Because their flowers bloom in profusion, regular pruning can help in the production of flowers, allowing each plant more energy dedicated to the production of buds.

When it comes to how to prune azaleas properly, your two main options are thinning and heading.

It’s best to thin azaleas just after flowering by choosing which branches to take from the plant, and carefully pruning them back to the nearest stem or even to ground level.

Heading azaleas is best for revitalising your shrubs and encouraging new growth, and involves removing smaller segments from each stem.

Start growing amazing azaleas today

Armed with our azalea care guide, you’re ready to plant up your azaleas and prepare for a spring floral show set to stun.

Visit your nearest Stodels Garden Centre for expert help and all the potting, pruning and feeding supplies you need to make a success of it.

Whether it’s the backdrop to those summer gatherings, a privacy screen from neighbours, or an addition to your patio to spruce up your sitting area, one thing is for sure: your new shrub will be a garden favourite worth tending to.

The post How to care for azaleas: a beginner gardener’s guide appeared first on Stodels.

Now is the time to plant the seedlings or sow the seeds of plants that put on their best show during winter, or use the dormant winter months to prepare for a bounty of blooms when the weather warms up.

Use this guide to what to plant in April, for a constant display that flourishes right through the cooler months into spring.

1. African daisies

A classic feature in many a South African winter garden, African daisies or gazanias are a mainstay in the gardener’s planting list for the beautiful, unexpected pop of bright colour they add to a garden through the cooler weather. They are low-growing evergreen perennial shrubs with striking daisy-like flowers.

Bonus: they’re also waterwise (particularly useful during the Cape summers and Gauteng winters), and easy to maintain. 

Interested in adding these beauties to your flowerbeds? Use these tips for how to care for your African daisies for the most rewarding results.

2. Calendulas

Another bright and cheerful-hued flower to add to your April planting list, calendulas, or ‘pot marigold’ as they’re also known, are an easy-growing annual that has potent antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.

In fact, the herb is so easy to maintain that it grows like a weed in many parts of Europe – so it’s not necessary to feed or water this plant very often. Add yours to your kitchen garden, and use dried petals as a substitute for saffron in hearty cold-weather dishes.

Grow your own calendulas with this guide.

3. Primulas

Another flower that is sure to brighten up your winter garden, and last right into spring, is the pretty primula.

Growing primulas will reward you with quick results and a bounty of flowers to lighten even the greyest wintry days. 

Plus, they are sturdy plants that seldom have any insect or disease problems, making them a choice addition to busy households.

Grow your primulas outside in the garden, or as a potted indoor plant in a spot that gets indirect light. 

4. Plumbago

A hedge plant counted on by many gardeners to put on a show of colour, this perennial shrub is known for its striking blue and white flowers.

If you’re looking to attract wildlife to your garden, the plumbago does not disappoint, drawing butterflies and bees to your outdoor sanctuary and enhancing biodiversity in your garden.

Explore other low-maintenance shrubs to add to your garden here.

5. Pansies

Cool-weather favourites, pansies are a go-to for adding a pop of colour to garden beds without too much hassle.

Generally falling in the ‘annuals’ category, they flourish in autumn and winter, with a display of heart-shaped velvety petals in a kaleidoscope of colours. 

Give these darlings full sun, regular watering and a little bit of all-purpose fertiliser, and watch them go! Get more tips for growing pansies here.

6. Violas

Another vibrant annual worthy of your planting list for April, violas join pansies in the Viola family. Being as hardy as they are, they can tolerate extremely cold weather, but if planted in a spot that gets winter sunshine, produce a burst of colourful flowers.

Growing violas is simple when you consider the rewards for putting in that little extra bit of care. Grow yours in a rich, well-draining soil, and water 1–2 times a week, allowing the soil to dry out between watering. This is important, as you don’t want the roots of the plant to rot.

With violas, there is more than meets the eye. Read about the benefits of violas, in and out of your garden, here.

