Wonder & Efekto - Autumn and Winter Plant Care Guide

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WELCOME TO YOUR AUTUMN & WINTER PLANT CARE GUIDE

THE SOILStart with

Autumn is a fabulous season to be out in the garden. The scorching heat of summer has faded, and so it's the perfect time to condition your soil. After all, what goes on beneath the surface is just as important to plant health as the growth we see on top.

THE SECRET’S IN THE SOIL

The key to good soil health is the preparation phase. Enriching your soil before planting with a source of organic materials, like Wonder Organic Vita-Boost and Wonder Root Builder Bone Meal has multiple benefits.

Did you know Wonder Organic Vita-Boost and Wonder Root Builder Bone Meal are 100% natural and organic?

Wonder Organic Vita-Boost is a granular fertiliser specially formulated to get the best out of the garden. It provides great nourishment for plants and lawns while being gentle on nature. The rich, concentrated organic matter in Wonder Organic Vita-Boost enables better water and nutrient holding capacity in the soil, as well as increased aeration and drainage for unhindered root growth. The slow release of organic nutrients in the formula also feeds worms and other microorganisms which are vital for the creation of a healthy soil biome.

Wonder Root Builder Bone Meal is a natural and organic soil supplement that strengthens roots for better nutrient uptake. It has nitrogen to support green growth, calcium to keep your plants both healthy and hardy, and phosphorus for your roots to grow bigger and stronger. Sprinkle it evenly over the soil and mix in well every time you are preparing your soil for planting.

Wonder Organic Vita-Boost: Reg. No. B5695 | Act No. 36 of 1947, N-F1705

Wonder Root Builder Bone Meal: Reg. No. K9716 | Act No. 36 of 1947, N-F0231

SO, YOU HAVE IMPROVED THE SOIL FOR YOUR PLANTSWhat is next?

GIVE YOUR PLANTS A BOOST

As spring approaches, we need to make sure there are enough nutrients in the soil to support all the upcoming growth. Wonder Organic Vita-Boost is an ideal autumn and winter fertiliser. It provides a rich source of organic matter that nurtures and improves soil structure and quality, encouraging hardworking earthworms and beneficial soil microorganisms, while feeding the plants and soil with nutrients for healthy growth.

CARE FOR ROOT SYSTEMS

A strong root system promotes healthier plants, especially during periods of drought and stress. Wondersol All Purpose combines a range of soil improvers, including humates and microbes, which assist in nutrient uptake and deep root development. The product can be used all year round on all types of plants, including lawns, and is applied as a foliar treatment with either a pressure sprayer or a watering can, and then watered in to move the root regenerating ingredients down into the root zone.

Wonder Organic Vita-Boost: Reg. No. B5695 | Act No. 36 of 1947, N-F1705

Wondersol All Purpose: Reg. No. K8556 | Act No. 36 of 1947, N-F0623

GARDENING ACTIVITIES Autumn

FLOWER GARDEN

If you are a gardener who prefers liquid nourishment solutions to feed your flower beds, try Wondersol All Purpose Plant Food and Wondersol Colour Boost. These products include a rich blend of natural ingredients, plus humates to condition and improve the soil so plants can absorb nutrients faster. They are also boosted with fast-acting nutrients to promote strong and lush plant growth.

There’s always something to do in your flower garden. But as autumn sets in, these activities should be your priority:

The 500 ml liquid concentrates make up to 25 L of liquid fertiliser, which can be applied using a watering can or a garden sprayer.

Plant

• Autumn hanging baskets

• Gerbera

• Lobelia

• Ornamental kale

• Primula

• Violas

• Snapdragons

• Wildflowers

Nourish

• Apply Wondersol All Purpose

Plant Food to flower bulbs already in the ground.

• Apply a side dressing of Wonder Fruit & Flower

Fertiliser to shrub borders and flower gardens.

AUTUMN GARDEN ACTIVITIES FLOWER GARDEN PROTECTION

Nourishing your plants to encourage growth is the first part of the care process. The second? Cutting back old growth so plants look fuller and healthier.

PRUNE

1. Garden flowering shrubs:

• Rhododendrons

• Lilacs

• Forsythias

• Viburnums

2. Hedges and topiaries:

• Buxus

• Coast rosemary (westringia)

• Murrayas

MAKE THE CUT

3. Woody perennial herbs:

• Rosemary

• Oregano

• Sage

4. Roses: Prune floribunda roses before hybrid tea roses (they take longer to come into bloom).

5. Conifers

For single-bud plants on a stem or branch

Cut 1.5 cm above the bud at an angle, with the high point facing outward.

For stems with paired or opposite buds

Cut 1.5 cm above the set of buds, but straight across. Aim to trim no more than a third of the total length of your branch or stem.

DEFEND

Seal the deal

Once you've made your cut, finish the process with Efekto Steriseal. Apply this fungicidal wound paste immediately to pruned areas or plant wounds to reduce infection from dieback fungi.

TIP

Use your pruning time to cut back spotty, diseased leaves on plants like geraniums, and spray with Efekto Rosecare 3 . Treat conifers, roses and other garden plants for aphids with Efekto Aphicide Plus .

Efekto Rosecare 3: Reg. No. L6509 N-AR0142 | Act No. 36 of 1947

Steriseal: Reg. No. L4231 N-AR0154 | Act No. 36 of 1947

Efekto Aphicide Plus: Reg. No. L8780 N-AR1162 | Act No. 36 of 1947

AUTUMN IS THE TIME TO PLANTspring-flowering

bulbs

The remaining warmth of autumn is the best time to plant spring-flowering bulbs. The effort put in now will allow you to make the most of spring's grand arrival. Flower bulbs like tulips, daffodils and anemones dazzle us with their beautiful blooms and jonquils, hyacinths and freesias fill the air with fragrance during late winter and spring.

PLANTING

If your bulbs have not been pre-chilled, put them in the fridge for four to six weeks to trick them into thinking they have been through a cool winter. Plant your bulbs in a well-drained, sunny location out in the garden. Enrich the soil in the planting area with Wonder Organic Vita-Boost and Wonder Root Builder Bone Meal. The rich blend will help improve the structure of the soil, encourage earthworms and beneficial microorganisms, and provide the newly planted bulbs with gentle, slow release organic nutrients to promote good early bulb growth.

For potted bulbs, choose a pot or bowl with good drainage holes and fill with a quality potting mix. Then turn in some Wonder Organic Vita-Boost. When planting bulbs in a pot, they can be grown quite close together to create a lovely dense look.

