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Prepping Your Garden Now for a Spectacular Spring Display

As winter begins to fade, it’s time to look ahead to one of the most exciting seasons in the garden. While spring may bring an explosion of colour and fresh growth, the secret to a truly spectacular garden starts long before the first flowers bloom.

The work you do in late winter lays the foundation for a healthier, more vibrant garden in the months ahead. By preparing your soil, feeding your plants and tackling a few essential maintenance tasks now, you’ll be rewarded with stronger growth, greener lawns and an abundance of flowers, fruit and vegetables come spring.

Start with Healthy Soil

Healthy plants begin with healthy soil. After the cooler winter months, your garden will benefit from replenishing the nutrients that have been used over the past growing season.

Applying an organic-based fertiliser like Bio Ocean or All Purpose now improves soil fertility, encourages beneficial microbial activity and provides a steady release of nutrients as temperatures begin to rise. Strong, nutrient-rich soil also helps plants establish deeper root systems, making them more resilient during the warmer months.

Feed Before Growth Begins

One of the biggest gardening mistakes is waiting until plants are already actively growing before fertilising. Feeding your garden in late winter gives roots the nutrients they need before the spring growth flush begins.

Different areas of your garden have different nutritional needs:

• Lawns: Feed now with Bio Ganic Lawns to encourage a lush, healthy green lawn that recovers quickly from winter dormancy.
• Flower beds: Fertilise shrubs, roses and perennials with Bio Ocean before new shoots emerge to support abundant flowering.
• Vegetable gardens: Prepare beds with Bio Rock Root Builder before planting spring vegetables for stronger seedlings and improved harvests.
• Fruit trees: Feed citrus and deciduous fruit trees with Flower & Fruit as they come out of winter, helping them produce healthy foliage and quality fruit.

Plant for Spring Success

Late winter is also an excellent time to plant many trees, shrubs and perennials. Cooler temperatures and increased soil moisture allow new plants to establish roots before the heat of summer arrives.

When planting, incorporate Bio Rock Root Builder into the soil to encourage strong root development and reduce transplant stress. Healthy roots are the foundation of healthy plants.

Refresh Garden Beds

Take the opportunity to give your garden a seasonal tidy-up:

• Remove weeds before they have a chance to spread.
• Cut back dead or damaged growth.
• Loosen compacted soil around established plants.
• Top up mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds as temperatures rise.
• Add compost to improve soil structure and water retention.

A little effort now will make ongoing maintenance much easier throughout spring.

Give Your Lawn a Head Start

Lawns are often one of the first areas to show signs of spring. By fertilising before active growth begins, you’ll encourage thicker, greener turf that naturally helps suppress weeds and withstands increased foot traffic during the warmer months.

Regular feeding throughout the growing season keeps your lawn looking its best.

Prepare Your Vegetable Garden

Spring is one of South Africa’s busiest vegetable gardening seasons. Whether you’re planning to grow tomatoes, peppers, beans, spinach, lettuce or herbs, preparation is key.

Work Bio Rock Root Builder into the soil before planting to provide slow-release nutrition that supports healthy root development and vigorous early growth. Well-fed plants are better equipped to resist stress and produce generous harvests.

Grow with Nature

Choosing organic fertilisers doesn’t just benefit your plants—it benefits your soil too. By feeding both the plant and the living ecosystem beneath the surface, you build healthier gardens that continue to improve season after season.

At Atlantic Fertilisers, our range of fertilisers is designed to nourish your soil naturally while delivering outstanding results for lawns, flowers, vegetables, trees and shrubs.

Feed Today. Flourish Tomorrow.

Spring gardens aren’t created overnight. The preparation you do today is what creates the lush lawns, colourful blooms and productive vegetable gardens you’ll enjoy in the months ahead. Start preparing now, and let your garden put on its best display this spring.

A Colourful Transition from Winter to Spring

The winds of August carry an exciting promise – the arrival of spring is just around the corner. After months of caring for your garden through the colder season, your efforts are about to be rewarded with vibrant blooms, fresh new growth and flourishing vegetable patches.

August is a month of transition. While there’s still plenty of beauty to enjoy from winter favourites, now is the ideal time to prepare your garden for the warmer months ahead. Feed your soil, refresh your beds, tackle essential maintenance, and give your lawn and plants the nutrition they need before spring bursts into full swing.

From dazzling daisies and summer bulbs to productive vegetable gardens and lush green lawns, here’s everything you should be doing in your garden this August.

Fulfilling Flowers

Crazy About Daisies

If there’s one plant that steals the show in August, it’s the daisy. These cheerful bloomers provide an explosion of colour just when gardens need it most, brightening beds, borders and containers with ease.

Thriving in full sun, daisy bushes are easy to grow and reward gardeners with months of spectacular blooms. Whether planted in autumn or purchased as established plants, they’re a wonderful way to fill the late-winter garden with colour before spring arrives.

Seven Daisies to Plant This Month

Cape Daisy (Osteospermum)
An indigenous, water-wise favourite available in an incredible range of colours. Flowering from spring through autumn, it’s ideal for sunny South African gardens.

Marguerite Daisy (Argyranthemum)
A butterfly favourite with cheerful blooms in single and double varieties. Flowers continuously from spring into autumn.

