Learning about pot plants
Members enjoyed a talk given by Geraldine Postles on propagation and potting plants
AT the Johannesburg South Garden Club meeting in February, members enjoyed a talk given by Geraldine Postles on propagation and potting plants.
Geraldine said: “When you are potting plants, choose a pot and make sure there are holes in the bottom to allow water to flow out freely. Choose a good quality potting mix from your local garden centre. Don’t use soil from your garden, this is too heavy and may compact roots, cutting off the plants oxygen. The bigger the pot the more room there will be for roots. Outdoor potted plants can be used to decorate you patio or to compliment your garden.
“New plants can become costly and what better way than propagating plants from cuttings. Some plants will root in water but cuttings will do better when rooted in a soil-less potting mix. Another good idea is to use rooting gel. Remove the bottom set of leaves (new roots will often develop from this area) and dip the end you just cut into rooting gel. This will help seal the cut plant tissue and promote new root growth. Place the cutting into a small pot with moist vermiculite, perlite or other soil-less potting mix.
“Begonias make for good cuttings and should be between four and six inches long. This will make for a compact ‘new’ plant.”
The members enjoyed the talk and finished off with delicious refreshments while sitting in the new garden area of the Entrance Precinct.
Why don’t you join the garden club? Not only will you learn useful information, but you will get to socialise among other gardening fans. Outings are also organised to interesting gardens in and around Johannesburg. Meetings take place twice a month, one on a Saturday morning and the other on a Tuesday morning, both at 10:00. For more information, phone Maud Pickup, chairman of Johannesburg South Garden Club, on 011 435 0852 or 082 854 9212.
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