CARE

Water the garden bed or pot after planting to help settle the soil or potting mix around the bulbs. Potted bulbs will need regular watering to ensure they have enough moisture. As soon as the first leaves emerge, you can start to feed the bulbs each week with Wondersol Colour Boost, which encourages healthy growth and promotes future flowers. Wonder Shake ‘n Grow Special Fertiliser gets plants off to a good start and provides continuous-release nourishment for up to two months, giving you beautiful bulbs all season long.

PROTECTION

Snails and slugs are attracted to fleshy foliage and stems and will damage tender new shoots. Sprinkle some Efekto Snailban around the bulbs to protect the leaves from snails and slugs. Continue feeding until most of the leaves have died down in late spring or early summer.

Monitor for aphids, scale, mealybug and thrips that can damage your beautiful bulbs. Treat these pests with Efekto Garden Gun RTU at the first signs of infestation. To control lily borer on bulbs use Efekto Eco Insect Control SC at 10 day intervals.

Blight produces small yellow, orange, brown or reddish-brown spots on leaves, flowers and bulbs – especially during rainy humid weather. Soon the spots grow together, causing affected parts to collapse and become slimy, often with a grey and fuzzy mould. The most susceptible bulbs are tulips, dahlias, gladioluses, hyacinths and tuberous begonias.

AUTUMN IS THE TIME TO PLANT

spring-flowering bulbs

While this is prime bulb planting time, be sure to look out for common diseases that develop.

BOTRYTIS BLIGHT

The spores of this fungal disease normally attack plants or fruit that are stressed but can also infect healthy plants in poor conditions, like soggy soils from overwatering or exposure to the cold.

This fungus occurs mainly in damaged or affected parts of the plants and beneath the skin, between the roots. You can identify this disease when bulbs become dark brown and completely or partly softened, with large, mat black sclerotia (meaning a fungal layer) on diseased tissues.

In the parts above the soil, the infected plants are brittle and will break abruptly, with abnormally coloured flowers. Heavily infected plants will remain short or not emerge at all.

Treat infections in both areas with Efekto Virikop . Simply apply the first application when shoots are 5 - 10 cm long. Then, repeat your application 2 - 3 times at 3 weekly intervals.

ANEMONE

Picture gorgeous daisy-like flowers in hot pink, white, red and blue-violet. They happen to be one of the best spring bulbs and are easy to grow. Wait a few days after they flower before picking as this will prolong their vase life. These bulbs offer their best blooms in their first year but will continue to flower annually.

Plant: April – May

Position: Semi-shade

Depth: 3 – 4 cm

Spacing: 6 – 8 cm

and pastel shades. Daffodils are one of the easiest bulbs to grow with a huge range of varieties to choose from. These bulbs start growing new roots after only a week in the soil, so be sure not to disturb them in the first year of planting. Once the season has finished and all foliage has died down you can pull them up and move, or, redistribute if desired.

Plant: April – June

Position: Full sun

Depth: 8 – 10 cm

Spacing: 10 – 12 cm

RANUNCULUS

These ornate tissue-thin petals come in orange, pink, white, yellow or red flowers that pop up in spring. Not only do they look amazing in the garden, but also are stunning as cut flowers. Before planting your bulbs, soak them deeply in water for two hours. Plant them in partly shaded areas if you want long stems. Water them well until the sprouts emerge and then keep them moist.

Plant: April – May

Position: Full sun or partly shaded areas for longer stems

Depth: 3 – 4 cm

Spacing: 6 – 8 cm

SPARAXIS

The six species of sparaxis originate from the winter rainfall areas of South Africa. They are grown for their spectacularly patterned and multicoloured, star-shaped flowers in amazing shades of yellow, white, orange, pink, red, mauve, salmon and sometimes even green. Plant them in mixed flower beds or pots for a riot of colour in spring. They are easy to grow, hardy to frost and must be planted in well-drained soil.

DAFFODILS

Envision a combination of star- and trumpet-shaped blooms in white, pink, orange, yellow, and ranging in intense

Plant: May - June

Position: Full sun

Depth: 5 – 8 cm

Spacing: 5 - 9 cm

GARDENING ACTIVITIES Autumn

LAWN NOURISHMENT

Leaves may turn brown at this time of year, but that doesn’t mean your lawn has to! Keep it looking green and pristine by regularly fertilising and mowing.

FEED

• Thicken up tired lawns with Wonder Plant Booster All Purpose.

• In late autumn, feed lawns with Wonder Organic Vita-Boost or Wonder Lawn & Leaf and water well to carry the fertiliser down to the roots.

• Where soils are heavy, treat with Wonder Dolomitic AG Lime. Mixing in some organic matter will also help restore the soil structure.

MOW

• Set your mower height to about 5 cm and mow every two weeks.

*PRO TIP:

Water your lawn well. A simple way to tell if your lawn is thirsty is to walk on it. If it feels soft under your feet, your lawn is nicely hydrated. If it feels hard and crusty, you can assume it needs more water.

AUTUMN GARDEN ACTIVITIES

LAWN PROTECTION

Ah, autumn’s change of pace in the garden. This is a prime time to get on top of wintertime jobs on the lawn that will keep it looking tip-top for an easier transition into spring. Plus, getting out in the fresh air is great for the soul, even if the temperature is slightly chillier.

RAKE YOUR LEAVES

Your grass needs sunlight and air to breathe. Fallen leaves can block both and create a prime environment for disease. Rainfall and humidity, together with mild temperatures, can promote the growth of lawn diseases such as winter fusarium, brown patch, dollar spot and anthracnose.

Lawn diseases can be hard to diagnose as their signs can be similar to lawn damage from insect pests like white grubs, lawn caterpillars and armyworms. Common disease symptoms include areas of small discoloured, brown, dead or dying patches on the lawn. These lawn ailments can spread and reoccur year after year, so it’s important to get them under control to keep your lawn looking fantastic.

LAWN FUNGUS SOLUTIONS

To reduce lawn diseases, use a specialised fungicide such as Efekto Lawn Fungicide 500 EC. This solution is a fungicide that effectively controls the most common lawn diseases such as dollar spot and powdery mildew. It takes the guesswork out of having to diagnose which lawn disease you have. Efekto Lawn Fungicide 500 EC can be easily applied by either a sprayer or watering can. Mow regularly to prevent a build-up of thatch and remove clippings from the lawn. Water only in the mornings, to allow the lawn to dry off during the day.

EARLY WEED CONTROL

Now is the time to get pre-emergent weeds on your lawn under control. This will keep autumn germinating weed growth down (like dandelion) and stop perennial weeds from growing in the spring.

