Story: 4 Important Tasks to Do This Weekend
Episode: 5
Presenter: Bonnie-Marie Hibbs
Air Date: 30th March 2024

Bonnie shows us 4 important tasks to do in your garden in preparation for the cooler months.

• Pruning, lawn care, mulching and soil improvements and necessary tasks that need regular upkeep in your garden.
• A good start to pruning your garden includes; trim excess or damaged growth from trees to promote healthy growth and shape, prune back perennial shrubs that have finished blooming to encourage new growth and vigour, and shape roses by removing dead or damaged wood and focusing on desired plant form.
• A good start to lawn care includes; repair bare or patchy spots by sowing new seed and keeping soil moist until germination, apply a balanced lawn fertilizer evenly to provide nutrients for healthy growth, and mow the lawn slightly lower to prevent matting and allow more sunlight to reach grass blades and soil surface, resulting in a lush, green lawn.
• A good start to mulching includes; add a layer of mulch (2-3 inches thick) to garden beds, raised beds, and containers to insulate plant roots and retain moisture, use mulch to suppress weeds and maintain soil warmth during cooler weather, and ensure there's a gap between the main stem/trunk and the mulch to prevent rot during wet seasons.
• A good start to soil improvement includes; clear out unwanted annuals or plants to make room for new additions, blend in organic compost generously to improve soil structure and overall health, and introduce new plants to your garden after soil preparation for optimal growth.
• Completing these tasks not only prepares your garden for autumn but also lays the groundwork for a thriving garden in the seasons ahead, ensuring beauty and abundance throughout the year.