Automated Irrigation Systems, Your Garden

It can sometimes be tedious to maintain our garden, but the results are so worth it. There is nothing better than walking into a serene green oasis and knowing you helped create this little piece of paradise. It’s this feeling that inspires so many green thumbs and is why Landscaping in Pretoria exists. Automated irrigation systems have made gardening easier and you can now enjoy your outdoor space.

Maintaining a garden requires effort. If there are many plants, it can be more. Water is one of the biggest problems gardeners face. Water is a major problem for gardeners. We have all been there. Were you aware that there are ways to get around these difficulties? An automated irrigation system could be what the garden doctor needs.

How do automated irrigation systems work?

Before we discuss the amazing benefits, let us first look at the mechanism behind it. These systems make it possible to establish an automatic watering schedule for your garden using a controller and a timer. We explain the components of the system and the workings of each one.

• The controller: This component is probably the most important. It is attached to the valves that are in a ground box. This box houses the main water source and it splits into separate valves.
• The valves: These can be attached to both the controller and the pipes. They can be controlled by the controller’s electric impulses and timers, which allow them to be switched on and off at designated times.
• Sprinkler heads and pipes

We stock all components needed to install an automatic irrigation system. Different types of sprinkler systems are available to suit your needs. We have pop-ups that can be used to water your lawn, grass and areas, as well as micro misters that are ideal for those with narrower beds.

The benefits of an automated irrigation system

You will need to learn how it can help you before you request quotes and install the system. You can see the many benefits of an automated irrigation program:

1. It’s time to say goodbye to manual labour. Gone are the days when you used to have a hose in your garden and then had trouble with all those knots and blocks. Everything is now automated so you don’t even need to be there to water your garden. Install your system, set up a schedule and then flip a switch.
2. Professionals are your best friend: If you hire the right people to do the job, you can rest assured that the system has been installed properly and that a professional can maintain it. Landscaping in Pretoria’s landscaping service will measure your property and create the best irrigation plan for your garden. All of this is included in your consultation.
3. Automation is a key to efficiency: Automated irrigation systems are much more efficient. Because you don’t have to worry about your sprinkler missing a spot, dry patches won’t occur. Your garden will not be under or overwatered because the coverage is more precise. This will help you save money over time as your water bill won’t change and you won’t be surprised in the end.

Get a quote to install an automated irrigation system professionally from us in Pretoria.

It is important to ask the first question: Are you using the right type of grass? A well-maintained and beautiful green lawn can make any property feel more welcoming and inviting. It doesn’t matter if the property has private or commercial use, a carpet made of green grass brings nature into your environment. Green, by itself, is a soothing colour that draws attention to the property and creates emotional relaxation. This colour indicates verdant growth as well as the constant presence of nature within our busy lives. We must not forget to include grass on our golf courses.

Are you giving lawn care at the right time?

Well-maintained, lush lawns are a joy. They can also be surrounded by well-tended flowerbeds or walkways which create an air of luxury that is hard to overestimate. To keep your lawn looking great, it takes patience, knowledge and care. Our biggest enemy is often time in our efforts to keep our grass green. It is important to identify the right grass species for your needs in order to properly care for it.

There are many different types of grasses available.

South Africa is home to many types of grass. These include:

1. Bermuda Grass. This is a beautiful variety and one of the most widely used grasses in South Africa. Although this grass can withstand heavy foot traffic, it will not thrive in shade. This grass is native and therefore is well-acclimatized to South African conditions.
2. Kikuyu Grass. This grass is perhaps the most widely used. It thrives in sunlit areas and grows quickly so it is best to avoid planting in shade. Kikuyu grass must be mowed every other week. Cutting more than one-third of the grass blades per mowing will result in the grass becoming weaker. This grass can withstand a lot of abuse and heavy traffic. It is fast-growing and should be controlled so it doesn’t spread into flowerbeds or onto walkways. It is easy to maintain, and it is probably the most widely used grass type. However, it can be susceptible to disease if left to dry and prolonged shade. Because it is a very fast-growing grass, it needs to be watered regularly in hot weather. Winter months see slower growth, so it is important that lawns in areas with heavy winter rains do not become wet.
3. LM Grass. Similar to Kikuyu’s creeping growth, this grass is less invasive than Kikuyu. It can tolerate heat stress and drought. It is commonly used in backyard gardens and office parks. It goes dormant during winter.
4. Gulf Green. It is a beautiful, expensive lawn grass species. This deep-green colour makes it one of the most desirable. This grass is very soft and pleasant to walk on, as well as to sit on and play on. It is an indigenous species that is well-suited to South Africa’s climate.
5. Buffalo Grass. This grass species is suitable for both sun and shade. It is generally hardy and can withstand heat, drought, and cold. This grass is native to the coast, but it doesn’t like sandy soils. It is slower-growing than Kikuyu. It only needs to be mowed once per month. Because of its slow growth, it is more vulnerable to weed invasion. It is dormant from April through September.
6. St Augustine is another shade of grass.
7. Fescue Grass can also be used in shady locations.
8. Cynodon. It is a great grass for drought-prone regions due to its deep root system, fine texture, and excellent water retention. It can quickly grow and overtake slower-growing grasses, making it an invasive species. This grass can withstand heavy use and is very durable. This grass turns pale yellow during winter but will return to green once the summer is over.