Broadleaf lawn weeds can grow at a rapid pace during autumn and winter and take advantage of the lawn’s slower growth. Huge patches of creeping sorrel can develop, crowding out the lawn, stealing valuable moisture and nutrients – ruining the manicured lawn look. Winter is also a time when bur clover plants will be maturing, starting to flower and set seed. The seed heads are the nasty prickles that make our yards torture for us and our pets to walk on during the warmer weather.

WEED SOLUTIONS

Efekto Banweed MPCA – is for the control of annual broadleaf weeds in newly planted lawns, usually about 6 to 8 weeks or mowed at least 3 times before treating.

Efekto Hormoban APM – is a selective weedkiller for established lawns, and will help control common broad-leaved lawn weeds.

Efekto No Weed Lawn RTU – is a pre-diluted ready-to-use selective weedkiller spray for use on lawns, for control of common broadleaved weeds.

Efekto Turfweeder TM 457,5 SL – is a selective, hormonal weedkiller, for established lawns and will help control most of the common broad-leaved lawn weeds.

GARDENING ACTIVITIES Autumn

VEGETABLE GARDEN NOURISHMENT

There are plenty of veggies to plant and harvest in autumn. Grab those gardening gloves and get going with the following activities.

SOW

• Beetroot

• Broccoli

• Cabbages

• Carrots

• Cauliflowers

• Celery

• Lettuces

• Parsley

• Radishes

• Rocket

• Spinach

• Coriander

FEED

• Feed established plants twice a month with Wondersol All Purpose

Plant Food. Some fruit and veggies, like pumpkins and melons, can be fed every two weeks.

HARVEST

• Beans

• Beetroot

• Broccoli

• Cabbages

• Capsicums

• Cauliflowers

• Celery

• Chillies

• Courgettes

• Cucumbers

• Eggplants

• Lettuces

• Marrows

• Peas

• Potatoes

• Sweetcorn

• Tomatoes

VEGETABLE GARDEN PROTECTION

Keeping your veggie garden in check is a vital part of ensuring a good harvest and maintained health going into winter. Not only is it a delectable delight for you, but also hungry pests and invasive plant diseases. We explore how to defend, protect and ward off future pests for a thriving garden.

PRUNE

The act of pruning is an important practice to help direct growth and assist in providing optimum growing conditions.

Bunches of grapes will begin to ripen. Prune back excessive leaves to allow more sunlight in.

Once nectarines, peaches and plums have finished fruiting, prune the plants to shape and remove any dead or diseased branches.

DEFEND

TIP

Protect stone and pip fruit from overwintering pests with Efekto Virikop

Unfortunately, with conditions like high humidity, crowding and poor air circulation, over-watering/ under-watering/ irregular watering, poor soil health and nutrition imbalance — bacterial organisms can survive (and thrive) in the soil, in seeds and other plant parts. Common occurrences this time of year? Mildew on cucumbers, courgettes and marrows. Spray with Efekto Eco Fungimite or Efekto Kumulus WG .

PESTS:

• Aphids

Efekto Aphicide – For flowering plants, garden shrubs, trees, vegetables, fruit and field vegetables.

• Slugs and snails

Eco Snail and Slug Trap –An environmentally friendly reusable trap that works with fermented sugar mixtures.

Efekto Snailban – A granular bait to control snails and slugs.

Efekto Snailflo – A concentrate bait to control snails and slugs.

• Caterpillars

Efekto Cypermethrin

200 EC – A concentrated insecticide for indicated fruit and vegetables.

FUNGUS AND DISEASES:

• Black spot

Efekto Funginex – A fungicide that controls powdery mildew, black spot and rust on various garden plants and powdery mildew and rust on several edible fruit and vegetables.

• Powdery mildew

Efekto Rosecare 3 RTU – A systemic insecticide, acaricide, and fungicide to control listed pests and diseases on outdoor roses and garden plants.

• Plant rust

Efekto Virikop – A fungicide and bactericide with protective properties to control certain listed diseases on fruit, vegetables, flowers and garden plants.

.

GARDENING ACTIVITIES Autumn

FRUIT TREE ORCHARD

PICK

• Apples

• Pears

• Grapes

• Guavas

• Passion fruit

• Blueberries

• Strawberries

• Apricots

• Peaches

Wonder Kelp is a soil supplement that enhances plant immune systems and is the perfect liquid feed for use all around the garden. Because the product contains plant growth hormones, it encourages root growth, which in turn helps strengthen plants so they are less susceptible to disease and other environmental stresses.

FEED

• An application of Wonder Kelp every two weeks will keep your fruit trees thriving.

PLANT

• Remove runners from strawberry plants and establish them in potting soil, ready for planting in winter.

Don’t forget about your fruit trees and shrubs! Let’s see what’s ripe for the picking in autumn.

Wonder Kelp: Reg. No. L2812 Act No. 36 of 1947, N-AR0926

AUTUMN GARDEN ACTIVITIES

FRUIT TREE ORCHARD

Juicy fruit trees need a little extra protection during the colder, dormant months. Keep them thriving by using the following solutions for your unique pest needs.

PESTS:

• Aphids

Efekto Aphicide – For flowering plants, garden shrubs, trees, vegetables and fruit.

• Slugs and snails

Eco Snail and Slug Trap

Efekto Snailban

Efekto Snailflo

• Caterpillars

Efekto Cypermethrin

200 EC

FUNGUS AND DISEASES:

• Black spot

Efekto Funginex

• Powdery mildew

Efekto Rosecare 3 RTU

• Plant rust

Efekto Virikop

Keep your fruit orchard protected with our recommended solution Efekto Virikop, a protective fungicide and bactericide that aids in solving problems like:

Bacterial canker (on peaches, apricots and plums)

Gum spot (on peaches and apricots)

Bacterial spot (on peaches)

Leaf curl (on peaches)

Scab (on apples and pears)

Tip

Pick your fruit at the right moment. Why? Leaving fruit to over-ripen will start to begin a whole host of problems like attracting pests, becoming prone to rot, burdening the tree (resulting in broken branches) and ultimately will not last as long in storage. Avoid wasting your hard labour and produce by implementing a diligent care routine for the best harvest yet.

Efekto Virikop: Reg. No. L0527 N-AR 0146 Act No. 36 of 1947

IN AUTUMN AND WINTER Citrus Care

As the citrus harvest season begins, keep your trees protected and promote the best quality fruit with our top autumn citrus care tips.

NOURISHMENT

Feeding citrus regularly is the key to promoting buckets full of juicy fruit. Citruses are very hungry plants, and a lack of soil nutrients can lead to a decline in fruit quality. Wonder Fruit & Flower is a complete plant fertiliser for feeding citrus trees. Apply it around the root zone of in-ground citrus trees every six weeks. For potted citrus trees, use Wondersol Colour Boost every week from early autumn.