English Daisy (Bellis perennis)
A vigorous grower producing masses of charming red, pink and white pom-pom flowers from winter into spring.

Golden Daisy Bush (Euryops chrysanthemoides)
A hardy evergreen shrub that produces brilliant golden-yellow flowers from autumn through spring.

Livingstone Daisy (Mesembryanthemum)
A dazzling groundcover bursting with vibrant shades of pink, orange, yellow, purple and crimson. Flowering begins in August before reaching its peak in September.

Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum)
A timeless garden favourite with crisp white petals surrounding sunny yellow centres. These vigorous perennials flower from late spring into autumn.

Kingfisher Daisy (Felicia amelloides)
A beautiful indigenous plant covered in sky-blue flowers that attract butterflies throughout spring and summer.

Keep the Colour Coming

Although daisies thrive during the cooler months, many varieties continue flowering well into spring and beyond. Regular deadheading, consistent watering and monthly feeding will encourage continuous blooms and healthy growth throughout the season.

Feed flowering plants with Atlantic Bio Ocean, an organic fertiliser enriched with seaweed, fishmeal and humates to encourage vigorous growth, stronger roots and abundant flowering.

Top Tip: Visit your local GCA Garden Centre to discover which daisy varieties are in bloom. While you’re there, stock up on compost and organic fertiliser to give your garden the best possible start to spring.

More Flowers to Sow

August is also an excellent time to sow:

• Marigolds
• Ageratum
• Cosmos
• Lobularia
• Cleomes
• Godetias
• Lavateras
• Phlox
• Sunflowers
• Nicotiana
• Impatiens
• Begonias

Plant Summer-Flowering Bulbs

Get summer colour underway by planting bulbs now while soil conditions are ideal.

Plant:

• Gladiolus
• Calla lilies
• Cannas
• Spider lilies
• George lilies
• Tuberoses
• Galtonias
• Crocosmias
• Eucomis
• Arum lilies
• Dahlias

When planting, incorporate Atlantic Bio Rock Root Builder into the soil. Its natural phosphates and beneficial microbes encourage stronger root development, helping bulbs establish quickly and produce spectacular flowers.

Remember: Resist the temptation to remove the leaves from spring-flowering bulbs that have finished blooming. These leaves continue producing energy that is stored in the bulb for next year’s display.

Rose Care

If you haven’t already finished pruning your roses, now is the time.

After pruning:

• Increase watering.
• Feed generously with Bio Ocean.
• Spray bare stems to reduce overwintering insects and fungal spores.
• Relocate or transplant roses before active spring growth begins.

Strong feeding now will reward you with healthier plants and more prolific flowering later in the season.

In the Grow Zone

August is an exciting month for edible gardeners. As the soil begins to warm and the days grow longer, it’s time to prepare for a productive spring growing season. Whether you’re sowing seeds, transplanting seedlings or harvesting winter crops, a little preparation now will reward you with healthy, vigorous plants and generous harvests in the months ahead.

Sow from Seed

In frost-free areas, you can start sowing many warm-season favourites, including:

• Runner beans
• Dwarf beans
• Maize and sweetcorn
• Pumpkins
• Squashes

Herb lovers can also sow:

• Sweet basil
• Coriander
• Rocket

These quick-growing herbs will soon provide fresh flavour for your spring and summer meals.

Plant from Seedlings

Now is also the perfect time to transplant:

• Rhubarb
• Shallots
• Garlic
• Globe artichokes
• Tomatoes
• Peppers
• Eggplants

Don’t forget to top-dress established perennial crops such as asparagus to encourage vigorous new growth.

Feed for Bigger Harvests

Healthy vegetables start with healthy soil. Before planting, enrich your garden beds with Atlantic Bio Ocean or Atlantic Bio Ganic to replenish nutrients and improve soil fertility naturally.

When transplanting seedlings, incorporate Atlantic Bio Rock Root Builder into the planting hole to encourage rapid root establishment and reduce transplant stress. Well-fed plants develop stronger root systems, making them more resilient while producing healthier, more abundant crops.

Harvest Time

Don’t overlook your winter vegetables. Continue harvesting mature root crops, including:

• Parsnips
• Turnips
• Beetroot
• Carrots
• Radishes

Regular harvesting encourages continued production and keeps vegetables at their best.

Motivated Maintenance

A few simple maintenance tasks in August will make a remarkable difference once spring arrives. Taking care of your lawn, protecting plants from wind and pests, and preparing your garden beds now will set the stage for months of healthy growth.

Lawn Loving

August is the perfect time to give your lawn a head start before active spring growth begins.

Your pre-spring lawn routine should include:

• Mowing the lawn slightly shorter than usual.
• Raking thoroughly to remove thatch and winter debris.
• Levelling uneven patches with quality topsoil.
• Applying a thin layer of compost or lawn dressing.
• Feeding with Atlantic Bio Ganic Lawns to encourage lush, healthy green growth.

If you have shady areas, now is also an excellent time to sow shade lawn seed while soil temperatures begin to rise.

A well-fed lawn will green up faster, recover more quickly from winter dormancy and naturally suppress weeds throughout spring.

Wind Whirling

August often brings strong seasonal winds, making it important to protect vulnerable plants.

Take time to:

• Stake newly planted trees to prevent wind damage.
• Secure climbing plants and creepers to their trellises.
• Tie in loose branches where necessary.
• Apply mulch around vegetable gardens to reduce soil erosion and help retain warmth and moisture.

