How can I get rid of creeping oxalis and kikuyu in the lawn? I would like to be able to do this with without losing all the grass, and have the area ready for a touch-up sowing in the spring.
- Maureen
Kikuyu thrives in sandy, dry conditions, so the first thing is to keep your lawn well-watered. Winter is the wettest time of the year, so that will help. Kikuyu has a spreading habit, so when you see the grasses appear try to pull the whole tendril out. This will leave a valley in the grass which you can fill with some lawn mix and grass seed. Keep doing this as the weather warms up to get on top of it and re-establish some finer grasses at the same time.
The pre spring task list
In the vege garden:
Plant garlic, onions, spring onions, lettuce, parsnip, beetroot, carrot, peas, celery, cabbage, coriander and in a warm spot or a cold frame, sow chilli and eggplants.
Finish planting deciduous fruit trees. Staking is important as spring is usually very windy.
Plant herbs and divide rhubarb.
In the flower garden:
Plant hydrangeas now. They are not flowering but they will be soon, especially if this mild weather continues. They make excellent borders and suit most gardening styles.
Split up red hot pokers once they have finished flowering. The miniatures flower a bit later on so let those come to flower first.
All your roses should be put to bed now- defoliated. To protect against future black spot make sure they are mulched and give them a spray with baking soda and olive oil mixed with soapy water. Tidy up any midden around the bottom of plants.
Begin planting spring flowers, although we may have some cold weather ahead and they may still need some protection.
Compost doctor:
Check to see if your compost is too wet or dry. If it's wet add a good amount of brown matter and dry soil. If it is dry, pull the heap apart and reconstruct it watering each 150mm layer well.