WATERING

Citrus trees have a shallow root system and can dry out rapidly. Keep the soil or potting mix moist with regular, thorough watering. Applying Wonder Waterwise Crystals around the root zone of in-ground and potted citrus will help water penetrate evenly and effectively down into the roots, while spreading a layer of mulch around the root zone will help the soil retain moisture.

Wonder Waterwise Crystals: Reg. No. M63 | Act No. 36 of 1947, N-F1505

Wonder Fruit & Flower: Reg. No. K5747 | Act No. 36 of 1947, N-F0014

Wondersol Colour Boost: Reg. No. K8552 | Act No. 36 of 1947, N-F0625

CITRUS CARE

IN AUTUMN AND WINTER

EARLY AUTUMN

Citrus trees will often produce a second flush of new foliage in late summer and early autumn. This tender new growth is vulnerable to being infested by aphids. Aphids are small sap-sucking insects that can be green, brown or black and can cause leaves to permanently curl under and twist. It is easy to control aphids on citrus by spraying the foliage with Efekto Aphicide every 14 days.

AUTUMN AND WINTER

There are some pests and diseases which attack citrus trees that can be treated during autumn and winter. This treatment program helps to break the pest and disease life cycle, giving citrus trees a fresh start in spring.

SCALE, MEALYBUG AND AUSTRALIAN BUG

These common insect pests invade citrus trees. Infestations often start on the trunk and main limbs – and then spread to the tips of the twigs. The insects may also move onto the leaves and fruit, and there can be several generations produced each year. This then results in leaf fall, twig dieback, bark splitting, fruit blemishes and large limbs dying.

CITRUS RUST MITE

This pest, also known as silver mite, attacks the outer exposed surface of the fruit. Slightly rough, greyishbrown blemishes on fruit occur due to huge numbers of mites infesting immature fruit in summer and autumn. When fruit gains colours as it ripens, the blemishes become more prominent and more severe the longer the fruit remains on the tree. Use Efekto Kumulus WG for control of citrus rust mites from December to May, and over winter as a cleanup spray.

BUD MITE

These tiny pests are difficult to spot with the naked eye. They target leaf and flower buds, resulting in misshapen and distorted leaves, flowers and fruit. Rust mites can also cause bronzing of leaves and green twigs.

SOOTY BLOTCH

This fungal disease results in fruit developing a sooty coloured blemish on the outer skin surface only, not affecting the inside of the fruit. Apply Efekto Kumulus WG, as a full cover spray at closed bud stage. Get control over mealybugs, Australian bugs, bud mites and red spider mites on citrus in winter with Efekto Oleum – an insecticide and miticide. Spray thoroughly over tree stems, trunk and foliage. Avoid spraying when you are expecting freezing weather.

Manage a wide range of fungal and bacterial diseases on citrus with Efekto Virikop – a fungicide that both protects the plant and is an essential winter spray for citrus. Pre-mix in a small volume of water to form a thin slurry before adding the remaining water and keep it well stirred. Make sure to thoroughly spray all of your foliage, buds and stems for complete disease control.

FRUIT FLY

As citrus fruit continues to mature during winter, maintain your fruit fly prevention measures. Spray Efekto Eco Fruitfly Bait GF 120 under lower foliage or a band around the trunk each week until all fruit is harvested.

GARDEN PROJECTS TO START IN AUTUMN

GARDEN PROJECTS TO START IN AUTUMN

Compost heap

Having a compost heap at home is a great way to ensure you have fresh, ready-to-use compost for your garden year-round! And with the ample supply of falling leaves in autumn, now is the perfect time to get one started.

CREATE A COMPOST HEAP IN SIX STEPS

1. Choose a spot in your garden

Look for a shaded area in your garden and find a suitable container for the compost.

2. Place the twig layer first Start your compost heap by adding ‘brown material’ (old twigs, straw and leaves) to the bottom of the container. These will provide good aeration for the wetter organic matter.

3. Add a layer of organic matter

Next, place fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, and grass clipping on top. This will form the ‘green material’.

4. Alternate the layers

Keep layering brown and green materials to form a pile, finishing off with a layer of brown material.

5. Feed and water regularly

When you notice the organic matter drying out, apply a solution of water and Wonder Organic Compost Activator for every 20 cm.

6. Turn the pile

Keep the pile well aerated by turning it once a week with a garden spade.

After a few months, your compost will turn dark brown and be ready to use! Just be sure to avoid adding meat, dairy and bread to your heap to prevent pests from taking over.

AUTUMN GARDEN ACTIVITIES

COMPOST HEAP

Have a yard full of fallen leaves with fungal diseases? It is essential to clean up these leaves and dispose of them. Otherwise, the fungi will lay dormant through winter, and as spring arrives with warmer temperatures, the disease will spread.

DISPOSE OF DISEASED LEAVES BY:

Raking, blowing, piling, and packaging

Have them removed by your municipal garden refuse collection.

Composting

Only do this if you can ensure pathogens are killed off (compost piles with powdery mildew, tar spot or other fungal diseases must reach a temperature of at least 60°C).

TIP

Be sure to disinfect your tools to avoid spreading disease during future trimming sessions. Soak or swab tools in a 10 per cent solution with household bleach or disinfectant. Then, rinse treated tools thoroughly with water.

AUTUMN PLANT CARE AUTUMN PLANT CAREConifers Conifers

Conifers are colourful, low-maintenance and frost-hardy trees, suitable for any type of garden border. Keep yours looking healthy and vibrant with help from Wonder.

GENERAL CARE

Position your conifers on north-facing edges of your garden or edges which receive ample sunlight through the day. Enrich the well-drained soil with Wonder Root Builder Bone Meal and Wonder Organic Vita-Boost. In areas with heavy or clay soil, improve the soil structure by adding Wonder Dolomitic AG Lime, and mixing in well.

Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root ball. Remove the tree from the container and gently tease the roots. Position the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, gently compressing to firm the soil down.

Form a raised, doughnut-shaped ring of soil around the outer edge of the plant's root zone. Water the plant well after planting to settle the soil around the roots.

Apply organic mulch around the base of the plant, keeping it away from the trunk.

Water deeply once or twice a week depending on the weather conditions.

Feed every four weeks with Wonder Organic Vita-Boost or Wonder Lawn & Leaf until the end of autumn to promote strong root development and healthy foliage.

Feed conifers in pots weekly with Wondersol All Purpose Plant Food

PRUNING AND MAINTENANCE

Prune conifers by ‘cutting’ or ‘heading’ them back. With this approach, only part of the branch is pruned at the tip, promoting thicker, more compact foliage for a smaller overall plant.