7. Wild iris

Dietes, butterfly plant, or wild iris as it’s most commonly known, is a tough plant that will grow in most soils and, once established, will survive harsh growing conditions – even tolerating drought. 

Their iconic white flowers in the warmer months are a sight to behold and instantly recognisable for their yellow and violet markings. The beauty of this plant is that it has versatile uses in the garden. Use as a ground cover, as an accent plant or even in container gardening – take your pick!

Grow dietes or wild iris in full sun, and in well-drained soil for a profusion of blooms.

8. Salvias

Who can say no to the striking violet beauty of salvias in their garden, especially to lift the spirits on those chillier autumn days?

The salvia family, also known as sage, is a well-known and appreciated plant in both the flower and herb garden. Growing salvias is easy, if you get the basics right, and can reward you with a long flowering season from late spring to early autumn.

To help this water-wise beauty flourish, plant it in well-draining soil, and ideally in full sun. Salvia splendens and Salvia coccinea are especially valuable in summer and autumn gardens for their heat-resistance, and their ability to grow in full sun or partial shade.

9. Lobelias

A great option for an edging plant, lobelias are a shade-loving trailing plant that adds instant dimension and interest to your gardenscape. 

Lobelias are a staple annual often used for underplanting, to add depth and lushness, and bring out the natural beauty of outdoor spaces.

Learn more about gardening in shady spots with this guide.

10. Delphiniums

It wouldn’t be a complete April planting list without the striking delphinium, or larkspur.

Best in partial shade, when at its prime, this plant produces gorgeous large flower clusters – undeniably a statement in your garden. They are a natural choice for your autumn garden, being cold hardy, easy to grow and early to flower come spring.

Take your pick!

At your local Stodels garden centre, find everything you could possibly need for your April planting plans, including seeds, seedlings, tools – and of course, expert advice to ensure your autumn garden is as rewarding as the warmer seasons.

The post 10 Plants that grow in April appeared first on Stodels.

We also love petunias for their low maintenance nature. They’re relatively easy to care for and don’t need much beyond regular watering and occasional fertilising. Many newer varieties are even self-cleaning, so they don’t need deadheading to keep on blooming. A win!

Where to plant petunias for the best results

Plant your petunias in full sun, so that they get at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. They’ll bloom most prolifically in these conditions. If you plant them in partial shade, they’ll tolerate it but will reward you with fewer flowers.

Ensure that you plant your petunias in well-draining soil. These beauties don’t like to sit in waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot. If your soil is heavy clay, consider amending it with compost or planting in raised beds or containers instead. The advantage of adding petunias to your home is that they fit in perfectly in a range of locations. Here are some ideas:

• Front borders or edges of beds where their flowers can spill over
• Hanging baskets near entrances or on patios where you can enjoy them up close
• Window boxes for a classic cottage garden look
• Mixed containers on patios or decks
• As ground cover on slopes or in areas with good drainage

The key is plenty of sun and good drainage – get those two things right and petunias will reward you all summer long.

Learn which plants make great garden companions for petunias.

Watering petunias in hot weather

In hot summer weather, like January and February, petunias typically need watering daily, especially those in containers and hanging baskets. Container petunias may even need watering twice a day during heat waves since pots dry out faster than garden beds. 

Ground-planted petunias usually need watering every 2-3 days, depending on your soil and temperatures.

Water your petunias early in the morning if possible. This gives plants moisture to handle the day’s heat and allows foliage to dry before evening, which helps lower the risk for fungal diseases.

Feeding and fertilising for more blooms

To get a beautiful floral yield from these sunshine showstoppers, use a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser or one formulated for flowering plants. 

Look for something like a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 ratio, or a bloom-booster formula that’s slightly higher in phosphorus (the middle number), like 15-30-15. The phosphorus promotes flower production.

For container petunias, fertilise every 1-2 weeks throughout the growing season. 

Garden-planted petunias can be fed every 2-3 weeks. 

Since they’re watered frequently (which leaches nutrients from soil), they need regular feeding to keep performing.