These simple tasks can prevent unnecessary damage and keep young plants growing strongly.

Slug & Snail Patrol

As tender new spring growth emerges, slugs and snails become increasingly active.

A natural way to discourage these garden pests is by planting aromatic companion plants around susceptible crops.

Excellent natural barriers include:

• Mint
• Garlic
• Chives
• Geraniums
• Fennel

Their strong scent helps deter unwanted visitors while adding beauty and usefulness to your garden.

Ladybugs to the Rescue

One of the garden’s greatest allies is the humble ladybug.

These tiny predators feast on many common garden pests, including:

• Aphids
• Mealybugs
• Scale insects
• Thrips
• Caterpillars

Encourage ladybugs into your garden by avoiding unnecessary chemical pesticides and planting nectar-rich flowers that attract beneficial insects. Nature often provides the best pest control.

Frost Caution

Gardeners in colder regions should resist pruning frost-damaged plants just yet. Damaged foliage acts as natural insulation, protecting healthy stems from any late-season frosts. Wait until the danger of frost has passed before cutting plants back.

Visit your local Garden Centre for inspiration, quality plants and all the essentials you need to get your garden spring-ready. Don’t forget to stock up on Atlantic Fertilisers’ range of organic-based products to nourish your soil naturally and help every part of your garden reach its full potential.

July Gardening Guide: Winter Colour, Healthy Harvests & Citrus Success

Winter may be in full swing, but July is one of the most rewarding months in the garden. While the temperatures are low, your garden is far from dormant. It’s the perfect time to plant, prune, harvest and prepare for the spectacular burst of growth that spring will bring.

With the right care and the correct nutrition, your ornamental plants, vegetables, fruit trees and citrus will emerge healthier, stronger and more productive. Here’s your complete July gardening guide, along with Atlantic Fertilisers’ recommendations to help your garden thrive.

Brighten Your Winter Garden

Add colour and life to your landscape by planting hardy winter performers that will reward you with beautiful blooms through winter and into spring.

Plant now for spectacular displays

• Calendulas
• Asiatic lilies
• Osteospermum daisies
• Pelargoniums (Geraniums)
• Wallflowers
• Diascias
• Aquilegias
• Sweet peas
• Cancer Bush (Sutherlandia frutescens)
• Poinsettias
• Calliandra

Winter is also an excellent time to introduce flowering shrubs and indigenous favourites, including:

• Aloe ferox
• Aloe speciosa
• Krantz aloe
• Basuto kraal aloe
• Nandina
• Viburnum
• Camellia
• Holly
• Elaeagnus
• Plectranthus varieties
• Mona Lavender

Feed for stronger flowering

Newly planted flowering plants benefit from improved root development and steady nutrient release.

Atlantic recommendation: Apply Bio Rock Root Builder when planting to stimulate healthy root growth, encourage stronger flowering and improve soil microbial activity. Its organic-rich formulation helps plants establish quickly while building healthier soils for long-term growth.

Grow Your Own Winter Harvest

July offers an abundance of opportunities in the vegetable garden. Cooler temperatures create ideal growing conditions for many delicious winter crops.

Harvest now

Enjoy harvesting:

• Horseradish
• Asparagus
• Celeriac
• Parsnips
• Sweet potatoes
• Waterblommetjies

Sow now

Plant or sow:

• Spinach
• Lettuce
• Beetroot
• Radishes
• Carrots
• Parsley
• Leeks
• Turnips
• Broccoli
• Asian greens
• Garlic chives
• Eggplant (in warmer regions)

In frost-free areas, continue planting:

• Peas
• Cauliflower
• Cabbage
• Root vegetables

Divide and multiply

July is the perfect time to divide asparagus and rhubarb crowns to improve future yields. After transplanting, apply a generous layer of mulch to regulate soil temperature and retain moisture.

Support growing crops

Stake broad beans and Brussels sprouts to protect them from winter winds and encourage stronger growth.

Feed your vegetable garden

Healthy vegetables require consistent nutrition throughout winter.

Atlantic recommendation: Feed seedlings and established vegetables with Bio Ocean together with quality compost. Bio Ocean supplies a balanced source of nutrients while improving soil structure, encouraging beneficial microbial activity and promoting vigorous root development.

Healthy soil produces healthier vegetables.

Give Your Fruit Trees a Strong Start

July marks the arrival of bare-root fruit trees at many garden centres, making it one of the best times to establish a productive home orchard.

Consider planting:

• Apples
• Pears
• Plums
• Peaches
• Cherries
• Figs
• Grapes
• Olives

Planting tips

Choose a sunny position with well-drained soil. Dig generous planting holes and incorporate compost before planting.

Atlantic recommendation: Mix Bio Rock Root Builder into the planting hole to improve soil fertility, encourage rapid root establishment and reduce transplant stress. Healthy roots now lead to stronger growth and heavier crops in the years ahead.

The Secret to Citrus Success

There’s something incredibly rewarding about harvesting fresh lemons, oranges or naartjies from your own garden. Citrus trees are attractive, productive and surprisingly easy to grow when given the right conditions.

Why grow citrus?

