Strong scented, pretty and practical petals, plants and crops
We’re planting … Pelargonium Mosquitaway which does double duty as a beautiful patio or window box plant that also deters mosquitoes with its strong citrus scent. This unusual pelargonium is a combination of the scented leaf pelargonium and the angel pelargonium which has serrated leaves and produces a profusion of small flowers.
It grows in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil or a general purpose potting soil. Use this pretty plant near outdoor seating areas for Summer-long flowers. Water when soil is moderately dry and fertilise regularly to keep it flowering. Details: ballstraathof.co.za
Veggie of the month
Egg Fruit, also known as brinjal, is one of those veggies that conjures up memories of earthy Mediterranean dishes or the classic French ratatouille that produces a fragrant masterpiece of herbs and vegetables.
Egg Fruit is a long Summer crop, taking about four months from seedling to first harvest, but it can be started in seed trays indoors for an earlier start. Keep the seed tray in a warm room and after germination, grow it on in a sheltered sunny position during the day and bring indoors at night until after the last frost, usually towards the end of September.
Brinjals need fertile, well-drained soil and a position that receives full sun or morning sun in very hot areas. Space seedlings about half a metre apart and set them slightly deeper than they were in the seedling tray or pot. Make a dam around the young plant so that it can be flood watered.
Water well during the growing season, and especially when the plant is in flower because if it wilts it tends to drop its flowers, which means no fruit. Fertilising is not necessary until the plant starts to flower.
Stake plants so that they don’t break when the fruit starts forming. Harvest fruit when it is about 7cm to 10cm in diameter. To test ripeness, gently press the skin with the pad of your thumb. If it springs back, the fruit is ripe; if an indentation remains, it is not. Cut off ripe fruit with kitchen scissors.
Try these:
Egg Fruit Black Beauty is an heirloom variety with large, dark purple, almost black fruit that tapers towards the stem end. The fruit is very tasty.
Egg Fruit Long Purple is also an heirloom variety with dark purple, club-shaped fruit with a mild flavour.
Details: kirchhoffs.co.za or buy seed online fromgropak.co.za
Indoor plant of the month
Calathea Freddie is one of those unusual ‘prayer’ plants that closes its leaves at night and opens them in the morning. It is also beautiful, with leaves that are a blend of soft and dark green, with the dark green pattern that looks hand-painted onto each leaf. It likes medium to bright indirect light but can also tolerate lower light, although growth might be slower. A warm humid room is ideal, and if the leaf edges turn brown and curl it means the air is too dry. Place it on a pebble tray filled with water, or with other plants that increase moisture in the air. A bathroom with plenty of natural light is ideal. Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Details: lvgplant.co.za
Garden tasks for August
- Fertilise petunias, pansies, primulas, and other Winter into Spring flowers to give them a kickstart into Spring.
- The lawn can also get some spring treatment. Low mow to get rid of dry thatchy grass, fertilise and water well.
- Water more often as the days get warmer.
- Check the ties of standard roses and all other standard plants that are supported by stakes and stake newly planted trees.
- Keep frost cloth on hand for late cold spells.