Top tip:

You can also use slow-release granular fertiliser mixed into the soil at planting time, then supplement with liquid fertiliser every few weeks. Slow-release feeds plants gradually over several months.

Common petunia problems (and how to fix them)

Petunias not growing the way you hoped? Here are solutions to some common petunia problems:

Leggy, stretched-out growth 

This happens when petunias don’t get enough light or are overfed with nitrogen. 

Solution: 

Move them to a sunnier spot if possible, and give them a trim to encourage bushier growth. Cut stems back by one-third to half, and they’ll branch out and fill in nicely.

Fewer flowers or stopped blooming

Usually caused by inadequate fertiliser, not enough sun, or (for older varieties) spent blooms left on the plant. 

Solution: 

Increase feeding frequency, ensure they’re getting 6+ hours of sun, and deadhead faded flowers regularly if you don’t have a self-cleaning variety.

Yellowing leaves

This often is a sign of a nutrient deficiency, particularly nitrogen or iron. 

Solution:

Increase your fertilising schedule. If only lower leaves are yellow, this is normal as the plant matures. Overwatering can also cause yellowing, so check that drainage is adequate.
Petunias aren’t the only beautiful heat superheroes to add to your summer garden. Here is a list of other heat-resistant plants for inspiration.

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Growing petunias, whether from seed or seedling, will reward you with a rainbow of colours in your garden, whether sprucing up your garden bed edges, or adding dimension to your hanging basket plants.

So, how can you get the most out of these long-blooming flowers for summer? 

Read on to find out all about how to plant petunias, and petunia care to ensure these annuals add colourful personality to your garden year after year.

When to plant petunias in summer

Being warm-season flowering annuals that thrive during hotter summer months, petunias have the best chance of survival if planted between late summer and early autumn, so think January into March.

How to grow petunias from seed

If you’ve chosen to grow your petunias from seed, plan to give them some extra TLC in the first few weeks after planting. This is because of their seeds’ delicate nature. You’ll need to ensure they get the right amount of light, and water them every couple of weeks with a water-soluble fertiliser.

Keep an eye on them – once they’ve developed two or three true leaves, the seedlings are ready to be transplanted into their individual pots.

Want to start with seedlings? Brighten your garden with our petunia seedlings, available in-store and online.

Petunia watering and feeding tips

The golden rule when it comes to keeping your petunias hydrated is to check their soil first before watering. Only water when the top two centimetres of soil dries out.

Because these blossoming beauties thrive in full sun, the best time to water yours is in the morning, before the heat of the day has set in, or in the evening, when it has begun to cool down. With that said, if you see yours struggling during the peak of the day, water it immediately.

Petunias are known to be heavy drinkers, so sticking to these guidelines will ensure yours stay healthy and avoid the risk of becoming susceptible to pests and other problems.

Petunia companion planting ideas

• Salvia

Salvias and petunias share similar growing environments, and come into bloom during roughly the same season, making salvias ideal companion plants for petunias. 

Salvias also love full sun and moist soil conditions; plant them behind your petunias to display a variety of colour all season long.

• African daisy

African daisies, or gazanias, are happy neighbours to petunias, both producing an abundance of striking colourful blooms. They can both be planted in the ground or in containers, and prefer full sun.

• Tomatoes

Petunias thrive next to vegetables and are proven to be beneficial to vegetables and fruits. Being the beauties that they are, they are natural pollinator magnets, and tomatoes growing alongside them also benefit from this. 

Petunias and tomatoes both enjoy the sun and are happy with regular waterings.

• Geraniums

It wouldn’t be a complete list of petunia companion planting ideas without mentioning geraniums. A popular choice as a bedding or pot plant, geraniums have similar requirements to petunias, and pair well in flower beds and containers. 

In the height of summer, petunias keep blooming right beside geraniums, adding colour during the hottest days.

How to prune petunias for more blooms

‘Little and often’ is key to your approach when pruning petunias for more blooms. 

Petunias’ long flowering window is one of their great benefits, but it also means regular pruning will keep them looking at their best for the entire season.