A good rule of thumb is never to remove more than one-third of the total growth at a time.

Dead or diseased conifer branches should be removed immediately, regardless of the time of year. Any other pruning should be done when the plant is dormant.

Many of the dwarf varieties don’t need pruning but can benefit from a good thinning.

AUTUMN PLANT CARE CONIFERS

In autumn, conifers are often targeted by the Italian cypress aphid (Cinara cupressi). But never fear! Efekto is here to help you protect them, year after year.

Efekto Insecticide Granules Plus: Reg. No. L8768 N-AR1164 Act No. 36 of 1947

Efekto Plant Protector: Reg. No. L8781 N-AR1163 | Act No. 36 of 1947

Efekto Aphicide: Reg. No. L0528 N-AR0120 | Act No. 36 of 1947

IDENTIFYING AN APHID ATTACK

To determine if aphids are on the prowl, inspect conifer stems and foliage for black, sooty mould. Heavy infestations can cause the death of entire branches, so be vigilant with your checks.

PREVENTING FOLIAGE DAMAGE

Take preventative and corrective action against aphids from late March onwards by applying a systemic insecticide. Many solutions are available. Apply a cover spray of Efekto Aphicide (7.5 ml dissolved in 10 litres of water) to small conifers under 2 m in height, using a pressurised garden sprayer.

With large trees, where it’s impractical to apply a cover spray, drill several holes into the bark at intervals, and pour a mixture of Efekto Plant Protector into the holes.

Alternatively, apply Efekto Plant Protector as a soil drench around the stem base of each tree. Repeat after approximately two months. (Use as a corrective treatment only.)

For both small and large conifers, work Efekto Insecticide Granules Plus into the soil, and water well.

For conifers in containers, apply Efekto Aphicide.

ARE MADE IN WINTER Summer gardens Summer gardens

Just as summer bodies are built in winter, summer gardens are prepared for in winter. And luckily for our gardening community, most of South Africa experiences clear days and sunshine at this time of year. Sure it is cold out, but spending time in the garden will warm you up for sure! Keep up with the following gardening activities to prepare your outdoor space for a flourishing season of sunshine come December.

CONDITION YOUR SOIL

As winter approaches, the garden requires extra special attention so it is prepared for the shift in temperatures and rainfall levels. Focusing on your soil’s health and general condition is a great place to start.

Turn the soil in your garden beds to a depth of about 30 cm using a garden fork or shovel.

If the soil is crumbly and dry, mix in some quality compost. (If your compost heap is ready, now’s the time to make use of it.)

To ensure your new plants grow healthy and strong, apply Wonder Plant Starter All Purpose and mix in Wonder Waterwise Crystals for moisture retention. Continue reading on page 8 for a lesson in gardening with Wonder Waterwise Crystals. Lastly, remember to apply mulch to the soil after planting.

WORK ON YOUR FLOWER BEDS

Get your flower beds in shape for the upcoming chilly season by prioritising these activities.

Move delicate plants in containers to sheltered areas around the house to protect them from cold temperatures.

Prune summer-flowering shrubs, trees, perennials, and bulbs that have finished flowering.

Lift and divide flowering perennials that have finished blooming. Lift dahlia and gladiolus bulbs and store them in a dry, dark place over winter.

Feed herbs and winter greens with Wonder Plant Booster All Purpose or Wonder Organic Vita-Boost.

Plant winter rose bushes. See the guide on page 30.

FERTILISE YOUR LAWN

It’s your last chance to apply Wonder Lawn & Leaf. This economical, fast acting solution that provides a release of nitrogen for lawns, evergreen plants and shrubs.

Wonder Organic Vita-Boost: Reg. No. B5695 | Act No. 36 of 1947, N-F1705

Wonder Plant Booster All Purpose: Reg. No. K5748 | Act No. 36 of 1947, N-F0013 Wonder Waterwise Crystals: Reg. No. M63 | Act No. 36 of 1947, N-F1505

WINTER GARDEN PREP 101

Put the ‘win’ into your winter garden prep. With the right tools and actions, you will stay on top of your garden’s needs without struggling with pest invasions. Prepare to encounter pests during the colder months. Use a thorough approach to ensure they don't wreck entire ruin on roses and conifers.

CARE GUIDE FOR ROSE BUSHES

Give your roses the best care with protective solutions against pests such as insects, arachnids and fungal diseases with Efekto’s Rosecare range. Efekto offers not one, but three solutions for each of your unique pest needs.

First up, Efekto Rosecare 3 works as both an insecticide and fungicide. For a ready-to-use insecticide and fungicide option, look to Efekto Rosecare 3 RTU as it is a more convenient solution. Lastly, for a three-in-one solution, use Efekto Rosecare® Plus – an insecticide, acaricide and fungicide.

PROTECT PLANTS FROM:

Red spider mite

These tiny mites have a red body, often found on the underside of leaves, alongside their fine webs. While they feed on sap, these pests cause leaves to turn silver, grey and later brown, resulting in rapid deterioration of your plants. Give your garden the defence it needs with:

Efekto Kumulus WG works by physical action to give safe and effective control of powdery mildew, rust, thrips, red spider mite and other mites. It is ideal for use on fruit and vegetables (same day spray and eat), and for use on garden plants. Also for the control of pernicious scale on dormant roses. Efekto Oleum concentrate controls aphids, scale insects, mealybugs, red spider mites and Australian bugs. It is ideal for use on fruit trees, citrus (same day spray and eat), and for use on garden plants and shrubs.

Cypress aphids on conifers

This pest is a brownish soft-bodied aphid and sucks sap from twigs of conifers, causing damage to the tree – ranging from discolouring of the affected twig to the death of the tree.

Preventative treatment is recommended from May to September. Protect your conifers with Efekto Insecticide Granules Plus . This ready-to-use insecticide controls aphids, mealybugs, thrips and scale insects on conifers, flowers, and garden shrubs in the home garden.

Rose reminder

Be sure to check on your roses regularly during winter. After pruning, use Efekto Kumulus WG to combat insects and diseases like powdery mildew, fungal diseases, certain mites, and thrips.

DON’T FORGET!

Now is the time to clean up diseased plants and remove invasive weeds. Learn more with our blog post on weed control.

Drought proofing your garden with

WONDER WATERWISE CRYSTALS

At this time of year, many gardens suffer from heat stress or lack of water – or both! Plus, many South African gardens are also faced with watering restrictions, so every drop is precious. If your potted plants, hanging baskets, lawns, and garden beds are looking a little parched, try applying Wonder Waterwise Crystals to improve the soil’s water-holding capacity. Moist soil makes for happy plants!