Growing your own citrus offers numerous benefits:

• Fresh fruit rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants
• Reduced grocery bills through abundant harvests
• Greater control over growing methods
• Attractive evergreen trees that suit almost every garden
• Long productive lifespans

By selecting varieties that fruit at different times of the year, you can enjoy homegrown citrus across much of the calendar.

Best Citrus for Your Region

Choosing varieties suited to your climate greatly improves success.

• Western Cape: Naartjies
• Eastern Cape: Lemons, oranges and naartjies
• KwaZulu-Natal: Limes, lemons and oranges
• Gauteng: Lemons and oranges
• Limpopo: Lemons, oranges and naartjies
• Mpumalanga: Oranges, lemons and naartjies
• North West: Lemons and naartjies
• Northern Cape: Grapefruits

Citrus in Containers

Many citrus varieties thrive in decorative pots, making them ideal for patios, balconies and smaller gardens.

Compact ornamental favourites include:

• Calamondin
• Kumquat
• Chinotto

These varieties produce fragrant white blossoms followed by colourful fruit for much of the year.

When transplanting into containers, always choose a pot approximately twice the size of the nursery container and ensure excellent drainage.

Citrus Growing Tips

A few simple practices can dramatically improve the health and productivity of your citrus trees.

Avoid overwatering

One of the most common causes of citrus decline is excessive watering. Towards the end of winter, slightly reducing irrigation encourages flowering, leading to improved fruit production.

Plant correctly

Always plant your citrus tree at the same soil level as it was growing in the nursery bag.

Ensure excellent drainage

Poor drainage encourages root diseases. Whether planting in the ground or in containers, ensure excess water can drain away freely.

Prune mature trees

Thin crowded branches from the centre of older trees to improve airflow and allow sunlight to reach the interior canopy.

Feed at the right time

Citrus has high nutritional demands as it prepares for flowering and fruit development.

Atlantic recommendation: Begin feeding from August through November using Flower & Fruit. Regular applications help support vigorous new growth, abundant flowering, stronger fruit set and healthier root systems while improving overall soil health.

July Pruning & Garden Maintenance

Winter pruning encourages healthier growth when spring arrives.

This month, prune:

• Fruit trees
• Roses
• Deciduous shrubs
• Golden shower
• Hydrangeas
• Ribbon bush
• Wild dagga
• Westringia
• Barleria
• Bougainvillea (after flowering)

Remove:

• Dead branches
• Diseased wood
• Crossing branches
• Excess shade-producing growth

Rather than sending prunings to landfill, chop healthy material and add it to your compost heap.

Rose Care

Late July is the ideal time to begin pruning roses.

After pruning:

• Remove old leaves and debris
• Apply a fungicide if necessary
• Mulch generously
• Feed to encourage vigorous spring growth

Atlantic recommendation: Apply Bio Ocean after pruning to support rapid recovery, healthy root activity and an abundance of spring blooms.

Care for Wildlife Too

Winter can be challenging for birds.

Keep bird baths topped up with fresh water and regularly refill bird feeders, as natural food sources are limited during the colder months. A wildlife-friendly garden is a healthier, more balanced ecosystem.

Keep Pests Under Control

Regular inspections help prevent serious infestations.

Common citrus pests include:

• Red spider mite
• Leaf miner
• Scale insects
• Psylla
• Mealybugs

Early identification makes treatment easier and protects developing fruit.

Finish Winter Strong

July is a month of preparation. Every tree planted, every vegetable sown and every plant properly nourished lays the foundation for a productive and colourful spring. Whether you’re establishing a new citrus tree, growing winter vegetables or caring for roses, consistent nutrition is one of the biggest contributors to long-term garden success.

With Atlantic Fertilisers, you’re not only feeding your plants – you’re building healthier soils, stronger root systems and more resilient gardens that continue to perform season after season. Take advantage of the quieter winter months, invest in your soil, and enjoy the rewards that will unfold as the seasons change.

Year-Round Fertilising with Atlantic Fertilisers

June: Indoor Winter Maintenance, Colour & Scale Control

Poppies and Petunias

As the sun sets to welcome the evening sky in all its colourful glory, sit back and relax on the balcony with some potted poppies and petunias for company. These lovelies are the perfect choice for all-year-round charm and vibrancy. Here is how to successfully grow and care for your new patio and balcony besties.

Cute petunias in containers

Petunias are available in a range of colours, each as bright as the next. Position them in a mostly sunny spot and ensure they are never completely dry. Perform the finger test to see when to water petunias as you would rather want to underwater than overwater these babes.

• Soil: Petunias require well-draining, aerated and slightly acidic soil. Potting soil mix works well, especially if you combine it with a little peat moss to lower pH levels.
• Fertiliser: Petunias are hungry feeders and thrive when given plenty of nutrients. While most potting mixes provide a good base, it’s best to boost them with Bio Ocean after planting for sustained, organic nourishment. For added root strength and resilience, mix in Bio Rock Root Builder at planting. This combination ensures your petunias get the food they love without compromising soil drainage, keeping them vibrant and blooming beautifully all season long.
• Deadheading: This encourages plants to direct their energy into creating more flowers, rather than wasting it on already fading blooms. Deadheading also keeps your plant looking neat and tidy. Simply remove flowers that are beyond their prime by pinching them off from just below their base.