Look for branches that are starting to look long and straggly, and then close to but just above a set of leaves. The recommended amount to cut back is about one third, giving your plant the room to flourish and multiply with more blooms over the next two weeks.

Petunia perfection

Ready to give these long-blooming flowers for summer a try?

Browse our range of petunias, from hanging basket petunias and petunia seedlings, to flower seeds. Armed with this guide, and help from our expert in-store consultants, you’ll have all that you need for a beautiful floral display in your garden during summer.

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These delicate blooms, often mistaken for pansies because of their similar appearance, come with a range of obvious and unexpected benefits that make them a delightful addition to any garden. 

Avid gardener or just starting out? Read on to find out why you should consider planting violas.

Vibrant colours for every season

There’s a reason violas are a go-to for edging and borders to add colour to pathways in gardens. They’re renowned for their wide range of vibrant colours; we’re talking a kaleidoscope of rich purples, blues, cheerful yellows and whites. 

In our diverse climate, violas thrive throughout the year, providing a burst of colour during the cooler and warmer months. 

Their blooms are not only eye-catching, but also attract pollinators like our buzzing bee friends and butterflies, contributing to a dynamic ecosystem right in your own backyard.

Ideal for containers and borders

One of the greatest advantages of violas is their versatility in garden design. 

Experiment with different placements by planting yours in containers, hanging baskets or directly in garden beds and borders. 

Their compact size makes them perfect for edging pathways or lining flowerbeds, adding a neat and charming aesthetic to your outdoor space. Let the compliments roll in!

Oh-so easy to grow

Violas demand minimal maintenance and are generally hardy plants that can withstand various weather conditions. These babies may be pretty, but they’re tough, too.

They prefer partial shade, but can also thrive in full sun, making them adaptable to different areas of your garden. Regular deadheading of spent blooms encourages continuous flowering, ensuring a prolonged display of colour throughout the seasons.

Budding buddies

Violas play nice with other plants in your garden, and can be combined with a wide range of other flowers and herbs. 

They complement taller plants beautifully (think roses and snapdragons), adding a lower layer of colour and texture to your garden beds. 

Violas can also attract beneficial insects that help with pollination and pest control, promoting a healthier overall garden ecosystem.

Plant to plate

Beyond their ornamental value, violas are also edible flowers that can be used to add a stunning and unexpected pop of colour as a garnish on salads, desserts and beverages. 

Their delicate petals add a mild, slightly sweet flavour to dishes, making them a favourite among chefs and home cooks alike. 

Ready to experiment with some pretty pops of purple and yellow in your next dish? Gently pluck a few flowers from your viola plant and delicately place them on your finished salad or dessert for those complimentary ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’.

Year-round viola vibrance

We are so fortunate to enjoy a variety of violas that bloom at different times of the year. 

Winter-flowering violas, such as Viola cornuta varieties, bring cheer to the garden during the colder months when fewer plants are in bloom. Looking for more flowers to brighten up your winter garden? Here are our top picks.

Spring and summer varieties offer an array of colours and patterns, allowing you to create ever-changing displays that reflect the seasons.

Promote biodiversity and sustainability

Choosing native or locally adapted varieties of violas reduces the need for excessive watering and chemical inputs, promoting ecological balance and conservation of resources.

Whether you plant yours in containers on a sunny patio or integrate them into a larger garden scheme, violas bring versatility, charm and a splash of colour throughout the seasons. 

Pick up a punnet (or few) at your local Stodels garden centre and make these feel right at home in your garden.

The post V for viola: the benefits of violas, a winter garden favourite appeared first on Stodels.

But did you know that beyond the visual interest they add to your garden (even in the chilly season), the marigold plant comes with its own set of impressive health benefits, too? Some marigold varieties are edible, or can be made into tea for drinking, or topical solutions. Just another reason to plant them in your garden.