It is easy to see how important it is to select the right grass for your area. Each species has its benefits and drawbacks. Before you make a decision on which species to use, it pays to do your research.

These invasive weeds should be avoided!

Remember that grass can also be overtaken by invasive and pest weeds.

Be on the lookout, briefly, for weeds such a:

1. The bright yellow flowers of dandelions are a year-round crop. They also have a strong taproot that is very difficult to remove. These weeds must be eradicated at an early stage of their growth cycle using appropriate herbicides.
2. Winter Grass. This weed, named after its location, grows in damp and shady places, which is particularly common during the winter months. This weed is easily distinguished by its bright green colour, small white flowers, and distinctive odour.
3. Creeping Sorrel. Creeping Sorrel is a horizontal weed that grows in clusters of small yellow flowering heads.
4. Broadleaf weeds. You will find a wide range of these weeds that can easily establish themselves in flowerbeds and lawns.
5. Clover. It could be a bit of good luck finding in your flowerbeds or lawns. Clover can grow up to 86cm below the ground thanks to its long root system. Clover is a nuisance to see. However, it does provide important nitrogen and stabilizes the soil. It attracts bees to your garden. Do not rush to take out clover from your lawn!

Call the experts in Pretoria before you attempt to maintain or plant your lawn. They will restore one of the most valuable assets in your home or business premises and make it look great for years to follow.

Summer is beautiful! It’s a great time at the beach with hot weather and lots of sunshine. The summer heat can cause lawn damage. These are some ways to cool your lawn.

Watering based on types of soil

You need to identify the soil on your property. Does it have clay-based soil? This will tell you how much watering is required. Because clay retains more water, clay soils will require much less water than sandy soils.

Clay-based soils should have water applied slowly over the course a day. This will allow the soil to absorb the water. Heavy watering can cause pooling or water running off the site. Watering should be stopped once the soil has absorbed the water.

Sandy soils require that water be applied only in very short intervals. This will ensure proper water reach the root zones. Too much watering will make the soil unsuitable for plants.

Water in the morning-Water early in the day. Daytime watering can cause excessive evaporation and inefficient use of water. Pay attention. Don’t water in the middle night. This can cause excess moisture and promote fungus development. It is best to set your sprinkler cycles so that they are finished by 7 AM.

You are likely ready to get started with the seeds and other starter plants. I get it; it’s exciting. Growing your own green beans or tomatoes can be thrilling. However, don’t let your excitement get in the way of your common sense. Before you think about planting anything, make sure you have your garden soil ready.

Why prepare your garden soil prior to planting?

Start with healthy soil that is rich in nutrients if you want to maximize your garden’s potential yield. Check that the soil is not compacted or retains moisture. It also needs to be pH balanced and rich in minerals. You could have a poorly performing garden or even a failure.

Weed

Before you do any other work, be sure to remove any weeds from your future garden bed. You should eliminate these weeds with extreme prejudice as they could be competitors to your limited garden resources.

It’s likely that you will be dealing with many weeds or even grass if this is your first garden. To eliminate them, turn the soil over using a shovel. If you do this quickly enough, the weeds will eventually die and your soil will be rich in nutrients.

Assess the soil and treat it

You will need to be able to identify the needs of your soil before you can prepare it. A little bit of testing is required to determine what your soil needs. There are two options for soil testing. You can also purchase a soil test kit at your local hardware shop. Both options provide information about pH, nitrogen and phosphorous levels.

Whatever option you choose, be sure to follow the instructions in the test results when you modify your soil. You can amend your soil if you discover that it has a nitrogen deficit by either adding a high-quality chemical fertilizer or composted horse manure.

You should also take into account drainage and water retention when amending or testing your soil. You want to have a balanced mixture of clay, loam and sand. A garden that has too much of either one of these can negatively affect its ability to retain water. Too much sand, for example, will cause the water to drain too quickly. Too much clay, on the other hand, will prevent enough drainage.