Perfecting potted poppies

Poppies are a timeless classic. They might not be the easiest flower to grow but their vibrant colour and sweetness is certainly worth the extra care. Poppy varieties that grow well in pots include oriental poppies, Iceland poppies, California poppies, and Shirley poppies. Iceland poppies (Papaver nudicaule) provide an incredible, colourful show during winter.

• Planting: Poppies dislike being transplanted. As such, we recommend purchasing poppy seedling trays along with a little booster food to help with the transplant shock. You can get all these from your GCA Garden Centre. Place containers in a full sun position and be sure to water the seedlings gently as they have very delicate roots. Once in flower, poppies need to be deadheaded to increase the number of blooms.
• Soil: Poppies enjoy a neutral to slightly acidic pH. They require excellent drainage but rich soil. A loamy, well-draining potting mix will be perfect.
• Water: Poppies enjoy minimal water during and before their flowering season. They can be watered every day but ensure not to overwater each time you do. When they’re about to flower, and throughout their flowering period, water moderately, maintaining excellent drainage.
• Fertiliser: Fertiliser should only be applied during the growing season. For best results, start your potted poppies off with Bio Rock Root Builder to strengthen delicate roots and support early growth. If you didn’t use Bio Rock at planting, a balanced liquid feed every two weeks will help sustain them. During the growing season, supplement with Bio Ocean to provide a rich, organic boost that enhances soil health and encourages vibrant blooms. This combination ensures your poppies receive the nutrients they need without compromising drainage.
• Pests: Be on the lookout for aphids and water regularly to avoid red spider mite damage. Ensure you choose a good-quality potting mix to avoid root rot.

If you’re looking to enjoy sunsets in the city, you simply can’t go wrong with these balcony besties. A wide selection of pots and hanging baskets will further help to highlight your new additions, so be sure to consider the style of your chosen containers when planning your new living décor.

May in the Garden Checklist

Be a winter-winner this May by getting your garden maintenance in check, sowing cool-season seeds, and flowing with the rhythm of autumn’s last month. As we celebrate Africa Month, let’s honour our ingenious heritage while keeping our green fingers busy. And don’t forget Mother’s Day – Phlebodium makes the perfect indoor plant baby to gift the woman you adore!

Crispy Blooms to Plant

• Bulb up: Celebrate African colour with Sparaxis (Harlequin Flower), Ixia, and Tritonia. Add perennial bulbs like Sweet garlic (Tulbaghia fragrans), Weeping anthericum (Chlorophytum saundersiae), and Red-hot poker (Kniphofia praecox).
• Bush out: Pork bush (Portulacaria afra) is a local hero hedge – drought-resistant, fast-growing, and perfect as a barrier plant.
• Succ in: Aloes are in full swing – try Peri-Peri, Sea Urchin, and Porcupine varieties.
• The 4 P’s: Plant poppies, pansies, petunias, and primulas for cheerful winter colour.
• Rose bed revival: Pick long-stemmed roses now. Reduce watering if plants are in full leaf, but keep spraying. Edge rose beds with winter annuals like pansies, poppies, or compact snapdragons for a burst of colour.
• Split & divide: Japanese Anemones (Anemone japonica) and Obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana) are ready to be divided once flowering stops.

Be wise, fertilize: Winter annuals like stocks and larkspurs thrive with extra nitrogen. Feed with Flower & Fruit, which combines an organic base with slow-release nutrients plus water-soluble boosters for maximum performance.

Eat Like a Winter-Winner

• Eye candy: Plant ornamental kale between winter veggies. Companion plants include beetroot, violas, pansies, onions, nasturtiums, and spinach.
• Mixed masala: Interplant leafy greens and root crops with herbs like lavender, thyme, oregano, parsley, yarrow, and comfrey.
• Cuppa’ your own Joe: Try growing a coffee plant (Coffea arabica) indoors in bright light – imagine grinding your own beans!
• Un-gogga your cabbage: Use chopped-up old basil plants as mulch around cabbages to repel insects.
• If it’s yellow, it ain’t mellow: Remove yellow leaves from brassicas to prevent disease.
• Fruitful advice: Feed avocado trees with Bio Ocean and mulch well. In coastal and lowveld areas, also feed granadillas with Bio Ocean. Plant litchis and citrus, and keep mango trees dry before flowering.

Tricks of the Cool-Season Trade

• Prevent pests: Healthy soil, good drainage, mulch, and regular feeding with Bio Rock Root Builder or Bio Ocean = stronger plants with more flowers, fruits, and veg.
• Spray away: Keep spraying conifers with insecticide.
• Rake it, baby: Rake fallen leaves off lawns to prevent sunlight blockage, then compost them. Coastal gardeners can still apply one more dose of fertilizer before winter sets in.
• Freeze alert: Water between 9 AM and 3 PM to avoid frost damage.

Plants for Good Autumn Foliage

• Large gardens: American Ash, Water oak, Pin oak, Swamp cypress.
• Medium gardens: Chinese maple, White stinkwood.
• Small gardens: Washington thorn, Rosebud cherry.
• Berry-bearing beauties: Try Heavenly bamboo, Rose hips, and Guelder rose for vibrant autumn colour.

With Atlantic Fertilizers Bio Ocean and Bio Rock Root Builder in your toolkit, your May garden will be nourished, resilient, and bursting with seasonal charm.