A boost for skin health

Strengthen your skin’s barrier

Antioxidants are molecules that neutralise free radicals – unstable molecules that can harm your body’s cells – reducing and even preventing damage caused by oxidation, which often leads to the development of certain diseases.

Calendula extract (or marigold extract), when incorporated into your skincare routine through lotions and creams, can help protect your skin from this damage. This is because of their antioxidant properties flavonoids and carotenoids.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Marigold extract can hydrate dry skin, meaning you can look forward to:

• A rejuvenated complexion,
• Reduced appearance of wrinkles, and
• A youthful glow

And, just like a fairy godmother in flower form, marigold extract can also slow down the ageing clock. According to research, it is shown to boost collagen production, meaning your skin can benefit from added firmness and suppleness.

Golden elixir

Besides these everyday benefits for boosting your skin’s health, the anti-inflammatory nature of marigold extract found in calendula cream means it can:

• Soothe various skin conditions and irritations, like rashes and minor burns, 
• Treat wounds, leading to quicker wound healing, and
• Help decrease pain from insect bites.

Interestingly, the plant’s ability to help treat wounds is believed to be due to stimulation of epithelial cell production, mostly because it contains certain proteins that support this. This can be especially helpful for those healing after surgery.

There is some research that also indicates that the extract can increase blood flow and oxygen to the area of a wound to help with healing.

All eyes on you

Marigolds can be a sight for sore eyes in more than one way.

Lutein, a type of antioxidant also present in their flowers, has been shown to lower the risk of chronic diseases, especially eye diseases. This same antioxidant has also been shown to reduce inflammation in conditions like dry eye and conjunctivitis, or pink eye.

Eye health at all ages

This plant is a true health all-rounder, for young and old. 

In addition to boosting immunity and healing wounds especially in sensitive skin, marigold extract has also been proven to protect against age-related macular degeneration and cataracts in older people. Compounds found in the marigold flower act as natural filters against harmful UV rays and help maintain optimal vision as you age.

Tune into ear health

When you’ve had an ear infection, you may have reached for a bottle of ear drops to help soothe any inflammation that may have caused discomfort in your ear canal. Within hours, you were probably back to your usual self – and marigolds, once again, would’ve been to thank for that. 

Calendula drops, containing marigold extract, can lower inner ear swelling and help heal bacterial ear infections, which is why so many find comfort in them.

Get fighting fit

Because marigolds are packed with antioxidants, they naturally have immuno-stimulating properties.

By now, we know they have surprising antimicrobial superpowers, but how do you get the most out of them to benefit from these properties?

If you’re a tea drinker, be adventurous and try marigold tea made from their dried flowers, or include marigold extract in your daily diet; you can stand to benefit especially in the chillier flu and cold season.

Keep them merry

If you have little ones in the house, the gentle ingredients in calendula oil, made with marigold extract, as well as its pleasant smell, make it perfect for soothing diaper rashes. 

It can even help soothe irritable skin conditions like eczema.

Open wide

If you thought it was just citrus fruits that can naturally boost your immunity and ward off those sore throats, think again.

Calendula extract from marigolds can even be an effective remedy for sore throats, gingivitis (gum infections), tonsilitis and mouth ulcers. Feel a scratch in your throat? Time to gargle with some calendula tea to reduce the odds of needing to take a sick day.

I’ve got sunshine

Gardening itself has been linked to reducing stress levels and promoting mental clarity. The vibrant colours and uplifting fragrance of marigolds add to this therapeutic experience, creating a calming environment that encourages relaxation and boosts overall mood.

Beyond their health benefits, marigolds serve a practical purpose in your garden, too. Their strong fragrance repels pests such as mosquitoes and aphids, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and promoting a healthier garden ecosystem.

Our climate also supports the growth of marigolds throughout the year. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them ideal for garden beds, borders and containers. With proper care and regular watering, marigolds can bloom abundantly, brightening up your outdoor space with their cheerful colours.

Match made in heaven

Ready to embrace the beauty of marigolds and harness their health benefits? They’re easy to grow – and are available at your local Stodels garden centre! Looking for other bedding plants to join them in your garden? Here’s our top 10 list.

