Garden care in chilly weather

As one warms up by digging, pruning, or any other form of exercise, the layers of clothing come off and the skin is exposed to the sun.

That is the secret, because the body produces vitamin D naturally through direct exposure to sunlight.

According to research published in 2010 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition,

Vitamin D, aptly named the sunshine vitamin, regulates the absorption of calcium and phosphorous and facilitates normal immune system function, which strengthens the body against flu infections.

CURE FOR THE BLUES: Primula acaulis (primrose) ‘Danessa’ blue grows equally well in containers and in the garden.

A little can go a long way: just 10 minutes a day of midday sun exposure is plenty, especially if you’re fair-skinned, says the report.

Gauteng has one of the best winter climates in the world. Early mornings and evenings might be cold, but the days are like champagne, and what a waste not to spend them out in the garden.

Gardening in winter is much more pleasant than in summer. The sun doesn’t burn and working hard in lower temperatures is much more enjoyable and less draining than in intense heat.

Matrix pansies have extra-large flowers on compact plants. Pictures: Supplied

Garden centres are still full of flowers and walking out with just one flowering plant or six-packs of seedlings also lifts the spirits. Flowering pot plants, like Cineraria, primroses (Primula acaulis) and Cyclamen, have a much longer lifespan in the cooler winter months as well.