Getting the Best from Your Bulbs

1. Location matters
   Choose a spot where you’ll enjoy their glorious display to the fullest. Plant shorter blooms at the front of borders, with medium and tall varieties behind them. For maximum impact, plant bulbs in large groups or drifts, or intersperse them with cheerful spring annuals like pansies and primulas.
2. Containers for patio charm
   Bulbs thrive in pots too, making them perfect for patios and courtyards. Most bulbs prefer a depth of 10–15cm, but ranunculi, ixias, daffodils, and tulips need deeper containers. Ensure pots have good drainage, but never allow roots to dry out. Water daily and enjoy their beauty up close.
3. Soil preparation with Bio Rock Root Builder
   Healthy roots mean healthy blooms. Prepare beds or containers at least a week before planting to allow fertilisers to dissolve. Dig in generous compost, then add a handful of planting fertiliser. For an extra boost, incorporate Bio Rock Root Builder. This natural fertiliser enhances root development, ensuring bulbs establish quickly and grow stronger. Water well after planting, and for pots, add water-retaining granules to help soil hold moisture during dry spells. Feed throughout the growing season and after flowering with Bio Ocean or Bulb Food.
4. Depth success
   Follow instructions carefully. As a rule of thumb, plant bulbs at a depth three times their height. Space large bulbs 10–15cm apart and smaller ones 3–5cm apart. Avoid pressing bulbs too firmly into the soil. Instead, place a tablespoon of river sand beneath each bulb to create a secure but gentle base.
5. Watering wisely
   Begin watering immediately after planting. Even if no foliage is visible, bulbs are busy establishing roots underground, and they need moisture to succeed. Add mulch to retain soil moisture and protect against temperature fluctuations.
6. Avoid common pitfalls
   Spring-flowering bulbs dislike excessive heat radiation. Avoid planting along driveways, paths, or sunny walls unless you can provide shade or protection. Never use fresh manure, as it can burn delicate bulbs.

Bulbs to Befriend in April

End-of-April planting is ideal for:

• Anemone
• Babiana
• Freesias
• Hyacinths
• Ipheion
• Ixias
• Muscari
• Ornithogalum
• Ranunculus
• Sparaxis
• Tritonias
• Waterblommetjies
• Dutch iris

Grow for success:

• Full sun lovers: Anemones, ranunculus, and most indigenous bulbs (except freesias).
• Partial sun: Daffodils thrive in morning or dappled light.
• Semi-shade: Freesias, hyacinths, and grape hyacinths prefer cooler, sheltered spots.

April is a gardener’s golden opportunity. With careful planning, the right soil preparation, and the added strength of Atlantic Fertilisers Bio Rock Root Builder, your bulbs will reward you with a breath taking spring spectacle. Plant now, nurture through winter, and come September, your garden will be bursting with colour, fragrance, and life.

April in the Garden

Welcome to the second month of autumn, gardeners! The air may be cooler, but the landscape is glowing with warm, rich colours. While many plants are slowing down for winter, cool-season flowers are just waking up, ready to bring charm and cheer. April is the perfect time to tackle pre-winter maintenance, refresh your veggie patch, and set the stage for a season of soups, stews, and vibrant blooms.

Flowers to plant

April is bulb season, and South Africa offers a treasure trove of options. Indigenous beauties like watsonia, freesia, ixia, chincherinchee, and sparaxis thrive when planted now. For a touch of classic elegance, go for daffodils, irises, tulips, and hyacinths. If you’re after instant colour, seedlings of primulas, poppies, pansies, and gazanias are perfect. Perennials such as lupins, Shasta daisies, and aquilegias will also reward you with long-lasting displays. And don’t forget roses – planting new ones now allows them to settle during winter and burst into life in spring. Keep spraying against fungal diseases like mildew and black spot to protect their foliage.

Seeds to sow

Cool-season sowing is in full swing. Try osteospermum, mesembryanthemums, or scatter packs of indigenous mixes for a natural meadow effect. Virginian stocks, calendula, and Felicia are also excellent choices.
In the veggie patch, sow peas, parsnips, carrots, onions (Texas Grano short-day variety), beetroot ‘Bulls Blood’, and broccoli. Herbs like parsley, coriander, and chives can be started indoors on sunny windowsills—just remember to move containers away from cold glass at night to prevent damage.

Pest patrol

Even in autumn, pests don’t take a break. Aphids may linger, so inspect flowers closely and treat with Plant Protector if needed. Snails and slugs love tender leaves—products like Snailban or Snailflo will help keep them at bay.
Scale insects, those sap-suckers that weaken plants, can be controlled with Malasol or Oleum sprays during the cooler months. Leaf miners are particularly active now, twisting and curling new leaves, so apply Eco Insect Control SC regularly. And don’t overlook ants – they’re notorious for spreading disease. Sprinkle Ant Dust around their trails to keep them in check.

Feeding for strength

Give your garden the nutrition it needs to thrive through winter:

• Feed hellebores for a dramatic winter show.
• Cyclamen from last year should be fed every two weeks once buds appear.
• Aloes and flowering succulents benefit from All Purpose fertiliser now.
• Lawns will appreciate a boost with Bio Ganic Lawns.
• Sweet peas love Bio Ocean – train them onto a trellis for height and fragrance.
• Citrus trees need a general fertiliser, like All Purpose, plus a handful of Epsom salts per tree.