Adding Wonder Kelp or Wondersol All Purpose as a dry or wet mix will condition the soil and improve its fertility, reducing water stress in plants and helping them retain their flowers and fruit during hot weather and periods of rapid plant growth. One application will last for two weeks, apply at two weekly intervals.

Application tips:

Use Wonder Waterwise Crystals in planting pots, containers and hanging baskets.

Measure the number of scoops as directed in the table. Mix thoroughly with compost using a trowel or by hand and fill the bottom three-quarters of the pot.

Fill the rest of the container with compost.

For best results, water two hours later to ensure the crystals are fully charged.

Wonder Waterwise Crystals: Reg. No. M63 | Act No. 36 of 1947, N-F1505

Drought proofing your garden with

WONDER WATERWISE CRYSTALS

ARE YOUR PLANTS STRUGGLING TO GET ADEQUATE HYDRATION?

Even for the most diligent of gardeners, plants will struggle depending on region, season, soil composition, water run-off or even with invasive plants. One solution to this — innovative moisture retention. To solve this problem, our team has developed Wonder Waterwise Crystals . This solution is ideal for not only potted plants, hanging baskets, and flower beds, but also shrubs and trees, lawns, sod and vegetable gardens. With its water-retaining polymer technology, it optimises the water holding capacity of your soil and ultimately reduces the need for frequent irrigation.

PRE-PLANTED POTS, CONTAINERS AND HANGING BASKETS

To apply the correct amount of crystals for containers, first poke holes in the surface of the soil or compost. Then, fill with the appropriate amount of Wonder Waterwise Crystals as directed in the table for the size of your pot. Place half a scoop of the crystals in each hole. Water well twice a few hours apart to activate the polymer.

Wet Mixing (Recommended)

It is safest to use the crystals wet instead of dry as the crystals take up substantially more volume once wet.

First, mix 1 tsp (5 g) into 750 ml water of Wondersol All Purpose or Wonder Kelp. Leave for an hour before mixing into 5 L of potting mix. Increase to 2 tsp per 5 L for hanging baskets and other water stress-prone plants.

Sowing seed

Mix 10 g per m2 into the top 50 mm of topsoil, sow seed and water thoroughly.

Laying turf

Evenly spread crystals at 10 g per m2 , lay turf and then water.

Wonder Kelp: Reg. No. L2812 | Act No. 36 of 1947, N-AR0926

Wonder Waterwise Crystals: Reg. No. M63 | Act No. 36 of 1947, N-F1505

Wondersol All Purpose: Reg. No. K8556 | Act No. 36 of 1947, N-F0623

GARDENING ACTIVITIES Winter

FLOWER GARDEN

Brrr! The days may be getting cooler, but with so many activities to do in your flower garden, you should be breaking a sweat. Good luck.

PICK

Camellias

Winter roses

Dianthus

Violets

Snapdragons

Ornamental kale

SOW

Poppies

Sweet peas

Wildflowers

Calendula

Violas

Pansies

FEED

• Apply Wonder Shake ‘n Grow Special Fertiliser to plants in pots and planters.

• Apply a side dressing of Wonder Fruit & Flower Fertiliser to polyanthus and primula to prolong the flowering periods.

CHORES

• Deadhead or pinch out old flowers of snapdragons, stocks and pansies to encourage a new flush of flowers.

• Begin pruning in mild areas, and hold off pruning in cold areas until July or August. Flowers and pansies to encourage a new flush of flowers.

• Lift and divide perennials such as dahlias and delphiniums.

Wonder Fruit & Flower: Reg. No. K5747 | Act No. 36 of 1947, N-F0014

Wonder Shake and Grow Special Fertiliser: Reg. No. K2325 | Act No. 36 of 1947, N-F0011

WINTER GARDEN ACTIVITIES

FLOWER GARDEN PROTECTION

The cold season has set in, and while you may be tucked up indoors, there are some garden pests you will need to keep an eye out for.

PRUNE

Hold back on pruning your roses and garden plants until late winter. This is typically when your plants are dormant and unlikely to develop tender new growth susceptible to damage in freezing weather.

WEEDS

Keep on top of weeds to prevent major problems with them in spring. Remove weeds from empty garden beds as soon as any appear.

DEFEND

Spray rose bushes with Efekto Rosecare 3 to combat common diseases and insects on your roses.

To protect your plants and foliage, cover with Wonder Plant Guard. If conifer aphids are about, control them with Efekto Plant Protector or Efekto Insecticide Granules Plus .

Efekto Plant Protector: Reg. No. L8781 N-AR1163 Act No. 36 of 1947 Efekto Rosecare 3 RTU : Reg. No. L7599 N-AR 0726 | Act No. 36 of 1947

GARDENING ACTIVITIES Winter

LAWN NOURISHMENT

Your lawn will appreciate some winter TLC to help it face the busy season ahead. Make sure your soil is in tip-top shape and ensure it has enough nutrients to support all the upcoming growth.

FEED

It may be tempting to stop working on your lawn during winter due to the lacklustre appearance of your lawn. However, if you put in good work during the cooler months, you can make your lawn look vibrant and healthy.

• If you live in a warmer region, we recommend applying Wonder Organic Vita-Boost or for a liquid option, you can use Wondersol All Purpose to help offset the discolouration as temperatures drop.

• If your lawn is greener come spring, it will return to peak condition faster.

• If you are in an area of heavy frost, do not apply anything during this time.

• Where soils are heavy, treat with Wonder Dolomitic AG Lime. Mixing in some organic matter will also help restore the soil structure.

MOW

• Keep grass shorter in winter, but not too short. Try to hit a height of about 5 cm or so – short enough so the possibility of disease is less likely, but tall enough so the roots are not exposed to frost.

WINTER GARDEN ACTIVITIES LAWN PROTECTION

LAWN FUNGUS AND DISEASES

To reduce lawn diseases, use Efekto Lawn Fungicide 500 EC, a specialised fungicide. This solution selectively controls the most common lawn diseases like dollar spot and powdery mildew, reducing lawn disease guesswork. This solution can be easily applied by either a sprayer or watering can. Mow regularly to prevent a build-up of thatch and remove clippings from the lawn. Water only in the mornings, to allow the lawn to dry off during the day.

How to use

Shake product well. Mix the correct amount for each litre of water using the provided measuring cap into a sprayer or watering can (washed before and after use).

Shake to mix thoroughly and use immediately.

Apply to the affected areas and at least 1 m around.

WEEDS

Looking for the right weeding solution? Explore our weed control range to find products for established turf and paving, as well as direct weed treatments for the lawn.

