Prep your garden for good growth into the next season.
Veggie of the month
Broad beans (Longpod Aquadulce) are unlike other garden beans. This Winter legume produces long pods with broad, flat, pale-coloured beans that have a deliciously earthy flavour and are an excellent source of high-quality plant protein.
Sow in May for harvesting from July or August through to late September or early October. Sow directly into well-composted soil in full sun and water regularly during growth. The sturdy plants grow up to 1m high and need to be staked as they grow. They thrive in the cold, which encourages the plant to set pods. The pods are ready for picking when they have filled out and before they burst open.
The simplest way to prepare fresh broad beans is to soak them for a short while and then boil them in salted water for three to five minutes. Remove from the pot, cool slightly and squeeze the bean so that it pops out of its outer skin. Serve with a dab of butter, add to salads or use in slow cooked dishes and soups. Details: kirchhoffs.co.za or buy seed online gropak.co.za
We’re planting … Salvia Salgoon (Lake Garda) a new, fast-flowering Salvia that produces many side shoots with exceptionally long flowering stems that attract bees, birds and other beneficial insects. This great garden performer is known for its heat and drought tolerance. It flowers continually from Spring through to Winter and is also suitable for large containers. Plant in full sun in well-composted soil that drains well. Water regularly and fertilise once a month for good growth and flowers. Details: ballstraathof.co.za
Indoor plant of the month Phalaenopsis orchids top the list of exotic gift plants for Mother’s Day. These beautiful orchids, also known as ‘Moth orchids’, can flower for up to three months. The range of colours are breathtaking and special effects include speckles, stripes, coloured veins and dots. Phalaenopsis are happy to stay in their pots and can be popped into an elegant container. In cooler months watering is minimal, a dribble of water once every two weeks or a drench and drain. They should be positioned to receive medium to bright light but not direct sunlight. Details: lvgplant.co.za
Garden tasks for May
- Water Winter annuals at least once a week and give them a weekly feed with a liquid fertiliser to keep them flowering.
- Trays of pansies, violas and primulas can all still be planted out.
- Regularly water camellias and azaleas and fertilise this month for good flowers in Spring.
- Plant flowering shrubs and roses to settle in over Winter for good growth in Spring.
- If you are in a frost belt, stock up on frost cloth and watch the weather apps.