Maintenance musts

Prepare for frost in vulnerable areas—stock up on protective covers from your local garden centre. Mulch generously with groundcovers or organic material to insulate soil and conserve moisture.
Refresh containers by removing the top third of soil and replacing it with fresh potting mix. Repot any plants that have outgrown their homes, and help them adapt with a sprinkle of Bio Rock Root Builder after transplanting.

April is a month of preparation and promise. By planting, sowing, feeding, and protecting now, you’re setting the stage for a garden that will thrive through winter and explode with colour in spring. And if you’re ever unsure about fertilisers or sprays, your local garden centre advisors are ready to guide you.

Autumn Preparation

As we step into March, the garden begins its gentle transition into autumn. The days are cooler, the light is softer, and it’s the perfect time to prepare your garden for the months ahead. At Atlantic Fertilisers, we believe this season is all about balance: enjoying the last flush of summer blooms while laying the groundwork for winter and spring success. Here’s your comprehensive checklist to keep your garden thriving this March.

1. Water-wise gardening

Autumn brings relief from the intense summer heat, but water conservation remains essential.

• Mulch generously: Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
• Morning watering: Water early in the day to reduce evaporation and give plants time to absorb moisture.
• Atlantic Bio Ocean: This organic fertiliser, rich in fishmeal and kelp, improves soil health and helps plants use water more efficiently. It’s especially beneficial for preparing beds for winter crops and flowering plants.

2. Preparing beds for autumn planting

March is the ideal time to refresh and prepare your garden beds.

• Clear and tidy: Remove spent annuals, prune back perennials, and compost garden debris.
• Enrich the soil: Work in Atlantic Bio Ocean to boost microbial activity and improve soil fertility.
• Plan ahead: Create neat rows or raised beds for winter vegetables and spring-flowering bedding plants.

3. What to plant and sow in March

With cooler days ahead, focus on crops and flowers that thrive in autumn and winter.

Vegetables & herbs

• Sow: Spinach, lettuce, carrots, beetroot, radishes, and peas.
• Plant seedlings: Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale.
• Herbs: Parsley, coriander, and chives do well in cooler weather.

Fruits

• Plant: Strawberries for a sweet spring harvest.
• Maintain: Citrus trees – feed with Atlantic Fertilisers Flower & Fruit to support healthy growth.

Flowers

• Sow: Sweet peas, pansies, violas, and primulas for vibrant winter and spring displays.
• Plant: Winter bulbs such as daffodils, freesias, and ranunculus.

4. Garden maintenance tips

March is a month of tidying and preparing.

• Prune perennials: Cut back faded blooms to encourage fresh growth.
• Deadhead roses: Extend flowering into autumn.
• Lawn care: Aerate compacted soil and feed with Atlantic Bio Ganic Lawns for strong root development.
• Compost: Add garden clippings to your compost heap, enriching it with Atlantic Bio Ocean for faster breakdown.

5. Enjoy the last flush of summer blooms

Take time to appreciate the beauty of your garden before the cooler months set in.

• Cut flowers for indoor arrangements.
• Photograph your garden to track seasonal changes.
• Share surplus produce or blooms with friends and neighbours – gardening is about community as much as it is about growth.

Atlantic Fertilisers product spotlight

• Bio Ocean: Perfect for soil enrichment, water saving, and preparing beds for autumn planting.
• Flower & fruit: Supports fruit trees and flowering plants for strong yields.
• Bio Ganic All Purpose: Ideal for lawns, shrubs, and general garden health.

Final thought

March is a month of transition – tidying, sowing, and preparing. With the right care and the support of Atlantic Fertilisers, your garden will be ready to flourish through autumn, winter, and into spring. Take joy in the process, savour the last blooms, and look forward to the promise of new growth.

A Hot and Handsome February

February in South Africa is sizzling, and for gardeners that means three golden rules:

1. Mulch-up to the max
2. Practice smart water-wise gardening
3. Celebrate heat-loving plants

Atlantic Fertilisers is here to help you beat the heat and keep your garden thriving under the African sun. With the right mulch, clever watering, and the perfect fertiliser, your plants will flourish beautifully this month.

The Magic of Mulch

Mulch is your garden’s best friend in February. Use bark chips, macadamia shells, compost, or pebbles to:

• Keep soil and roots cool
• Reduce evaporation and save water
• Improve soil structure over time

Tip: Apply a layer of Atlantic Fertilisers Bio Ganic All Purpose before mulching to enrich the soil with slow-release nutrition. This ensures your plants get the best of both worlds – cool roots and steady feeding.

Sexy Veggies for February

• To sow: Spinach, carrots, radish, cauliflower, celery, cabbage, oriental vegetables, basil, coriander, nasturtium.
• To plant: Bush beans, onions, lettuce, beetroot, Swiss chard.
• To tend: Clear out tired summer crops, loosen soil, and add compost.
• To prep: Plant seed potatoes now for an early winter harvest.

Fertiliser tip: Boost leafy greens with Atlantic Fertilisers Bio Ocean for strong growth and improved flavour.

Flirtatious Flowers

• Primetime beauties: Bougainvilleas, daylilies, and variegated foliage plants.
• Sweetheart sowing: Sweet peas—soak seeds overnight for better germination.
• Heat-lovers: Orange hermannia, marigolds, wild rosemary, and Honeybells.
• Seedling trays: Sow pansies, violas, primulas, larkspurs, and Canterbury bells.