Mix the soil with a fork.

It’s time for you to start turning the soil once your garden is free from weeds. A rototiller is a great option if you are lucky enough to have one. But hand-turning a small garden can be tedious. You’ll need to break up the dirt and thoroughly combine it. This will allow the soil to loosen and the nutrients you have added in during the previous step will be incorporated.

Once the soil has been thoroughly mixed, rake it up and call it good. Now we are ready to plant!

Watering your garden correctly seems straightforward enough. You just need to water it. Right? The answer is yes, but also a huge no. A healthy lawn requires that you water it correctly. It could also get the same results as if it is watered too much. You can end up with a weak, or even dead, lawn.

For the best growth and strength of your lawn, you need to water it about 1 inch per week. This is usually 2 to 3 times per week. Let’s start with the hardware shop.

I love the hardware shop. There is so much cool stuff, but you need to stay focused. You’re here for a reason. If you don’t know what you want, the lawn and garden sections can turn into a vortex.

Sprinklers

Sprinklers that can rotate, shoot, spin, and move independently (seriously) are just a few examples. Consider the size and area of your lawn. It is important to choose a sprinkler with good coverage, but that you can also use easily.

• Rotating sprinklers can be great for large or medium-sized yards as they allow you to control the rotation and length.
• Fixed sprinklers can be used in smaller yards, although they may not spin or turn as often.
• Consider buying a quality spray nozzle that has different settings for grass. You can also hand water the grass if you don’t have much.
• You should make sure that you buy a long-lasting, non-kink hose to reach all parts of your yard.
• After purchasing your sprinkler, set up a bucket and water the area. If the bucket is collecting half an inch of water in 20-30 minutes, then you are getting the correct amount.

Don’t be afraid, if you have any questions, to consult professionals like us.

You have probably already done some of the work necessary to create a successful garden. Unless you’re reading this series for entertainment purposes, or perhaps on your lunch hour at work. Don’t worry, we won’t judge.

Once your garden is ready to go, it’s now time to plan what you want to grow. As with all things, it’s important to take care not to simply grab a few seeds or starters from the store and stuff them into your garden. This is unless you don’t want a huge mess.

Here are some things to consider when selecting plants:

Veggies to plant

You should consider these factors when deciding what type of vegetables to plant.

What space the mature plant requires, how tall it will need to grow, and what amount of sunlight it needs?
These seem like simple, common sense advice, but they can also be easy to overlook when purchasing a lot of seeds or small starters. Many gardeners start out buying more seeds than they can use.

The best thing about plants is their ability to grow. This is quite shocking but bear with me. Some plants remain small while others expand and take up much of the garden’s space. Zucchini, for example, can take up large amounts of space once matured and can easily choke other plants. You should plan accordingly.

The direction of the plant growth

Many plants can also grow vertically or climb. Both benefits and drawbacks can be found in this arrangement. Although vertical plants require less ground space, the upside is that they can shade other plants in your garden and rob them of the sunlight that they need to thrive. Plants that are more sun-dependent or that can thrive in partial shade should be placed near vertical plants.

You will need to provide support for many vertical plants, as they can become difficult to find later in the season.

Plan

It’s time for you to play the role of an amateur bank robber. Grab your graphing paper and pencils and devise a foolproof plan. (Please don’t rob actual banks).
On graph paper, draw your garden. Once the plants have grown in, you can begin filling them in. Do some Googling to see how large each plant will be once it matures. It’s not uncommon to end up with less plants than what you had hoped for. Your vertical plants should be aligned to reduce the amount of shade they produce.

Finally, you should identify any climbing plants. Make notes in the margins about any support you need to buy or build.

Now, it’s time for you to get dirty. Don’t be too excited. This is dirt, dirty, and in the dirt. This isn’t the kind of blog you would expect.

Recently, we talked about the importance of planning your garden. In case you didn’t see it, you can now go back and review it. Today I will discuss a final consideration before you begin your garden: building raised garden bed.

What is a Raised Bed?

Raised garden beds elevate your garden above the ground. How high you build the bed is dependent on how tall it is. They usually measure about 11 inches in height, which is approximately the height of two 2×6 boards (2×6 boards actually measure 14cm across each end).

The beds are rectangular in shape and rest on the ground. They are then filled, usually with higher quality gardening soil than regular topsoil.

Why Should Raised Beds Be Considered?

Raised gardening beds offer many benefits over traditional gardening.