Efekto Turfweeder TM 457,5 SL

A selective, hormonal weedkiller, for established lawns and will help control most of the common broad-leaved lawn weeds.

Efekto No Weed Paving RTU

A ready-to-use herbicide spray designed to control broadleaf weeds and grasses emerging between paving, along walls and fencing.

Efekto Hormoban APM

A selective weedkiller for established lawns, and will help control common broad-leaved lawn weeds.

Efekto No Weed Lawn RTU

A pre-diluted ready-to-use selective weedkiller spray for use on lawns, for control of most common broad-leaved weeds.

Control creeping sorrel in winter lawns with Efekto Hormoban APM or Efekto Turfweeder 457,5 SL. For smaller areas, use Efekto No Weed Lawn RTU.

Feed

Efekto Banweed MCPA

Controls annual broadleaf weeds in newly planted lawns, usually about 6 to 8 weeks or mowed at least 3 times before treating.

Efekto Turfweeder™ 457,5 SL: Reg. No. L8875 N-AR1266 | Act No. 36 of 1947

Efekto No Weed Lawn RTU: Reg. No. L6244 N-AR0527 | Act No. 36 of 1947

Efekto Banweed MCPA: Reg. No. L0466 N-AR0121 | Act No. 36 of 1947

your soil with Wonder Organic Vita-Boost. Rich in nutrients, this solution improves soil organic matter and water holding capacity, and promotes greater soil nutrient retention and microbial activity.

GARDENING ACTIVITIES Winter

VEGETABLE GARDEN NOURISHMENT

What’s happening in the veggie garden? Brassicas, beets and Brussels sprouts, to name but a few winter highlights!

SOW

• Broad beans

• Beetroot

• Broccoli

• Cabbages

• Cauliflowers

• Celery

• Garlic

• Lettuces

• Radishes

• Rocket

• Onions

• Spinach

• Coriander

• Parsley

FEED

• Blend Wonder Organic Vita-Boost into garden beds before planting garlic and onions.

Wonder Organic Vita-Boost: Reg. No. B5695 | Act No. 36 of 1947, N-F1705

HARVEST

• Beetroot

• Cabbages

• Celery

• Horseradish

• Kale

• Leeks

• Winter Lettuces

• Parsnips

• Brussels sprouts

WINTER GARDEN ACTIVITIES

VEGETABLE GARDEN PROTECTION

DEFEND

Winter diseases

These types of garden pests sneak in when you least expect them, as they can be transported via a host or a vector – usually insects. Viral and fungal pathogens can cause about 85% of plant problems, living undercover in soil and plants.

Efekto Virikop is a wettable powder fungicide and bactericide with protective properties designed to control certain diseases on fruit, vegetables, flowers and garden plants. Efekto Virikop can be used as a seedbed treatment for cases of seedling blight and other soil-borne diseases.

Get one step ahead and protect your winter vegetables against diseases such as:

Cucurbits – downy mildew

Potatoes – early and late blight

Beans – bacterial blight

Crucifers – bacterial spot

Use Efekto Malasol for the outdoor home garden on select fruits, vegetables, and other plant pests including:

Aphids

Scale Thrips

Bryobia mites

Caterpillars

Efekto Malasol:

Reg. No. L1353 G0635 N-AR0137 | Act No. 36 of 1947

Efekto Virikop:

Reg. No. L0527 N-AR 0146 | Act No. 36 of 1947

GARDENING ACTIVITIES Winter

FRUIT TREE ORCHARD

In the fruit orchard, spend time planting strawberries, composting fallen fruits, fertilising mango trees, and so much more. Let’s get gardening!

PICK

• Apples

• Pears

• Lemons

• Limes

• Mandarins

• Grapefruit

• Oranges

• Kumquats

CHORES

PLANT

• Deciduous fruit trees –turn the page for more!

• Strawberries – Research shows that planting strawberries in winter rainfall areas will produce a higher yield in summer. The delicate flowers can’t handle frosty conditions, so in frost-prone areas, it is best to protect plants from the elements or wait until a little later to plant.

• Collect and compost any rotting fruit from under fruit trees.

• Check harvested fruit to make sure nothing is rotting. Remove fruit as soon as it starts to decay. Rot can spread throughout a whole harvest within a week or two.

• In the subtropics, fertilise mangoes by putting Wonder Fruit & Flower Fertiliser into a series of holes poked into the soil beneath the outer foliage.

WONDER FRUIT & FLOWER FERTILISER

A high-potassium fertiliser with slow-release nitrogen for healthy flowering and fruiting growth.

*Pro tip: Avocados will begin to ripen in some areas – so keep your eyes on the trees!

WINTER GARDEN ACTIVITIES

FRUIT TREE ORCHARD

While the temperatures may be dropping – don’t drop your defences on fruit tree orchards. Protecting your trees from the harsh conditions of winter involves both preventive and proactive measures. Explore these tips on treating and preventing disease and damage.

WINTER DISEASE

Spray stone fruit at the pink bud stage with Efekto Virikop to control leaf curl. Also use Efekto Virikop to protect your fruit against pests, such as:

Peaches and apricots against bacterial canker and gum spot.

Peaches and plums against bacterial spot.

Peaches against leaf curl. Apples and pears against scab. Grapevines against anthracnose.

Silver leaf

This severe disease affects plums, but it can infect apple, apricot and cherry trees too.

Main symptoms:

Silvery tinted foliage.

A darkened irregular stain (can only be seen when cutting through the branch).

Bracket fungi appearing on older branches.

To avoid spreading the silver leaf virus in your garden, postpone pruning your peach, plum and almond trees until summertime.

TOP TIPS

Reduce the chance of frost injury by gently hosing over plants first thing in the morning.

Move tender fruiting plants that are growing in containers to warmer areas for winter.

Spray deciduous fruit trees with a winter clean-up spray (Efekto Kumulus WG and Efekto Oleum) to remove any lingering pests and diseases.

Kumulus WG: Reg. No. L2404 N-AR0732 | Act No. 36 of 1947

Efekto Virikop: Reg. No. L0527 N-AR 0146 | Act No. 36 of 1947

Oleum: Reg. No. L3575 N-AR0138 | Act No. 36 of 1947

Winter is deciduous

FRUIT TREE PLANTING SEASON

Looking to add an orchard to your property, or to enjoy fruit grown on the balcony of your apartment? There is a deciduous fruit tree for everyone. They arrive in stores from early June to July and are best planted in winter before they start growing in spring. Deciduous fruit trees are one of summer’s delights – and picking your very own fresh peaches, nectarines, plums or apricots is very achievable.

