Gardening thread

[The_Mowgs]

I had no idea - I have a cactus in that growing mix that is more yellow than green. Yet the app says it is healthy. Could that be the reason?

Yellowing from the bottom up, yes.

 

[TribbleZA]

I am going to try and make some cement pots for my succulents. Hold thumbs it goes well.

 

[Kung Fu Porkchop]

Subscribing to a gardening thread... What has become of my life?

 

[Akasha]

Nitrogen is the main nutrient for growth. Not sure how you can replace all of the soil with a small seedling without stressing it so much that it ends up being stunted. Let it grow and monitor it, if it starts to yellow from the bottom up you would need to feed it with something like Nitrosol or Talborne.

Thank you, I'll keep this thread updated when they start properly growing

 

[PhireSide]

I have a crappy yard (garden services kept bringing in broadleaf weeds and we live in a rocky area, so the lawns have lots of little stones scattered about) and I intend on doing something with it instead of just complaining about it.

I think instant lawn will be the way to go since there is basically no top layer soil. If you try to dig a spade in, you hit stones and rock maybe 4-5cm down. can I jut whack down some instant lawn on top of the existing crap grass, or would I need to first klap the weeds with some Banweed or similar?

 

[B-1]

I have a crappy yard (garden services kept bringing in broadleaf weeds and we live in a rocky area, so the lawns have lots of little stones scattered about) and I intend on doing something with it instead of just complaining about it.

I think instant lawn will be the way to go since there is basically no top layer soil. If you try to dig a spade in, you hit stones and rock maybe 4-5cm down. can I jut whack down some instant lawn on top of the existing crap grass, or would I need to first klap the weeds with some Banweed or similar?

How much do you want to spend? Firstly spray some weed killer then you can hire a tiller and till the soil and remove some rock while you go then mix in a lot of compost and some slow release fertiliser and lastly add instant lawn.

Otherwise slap some instant lawn on and use weed killer and fertiliser 3-4 times a year and water a lot.

 

[PhireSide]

How much do you want to spend? Firstly spray some weed killer then you can hire a tiller and till the soil and remove some rock while you go then mix in a lot of compost and some slow release fertiliser and lastly add instant lawn.

Otherwise slap some instant lawn on and use weed killer and fertiliser 3-4 times a year and water a lot.

I have, by my estimations, probably about 250-300sqm to fix. If I can get by sub R10k, I will be happy, although I am not sure how optimistic this is (probably a LOT).

I have my gardener coming in this week and I will task him with distributing some Banweed so long. I fear I may just need to go postal and whack some instant lawn down and ask them to bring in topsoil to level out the rocky sections. Some sections are very rocky, with big boulders just barely beneath the surface. I found out a few months after buying that they basically demolished the side of a hill, then built the house into the level area. The rest of the yard was basically the crushed rock that was removed that the grass slowly grew over, with no topsoil or anything added.

A while back we had to install some poles for a fence and it took us two whole days with an auger to sink ten gumpoles to 450mm depth. I am not so sure I would be able to till this 'soil' at all, hence my thinking of going the nuclear route

 

[B-1]

Are you dead set on having lawn everywhere?
Maybe doing some hardscape, hedges, raised beds and then some lawn where you bring in top soil will be better?

 

[maumau]

Are you dead set on having lawn everywhere?
Maybe doing some hardscape, hedges, raised beds and then some lawn where you bring in top soil will be better?

Was thinking the same thing, xeroscape type of thing.

If there's space perhaps expose some of the large boulders and plant a selection of succulents . Although they aren't my favourite there is a place for them.

 

[B-1]

Was thinking the same thing, xeroscape type of thing.

If there's space perhaps expose some of the large boulders and plant a selection of succulents . Although they aren't my favourite there is a place for them.

Some great options. I was thinking of some Gabion and maybe proteas etc.

 

[maumau]

Stunning! Much easier (and cheaper) to maintain than lawn.

EDIT: Love those gabions. I could do with a couple myself because my garden's on a slope.

 

[Readsalot]

I need some help, please. I know nothing about gardening, I should add. I moved into a smaller place in Centurion and thought to plant some berry trees. Two seem okay, but the red raspberry bush seems to be struggling. Leaves are turning brown, and curling up.

Is it a soil thing? Water? Planted too close to the wall? It's supposed to need a lot of sun, but it gets full sun most of the day. Any advice will be appreciated.

 

[TribbleZA]

I need some help, please. I know nothing about gardening, I should add. I moved into a smaller place in Centurion and thought to plant some berry trees. Two seem okay, but the red raspberry bush seems to be struggling. Leaves are turning brown, and curling up.

Is it a soil thing? Water? Planted too close to the wall? It's supposed to need a lot of sun, but it gets full sun most of the day. Any advice will be appreciated.

View attachment 1793737


View attachment 1793738

I am still learning - so asked the famous AI


Dry leaves on a red raspberry plant could be caused by a few different factors. Here are some common reasons and solutions:

1. Underwatering or Overwatering​

• Signs: Crispy, dry, or curling leaves
• Fix: Raspberries need consistent moisture but well-drained soil. Water deeply 1-2 times per week, especially in hot weather.

2. Heat Stress or Sunburn​

• Signs: Leaves turning brown or crispy, especially on the edges
• Fix: Provide some afternoon shade if temperatures are too high, and mulch around the base to retain moisture.

3. Nutrient Deficiency​

• Signs: Yellowing before drying out
• Fix: Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) or compost in early spring and mid-summer.

4. Pests or Diseases​

• Signs: Holes, discoloration, or webbing on leaves
• Fix: Check for spider mites, aphids, or fungal infections. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap if pests are present. Remove and destroy any diseased leaves.

5. Poor Soil Drainage​

• Signs: Water pooling around the roots, leading to root rot
• Fix: Ensure well-draining soil and avoid planting in low spots where water accumulates.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Because of where the crisping is - I would venture it is too hot there. Plant something that makes a little shade for it perhaps?

 

[Readsalot]

I am still learning - so asked the famous AI


Dry leaves on a red raspberry plant could be caused by a few different factors. Here are some common reasons and solutions:

1. Underwatering or Overwatering​

• Signs: Crispy, dry, or curling leaves
• Fix: Raspberries need consistent moisture but well-drained soil. Water deeply 1-2 times per week, especially in hot weather.

2. Heat Stress or Sunburn​

• Signs: Leaves turning brown or crispy, especially on the edges
• Fix: Provide some afternoon shade if temperatures are too high, and mulch around the base to retain moisture.

3. Nutrient Deficiency​

• Signs: Yellowing before drying out
• Fix: Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) or compost in early spring and mid-summer.

4. Pests or Diseases​

• Signs: Holes, discoloration, or webbing on leaves
• Fix: Check for spider mites, aphids, or fungal infections. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap if pests are present. Remove and destroy any diseased leaves.

5. Poor Soil Drainage​

• Signs: Water pooling around the roots, leading to root rot
• Fix: Ensure well-draining soil and avoid planting in low spots where water accumulates.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Because of where the crisping is - I would venture it is too hot there. Plant something that makes a little shade for it perhaps?

Thank you!

Yes, that makes sense - I think I took the 'needs full sun' too literally, especially with the heat waves. Will try to provide some shade and see if that helps.

 

[TribbleZA]

Thank you!

Yes, that makes sense - I think I took the 'needs full sun' too literally, especially with the heat waves. Will try to provide some shade and see if that helps.

We are dying here in Centurion. My succulents are burning too. I don't think they accounted for our kind of full sun.