• Accessibility is a major benefit of raised beds: Accessing your plants is much easier because they are higher above the ground.
• Increase your Growing Time: If there is a cold winter in your area, it will take you a while to plant. You can use raised beds to extend this time because the soil inside the bed warms up faster than the soil below.
• It’s easy to irrigate: As you start with new soil, it’s relatively simple to add irrigation to your raised bed.
• Improved Weed Control – Because you will be adding new soil to top of your existing soil, it is easy and cost-effective to add a weed barrier.
• Better soil health: Raised beds encourage better soil because they reduce compaction and allow for better drainage.
• Protect your plants: Raised beds are easier to fence around hungry animals. To keep them away, you can lay chicken wire and then fill it with soil.

Additional Tips for Raised Bed Gardening

There are many benefits to raised beds, but there are still some things to be aware of before you make the commitment.

1. It’s an Investment: Before you can get started with raised beds, it is necessary to purchase the material or build the beds.
2. Space Awareness is Essential: A raised bed has a limited area so extra planning is necessary to ensure that certain plants (such as squash) don’t take up too much of the space.
3. Expansion: You can add more soil to your traditional garden. But, with raised-bed gardening, you will need additional boxes to build or buy.

Although these are minor concerns, raised bed gardening can offer many benefits over traditional gardening. Raised beds can be a great option for those who are new to gardening, and don’t mind an initial investment of time and materials.

In your deepest thoughts and most private thoughts, you realize that you’re paying too high for green peppers, cucumbers, and other vegetables.

This is a deep-seated feeling that you feel but can’t get rid of. This is only the beginning. Soon, you will start to wonder if it is possible to grow your own produce. You may even be tempted to judge others, knowing you can grow better vegetables than the ones available for purchase.

Congratulations. Congratulations. The world of gardening.

Before you Start Your First Garden

This is the time when you are probably ready to go outside and start planting things. This is how you get started. Now, cool your jets. It’s important to plan before you get your shovel and work gloves in floral print.

“But planning seems boring,” you might be thinking. “Convince it is an important part of this process,” you plead. It’s not hard to see why planning is so important.

You can maximize your efforts by creating a plan. This will increase the number of tomatoes you produce per hour. It is important to carefully assess the space you have available so that you can select the right plants and the most efficient method to plant them. You can plan ahead to identify and fix any issues before you plant your first vegetable.

How to Plan Your Garden

When planning your garden, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

1. First, don’t get too carried away. For a beginner gardener, if your garden is small it will be easier to manage. It can be difficult to plant a garden.
2. Second, ensure your plants are in enough space. Also, ensure you have access to all parts of the plant. It might seem contrary to the first, but I am serious. For plants to get the right nutrients and light they need, there must be enough space between them. Additionally, taller plants can shade smaller plants and rob them of the sunlight they require. It is important to ensure your plants are well-spaced and that they can thrive once fully grown.
3. Third, be careful about where you place your garden. Your garden should be spacious and easily accessible. You also need to make sure it receives as much sunlight as possible.

Keep checking back for more information about gardening. This includes articles on how to prepare the soil, choose the right plants, and keep your vegetables healthy so you get a good yield.

Following our instructions, you should now have your garden in good soil. Space your vegetables so that they can grow in. It was hard work but it is worth it if you want to harvest your vegetables.

You will have to take good care of your plants now that they are established in the ground. You’ll need to be aware of a few things.

Watering

This is the obvious answer, right? If you really think about it, plants need three things to grow. They need good soil, sun, and water. We have already prepared the soil.

Mother nature will provide the sunshine, but it is up to us to water.

When it is still cool and sunny outside, morning is the best time for watering your garden. This allows more water to reach the plants without evaporating. Watering in the morning can prove difficult for some people. However, you can still water your garden in the afternoon. Wait until the sun goes down, but not too late at night to water your plants. This will reduce water loss due to evaporation. But, make sure your plants are dry before going to bed at night. Wet leaves can cause harmful fungi.

Weeding

The next thing to do is weeding. Even though we did our best to eradicate existing weeds and prevent their growth, there will always be new weeds. While weeding can be a difficult job, it is essential. It’s important to get rid of unwanted plants quickly. Some people prefer to weed their garden every other week, while others like to do it once a month. You will find a rhythm that works best for you and then stick to it.

Varmints

Last but not least, be aware of animals eating your plants or destroying them. Deer and rabbits can quickly decimate a garden, making it worthless. There are many strategies to deter wildlife, and you will likely use more than one. Here are some:

• Use raised beds to discourage smaller animals like rabbits from entering your garden.
• Plants can be covered with netting
• You can repel animals by planting things like lavender and garlic.
• For burrowing animals to be discouraged, build fencing around your garden.
• You can use animal deterrent sprays to protect your plants

These are the steps you can take to ensure your garden grows well and that you have a good harvest later in the season.