Plum

Grow delicious plums at home - they are best eaten off the tree and used in cakes, ice creams, jams, syrups or bottling. Harvest times are usually mid to late summer. Available from late June.

Apple

Apple trees come in a few weeks later than plums and peaches. Apples are ripe in midautumn, while peaches and plums are to be harvested in mid to late summer. Dwarf varieties will take two years to fruit once planted, however, normal apples may take up to three years to fruit. Available from mid-July.

Pear

Perfect for bottling, cooking and eating straight off the tree, pear trees come into stores along with apples in mid-July. Most

pears need cross-pollination to produce fruit – two different varieties in the same area is recommended. Available from mid-July.

Nectarine

When growing nectarines, you can appreciate the taste and smell that some supermarket fruit seems to lack. They are delicious and best eaten soon after harvesting as they tend to ripen quickly off the tree. All nectarines are self-fertile, making them a good choice if you do not have a lot of space in your garden. Available from late June.

Peach

Known for their slightly fuzzy texture, multiple cooking uses and unique flavour, peaches are best harvested from the tree when they give a little

when squeezed and have a nice, rich skin colour. All peaches are self-fertile and do not need another variety to set fruit. Arriving late June.

Almond

A close relative of the peach and nectarine, almonds arrive at the same time as stone and pip fruit. They do well in areas with warm, dry summers and will fruit after three years and on first-year wood. It is best to get two varieties for cross-pollination.

Apricots

Typically best in cooler areas. They bear fruit in mid to late summer. Arriving from mid-July.

Care tips

Planting all deciduous fruit trees need to be in full sun in freedraining soil and require regular watering. Plant with Wonder Organic Vita-Boost and Wonder Root Builder Bone Meal into the bottom of the hole. Water deeply on first planting. Utilising different varieties will help cross-pollination to create larger yields on each tree.

Maintenance tips

Established deciduous fruit trees will need to be pruned in winter on a fine, clear day when sap flow slows down. Make sure you cut trees back to open the branches to more airflow, cutting approximately 2 cm above an outward-facing bud. When cutting large branches, use Efekto Steriseal to seal the wound and stop infection

Wonder Organic Vita-Boost: Reg. No. B5695 | Act No. 36 of 1947, N-F1705

Root Builder Bone Meal: Reg. No. K9716 Act No. 36 of 1947, N-F0231

Steriseal: Reg. No. L4231 N-AR0154 | Act No. 36 of 1947

over winter. A general spray programme will be beneficial to your fruit trees, sprayed with Efekto Oleum and 2 – 3 weeks later with Efekto Kumulus WG spray as a full cover spray.

Distorted and discoloured foliage on stone fruit trees like peaches, nectarines and plums is caused by a fungal disease called leaf curl. In severe cases, it reduces the tree’s ability to photosynthesise which in turn can affect plant health and fruit yield. Leaf curl disease spores lurk in bark crevices and around leaf buds during winter, waiting to infect emerging foliage in late winter and early spring. Leaf curl is a disease that needs to be prevented, by killing the disease spores before they infect the new leaves, as the damage done by leaf curl is irreversible. It’s easy to break the leaf curl disease cycle by spraying stone fruit trees during winter with Efekto Virikop.

Apply a single application at bud movement. Spray all stems and the trunk thoroughly before new foliage emerges. This helps give fruit trees a disease-free start to spring so they can concentrate on giving you a fantastic harvest

TO START IN WINTER Garden projects

PLANTING A ROSE GARDEN FOR THE FIRST TIME? EXPLORE OUR GUIDE FOR TIPS AND TRICKS.

1. SOURCE YOUR ROSES

Invest in your choice of quality bare-root rose bushes from a garden centre or nursery near you.

2. PLACE THEM IN A BUCKET OF WATER

Prune the bushes back so there are three to five buds per cane before popping them in the bucket.

3. LET THE ROOTS SOAK

Leave your rose bushes soaking in the bucket for about eight to twelve hours before planting.

4. FIND A PLACE FOR THEM IN YOUR GARDEN

Find a spot in your garden that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day – ideal for roses.

5. PREPARE THE FLOWER BED

Assess the soil quality before planting. If the soil has a clay-like consistency or seems depleted of nutrients, amend it with Wonder Root Builder Bone Meal.

6. PLANT YOUR ROSE BUSHES

Using a shovel, dig holes for your rose bushes. To plant them, place a root ball inside each hole and cover with soil.

7. CARE FOR YOUR ROSES

FIND OUT MORE ONLINE www.wonder.co.za 66 67

GARDEN PROJECTS

TO START IN WINTER ROSE GARDEN

The cold season has set in – but don’t let this be a thorn in your side. With the right garden preparation, you’ll navigate winter with your roses in top form.

PRUNE

It’s time to stop cutting roses! This allows them to form hips (seed pods) to prepare for the winter, avoiding causing cold damage to tender new growth.

However, you need to prune your overly long canes on bush-type roses. By trimming stems back, you assist in preventing wind damage.

• Cut about a third of their length back, making the cuts above outward-facing buds (where new growth appears in spring).

• Then, prune back the dead canes in early spring.

PROTECT FROM FROST

In colder regions where the temperatures drop below 0°C at night, give your rose some extra cover.

• Pile fresh topsoil or compost around the base of the plant (avoid using soil scraped from around the plant).

• Then pile dry, shredded leaves on the mounded soil (to protect your roses from freezing and thawing).

• Additionally, use Wonder Plant Guard for complete frost protection.

EFEKTO ROSECARE® PLUS

This spray acts as a solution against insects, red spider mite and fungal diseases, controlling pests and diseases on outdoor roses and garden plants only.

E FEKTO ROSECARE 3 RTU

This ready-to-use solution is designed to control insects and fungal diseases on roses and other garden plants, including (shrubs, flowering annuals and perennials).

EFEKTO ROSECARE 3

This environmentally friendly treatment combines a systemic fungicide and contact insecticide to efficiently control insect pests and fungus diseases. The solution’s active ingredient passes through plant tissues and fights diseases from inside the plant.

Efekto Rosecare® Plus: Reg. No. L10643 Act 36 of 1947 N-AR2043

Efekto Rosecare 3 RTU: Reg. No. L7599 N-AR 0726 Act No. 36 of 1947

Efekto Rosecare 3: Reg. No. L6509 N-AR0142 Act No. 36 of 1947

NOTES

Scan for expert gardening advice

REACH OUT TO WONDER AND EFEKTO

We hope our Autumn and Winter gardening guide has been helpful. If you have any questions related to autumn or winter gardening that we haven’t quite answered, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

Our products are available at a wide selection of retailers, nurseries and garden centres.

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