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One way is to involve the kids in growing vegetables during the winter months – especially during the school holidays. This not only provides a fun and educational gardening activity, but also offers a unique opportunity for family bonding and learning. 

Let’s explore some creative ways you can make your winter garden a hub of excitement and growth for the younger members of your household.

Set the scene

Transforming your garden into a winter wonderland can capture children’s imagination and enthusiasm. 

Engage your kids in the process of designing the winter vegetable patch. Good, healthy soil, plenty of sun and water is what will give the winter crop the best odds of flourishing. In the Cape, the rains take care of the latter; for those up north, regularly watering the patch will give the little ones a good sense of responsibility in the process.

You may find it neater and easier to tend to if you mark out square ‘lots’ for planting, starting at around 30 x 30cm. Want to add some colour? Pansies are the perfect edging plant for cooler months.

Choose winter vegetables

Encourage your children to research and choose a variety of winter vegetables to grow in your garden. 

The below options are bound to result in a successful winter harvest:

Easy leafy greens like: 

• Spinach 
• Kale 
• Lettuce 

Colourful root vegetables such as:

• Carrots 
• Turnips 
• Radishes

Explaining the seasonal preferences of different vegetables can be an educational experience for your kids, helping them understand the natural rhythms of plant life.

Lettuce plan and plant together!

Get your kids involved in the planning and planting process right from the start. 

Allow them to help prepare the soil, sow seeds and plant seedlings under your guidance. Tooled with our guide to growing veggies from seeds, and our wide range of vegetable and herb seeds, you and your family can plant a memorable winter vegetable crop that will be well worth the extra hours in gumboots and gardening gloves. This hands-on experience not only teaches your kids valuable gardening skills, but also instils a sense of responsibility and ownership over the garden. 

Encourage them to keep a gardening journal to track the progress of their plants and note any observations or insights along the way. It will be a project they can proudly invest in, while they learn how to take care of plants.

Fun & games

Turn gardening into a thrilling adventure by organising winter garden scavenger hunts for the kiddos. 

Draw up a list of items related to winter gardening tasks, such as finding the first sprout, spotting a ladybird, or harvesting a ripe vegetable. Give your kids magnifying glasses and notebooks to aid their exploration. Not only does this activity make gardening more exciting, but it also encourages children to engage with nature and develop their observation skills. 

Who said learning had to pause during the school holidays?

Supper’s up!

As anyone who’s successfully grown even a single veggie will know, one of the most rewarding aspects of gardening is harvesting the fruits of your labour and enjoying them at the dinner table. And if you have fussy eaters, you may just find them becoming veggie converts, now that they’ve proudly grown their own for the family to enjoy!

Involve your children in harvesting fresh vegetables from the garden and brainstorming delicious recipes to prepare together. From hearty soups and stews to nutritious sauces and stir-fries, cooking with homegrown produce teaches kids the value of healthy eating and self-sufficiency.

Share the joy

Encourage your children to share their gardening experiences and extra produce with friends, neighbours or local charities. Organising a vegetable swap can inspire others to embrace gardening and foster a sense of camaraderie within your community.

By involving young gardeners in the vegetable-growing process and making it a fun and engaging experience, you can cultivate a lifelong appreciation for nature and healthy living. 

Your local Stodels Garden Centre has everything you could possibly need to grow your own winter vegetables and herbs, from seeds and seedlings, to compost and tools. 

And if things aren’t quite growing according to plan? Our Consultants-on-Call service is available to offer expert gardening advice.

So, bundle up, grab your gardening gloves, and let the winter vegetable gardening adventures begin!

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Roses produce their first spring flush in October. If you plant them now, they’ll have plenty of time (and rain) to settle into your garden nicely before their October bloom.

