As the heat and wind start to wrap up spring, it’s not just you. Summer is creeping in faster than usual this year! Time to tick off a few tasks and plan your summer garden to look its best.

Gardening in Bedfordview and across Gauteng is made easier if you get ahead of potential problems and based on our most frequently asked questions instore, here’s our checklist to get your summer garden off to a great start.

How to Get Rid of Lawn Weeds Fast

As lawns take off after feeding and lawn dressing, weeds often come through too. While a green carpet looks good from afar, most of us want a lawn free from pesky weeds spoiling the look.

On larger lawns, a broad leaf weed killer is the only effective solution. It targets everything that doesn’t have a blade-like leaf, making it ideal for stubborn weeds such as clover, which is especially common in our local area. For best results, apply when there’s at least five hours of sunshine and avoid watering or rain afterwards. Some weeds may need a second or third treatment, especially clover.

For years we recommended Hormoban, but since it’s been discontinued by Efekto, it’s time to move on to the latest products with improved formulas and better results.

• Efekto Turfweeder – a new and improved selective weedkiller that won’t damage your lawn while tackling most common weeds in Edenvale and Bedfordview.
• Protek Lawn Defender – perfect for smaller lawns, this ready-to-use option comes pre-mixed at the right strength for fuss-free spraying.
• Protek Lawn Versus Weeds – a concentrate ideal for larger lawns, simply dilute and apply with a coarse droplet spray for even coverage.

With the right product, you’ll soon have your lawn back on track. Lush, green and weed-free. Once your lawn is sorted, turn your attention to your flower beds.

Feed Spring Flowering Perennials

Flowering and looking fabulous for spring will take it out of some of your perennials and shrubs and they will need a feeding boost to get them back on track through the coming summer.
In my own garden I have already started the second feeding post winter with BioGanic organic going in everywhere even into some of my larger pots. I’ve topped up my Mulch layer too.

Mulch to Keep Moisture in!

It is always incredible to see how fast that goes down in a new season. We all should be mulching more and more. It helps retain moisture and make your garden naturally more waterwise but it also encourages earthworms and all the benefits they bring into your garden. Of course, pests also wake up this time of year…

Keep Bugs Off this Summer

A few minutes of bug control will bring months of pleasure. Our team are always on hand to give you the best advice. The most common problems that need to be checked this time of the year are Clivia Worms, Snails and Ants.
Snails have just come out of hibernation and are hungry.  A few is a good thing in the garden as they help keep the layer of plants on the soil thinner to allow light and moisture to the earth but when they are left unchecked, they can multiply in a few seasons to give you a headache especially when planting new seedlings.

If you don’t fancy the idea of standing on some snails apply some BioGrow Feramol early evening to catch them at their most active time of day. This product is a natural snail and slug bait and you won’t miss it on the shelf with its bright purple packaging.

Ants also seem to come from nowhere this time of the year and the dryer and hotter the more they multiply. We need ants in the garden as they clean up all the dead insects etc. but as with everything a few is better than an unchecked invasion. More often they will nest against the house, finding their way indoors or under paving. Easy to use Nip-it, an ant bait that will control the nest at the source or alternatively we recommend Efekto Ant as a drench or spray. Soon you’ll be able to leave a teaspoon in the kitchen sink again.

Clivia worm attacks the Clivia leaves this time of the year by burrowing through the leaf all the way into the base of the plant and it can kill your plants. Because of the nature of these bugs, we recommend using a systemic insecticide – Efekto Plant Protector, as this goes into the plant with a residual of a few months.

Quick Answers to Mid-Spring Garden Care FAQs

Q: What is the best way to control weeds in a South African lawn?
A: Use a selective broadleaf weedkiller that won’t damage your grass. Products like Efekto Turfweeder or Protek Lawn Defender work well against common weeds such as clover.

Q: How often should I feed perennials after spring flowering?
A: Feed every 4–6 weeks through summer with an organic fertiliser such as BioGanic, and top up with mulch to improve soil health and water retention.

Q: What’s the best natural way to control snails in the garden?
A: BioGrow Feramol is a safe, natural snail and slug bait. Apply in the evening when snails are most active.

Q: How do I stop ants from invading the garden and house?
A: Use Nip-it ant bait to target nests at the source, or apply Efekto Ant as a drench or spray for larger infestations.

Q: How can I protect my Clivias from worm damage?
A: Apply a systemic insecticide such as Efekto Plant Protector. It works from inside the plant and provides protection for several months.