Fertiliser tip: Use Atlantic Fertilisers Flower & Fruit to encourage vibrant blooms and longer-lasting colour.

Water-Wise Lawn Care

• Raise mower blades to 5cm to shade soil.
• Water in the evening to reduce evaporation.
• Water deeply twice a week instead of short, frequent bursts.
• Collect rainwater in buckets and use it for pots and beds.

Extra tip: Apply Atlantic Fertilisers Bio Ganic Lawns to strengthen root systems, making your lawn more drought-tolerant.

Smart Spraying & Feeding

• Watch for red spider mites on roses – check leaf undersides.
• Feed containers and hanging baskets fortnightly with a liquid fertiliser.

Terracotta Pot Tricks

• Soak pots overnight before planting to prevent moisture loss.
• Use a coffee filter at the base to stop soil from escaping.
• Choose thicker-walled pots for durability and frost resistance.

Eco-Warrior Spotlight: The Braconid Wasp

This tiny wasp is a hero in the veggie patch, especially against tomato hornworms. If you spot a hornworm covered in eggs, leave it – it’s hosting an army of natural pest controllers.

Fresh February Tips

• Group pots together to create microclimates and reduce water loss.
• Add water-retaining crystals to soil mixes for containers.
• Use greywater (from baths or basins, not kitchens) for ornamental plants.
• Apply Atlantic Fertilisers Bio Rock to improve soil structure and water retention.

Enjoy your February garden and never let the heat get the better of your plants. Mulch generously, water wisely, and feed with Atlantic Fertilisers to keep your garden lush, colourful, and resilient.

Enhance your garden’s resilience with Bio Ocean

As South Africa braces for the scorching temperatures that traditionally characterise the months of January and February, garden enthusiasts are gearing up to protect their green havens from the harsh effects of the summer sun. Water conservation becomes a top priority, and one product that stands out in aiding this effort is Bio Ocean.

Waterwise gardening strategies:

In the relentless heat, waterwise gardening practices become imperative to ensure the health and vitality of your plants. Incorporating Bio Ocean into your routine can significantly enhance your water-saving efforts. To further support your garden in the heat, consider the following strategies:

1). Water early in the morning:

Watering your garden early in the morning before 10 am is crucial. This allows plants to absorb moisture before the sun is at its peak, minimizing water loss through evaporation.

2). Mulch, mulch, mulch:

Mulching is a key practice to retain moisture in the soil. Bio Ocean works synergistically with mulch to create a water-retaining environment for your plants.

3). Group plants according to water needs:

Efficiently organise your garden by grouping plants with similar water requirements together. This ensures that each plant receives the appropriate amount of water, minimising waste.

4). Stay on top of garden maintenance:

Regularly attending to tasks such as weeding, thinning, pruning, and monitoring pests can reduce the frequency of watering, promoting a healthier garden.

Bio Ocean’s water-retaining superpower:

Did you know that Bio Ocean has the remarkable ability to retain 120% of its weight in water? This unique feature, combined with its organic composition, makes it an ideal choice for gardens during water-scarce months. The fertiliser, in pellet form, releases water and nutrients slowly into your garden. In addition, unlike some fertilisers, Bio Ocean won’t harm your plants even without excessive watering as it does not burn.

Bio Ocean composition and benefits:

Bio Ocean is a specialised soil and plant conditioner that harnesses the power of organic ingredients. Comprising seaweed, fishmeal, humic acid, and poultry manure, it offers a nutrient-rich blend that promotes optimal plant growth. Here are some key benefits of using Bio Ocean:

1). Organic and environmentally friendly:

Bio Ocean is committed to sustainability, being both organic and environmentally friendly.

2). Added kelp and fishmeal with growth stimulants:

The inclusion of kelp and fishmeal provides natural growth stimulants, enriching the soil with essential minerals.

3). Pelletised for slow release:

The pelletised form ensures a slow, consistent release of nutrients, making it easy to apply and reducing the risk of over-fertilisation.

4). pH neutral and pathogen-free:

With a neutral pH, Bio Ocean maintains a balanced soil environment. It is also free from germs, mould, or bacteria, ensuring a healthy garden.

5). Child and pet-friendly:

Bio Ocean is safe for children and pets, making it a worry-free choice for family-friendly gardens.

6). Does not burn:

Unlike chemical fertilisers, Bio Ocean does not burn plants, even in the absence of copious water.

User testimonials:

Don’t just take our word for it! Here are some testimonials from satisfied Bio Ocean users:

“Great price for an organic product. Would recommend. Comes in small pellets.”

“An excellent product and used by Kirstenbosch. A noticeable difference in the garden within a few days. The fertilizer pellets are not messy and easy to apply.”

“This stuff is the bomb. It’s my main fertiliser, and I won’t go back to anything else. The pellets work wonders on just about any plant.”

“This is the best organic fertiliser on the market in my experience.”

With its water-wise attributes and a plethora of benefits for plant growth, Bio Ocean emerges as a standout choice for gardeners looking to fortify their green spaces against the challenging conditions of Summer. Give Bio Ocean a try this month and join the ranks of satisfied gardeners witnessing remarkable results in their thriving gardens!