Here are 7 simple steps to growing roses successfully :

• Grow roses in an open, sunny position and space them far enough apart to ensure good airflow. This will help to guard against fungal diseases like black spot, mildew and rust.
• Choose disease-resistant rose varieties like ‘South Africa’, “Esther Geldenhuys’, ‘Clocolan’, ‘Walter Sisulu’, ‘Perfume Passion’, as well as the Sunsation and Profusion ranges.
• Interplant roses with strong smelling herbs to help deter insect pests. Try mint, basil, buchu, lavender, lemongrass, chives and garlic.
• Feed your roses correctly: alternate between feeds high in nitrogen and feeds high in potassium.
• Water roses deeply twice a week (in summer) to avoid causing stress to the plant. The average rose bush needs about 30 litres of water a week. Build a ‘dam’ around the base of the plant to prevent water from running away.
• Water early in the morning so that the foliage can dry out completely before nightfall.
• Regularly check under the leaves for sights of pests and diseases. Roses need lots of healthy leaves to produce sufficient food for the plant. Apply pesticide sparingly to affected areas. Don’t do this in the middle of the day as the combination of pesticide and direct sunlight can cause the leaves to burn.

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JANUARY

• Give your roses a light summer pruning to help stimulate growth for an extended blooming period.
• Water your plants regularly, especially during dry weather – remember that roses enjoy lots of water at this time of the year.
• Continue with preventative fungal spraying and feeding.
• Deadhead your rose bushes.

FEBRUARY

• Spray for rust and check the underside of leaves for red spider.
• Continue deadheading your roses.
• As new buds develop, feed with a handful of 5:1:5 or 8:1:5 granular fertiliser around the base of each plant, as you would in September
• fertiliser around the base of each plant.
• Continue to water your roses regularly.

MARCH

• Decrease watering as the weather cools, watering only as needed. 
• Continue deadheading and feeding with a handful of 5:1:5 or 8:1:5 granular fertiliser around the base of each plant.
• Spray regularly for aphids, mildew, black spot and rust.

APRIL

• Watering requirements remain the same as for March.
• Feed your roses with a 3:1:5 fertiliser.
• Continue to control aphids, and spray for mildew, black spot and rust.

MAY

• Continue spraying your roses for black spot.

JUNE

• Prepare roses for moving and dig holes for new roses.
• Feed your standard roses with 3:1:5 fertiliser.

JULY

• Now is the time to prune your roses and remove old mulch.
• Loosen soil and dig in 30g superphosphate and a handful of slow release 3:2:1 fertiliser.
• Apply manure.
• Apply lime sulphur.

AUGUST

• Complete pruning.
• Mulch around the bushes.
• Repeat lime sulphur application.

SEPTEMBER

• Increase watering as the weather warms up.
• Give your roses their first food of the new season – use 5:1:5 or 8:1:5 granular fertiliser and sprinkle a handful around the base of each plant.
• Continue the treatment for black spot and mildew.
• Use sprays to control aphids, thrips and bollworms.

OCTOBER

• You should be enjoying your first flush of flowers by now. While it could be tempting to choose blooms from the back of your rose bush so the missing flowers are less noticeable, it’s best to cut roses that receive the most sunlight, as these will have the strongest stems, helping them last longer once cut. 
• Feed as for September.
• Water regularly – each plant needs about 10 litres of water a week, especially as the weather heats up.
• Spray buds of roses for caterpillars, bollworm eggs, fruit beetles, etc. Remember: only spray the buds when using an insecticide.
• Check for rust on leaves and treat with fungicide if they’re affected.

NOVEMBER

• Deadhead your roses. Always cut the rose back just above the fifth node when the bloom fades.
• Water twice a week.
• Use a marine or manure-based feed to boost your plants.
• Feed as for September.
• Check the underside of leaves for red spider and treat with a spray if infected.
• Continue preventative spraying for fungal infections.

DECEMBER

• Cut out unproductive twiggy growth.
• Continue to water twice weekly.
• Remove side buds from hybrid tea bushes if larger blooms are desired.
• Feed as for September.
• Top up mulch if necessary.
• Check the underside of leaves for red spider and spray if infected.

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