A garden can be an important part of any home. It can provide a relaxing and serene environment where you can spend time with your family and friends, or even just enjoy the beauty of nature in a place that you can call your own even if your outdoor space is small.

When it comes to designing a small garden, there are so many things to consider for a small garden. You need to think about what plants will thrive in your specific location, Pretoria, and how you want your small garden to look. Here are a few small garden ideas that can be used to make a small garden look great!

How do you create a beautiful garden if you don’t have a lot of space?

Whatever the shape of your garden, zoning is a great way to add visual interest and functionality for a design. Some small garden ideas suggest to create up to three distinct zones using soft hedging, decking ideas, light paving slabs, and decorative stones for the illusion of space.

Setting the decking boards to a level surface that is perpendicular to the flooring can help to prevent a gap from occurring in a small garden. If there is an existing gap, you can remove the decking boards and adjust them until the gap is closed for a neater look. This also allows for the best possible seal that will keep water out of your home and make the most of the space in a garden.

What can I do with tiny garden space?

Looking for a small, rectangular space to grow flowers or vegetables? Consider a few of the trees you have already around your garden, including some which are attractive, and add them to your small garden to for a bit of colour and good aromas.

If you only have room for one tree, choose one which adds interest across seasons. This is a great way to add some shade and colour to your small garden and one of the better small garden ideas for the Pretoria heat. In spring, trees will produce flowers, and in autumn, their leaves and fruits will be attractive.

If you have a good spot for a tree, add in a small apple tree, which will bring delight for months on end in a small garden.

What vegetables grow in a small space?

Here are a few suggestions of vegetables you can grow in your garden and add to your small garden design ideas, especially if your space is small and limited:

• Tomatoes
• Radishes
• Chilies
• Lettuce
• Runner beans
• Lemons
• Herbs

These small garden ideas for your vegetable planting in Pretoria will help you to make the most of your space and make a difference to your kitchen recipes when they grow.

Small garden ideas

1. Create a mini herb garden – Herbs don’t have to be only found in windowsills or large vegetable patches. Upcycle a coffee table or a sideboard to create a small, bijou herb garden. By placing your herbs higher you’ll also save your back a lot of strain that you might get from bending over vegetable beds and make a difference to small gardens.
2. Hang your plants – Hooks can save you a lot of space in the garden and in the house. When using a hook to hang things on a wall, you don’t have to worry about hitting nails or staples into a wall. This also works as a handy way to store items until you have the space to set them in a permanent place or make small gardens look bigger.
3. Enliven the space with colour – As with interior decorating, think about how using colour can help invigorate an outdoor space. Use small garden ideas to add depth to the space with using garden paint ideas to paint the walls in a vibrant shade for a fresh look. Small plants, such as succulents, that are low maintenance and don’t require a lot of care are great for your  Pretoria backyard.

If you have great small garden ideas, then why not make it beautiful, even in a small garden?

In fact, that is what a splash of colour can do for your space! Just by adding a dash of the right hue to a garden design, you can completely change how it looks. It will look like a new design that has a fresh feel and can be just the change you need to add to a small garden.

What plants can you add to a small garden?

• “Fitwhites”-The green and white striped leaves of these ornamental, evergreen grasses are so fresh looking in an outdoor space, they bring light and life to dull areas, while their fountain shape makes them a good choice if you’d like to add texture to your small garden.
• White roses – A knee-high variety which produces a continuous display of both single flowers and clusters can be visually appealing. It is ideal for cutting, and can be good for a small garden at night as its flowers almost glow in the dark.
• “Flower power” daisies – Although they are happy in flower beds they also make excellent container subjects in a small space to create the illusion of colour and birghtness for your space. Make a small space for them in your garden for a bright focus point.

How do you brighten a small garden?

Simple lighting – Consider using fairy lights to add a little magic to your home in a small garden. While they’re available from most home improvement shops, you can also easily make your own with a few simple items that you can find around the house or yard and make the use of the items you may already have. Try out these small garden ideas with a beautiful DIY touch.

Add sparkle with silvery plants -Include silver plants as one of the first things in your small garden in the spring to create a focus point. Silver foliage and foliage is a very popular design element in a home garden. They can be planted in any area of a garden, but they look particularly beautiful in a group within small spaces in front of a house.

Scented plants at your door – Plant them where they’ll smell great! As long as the plants are well established, planted in rich, well-draining soil, and positioned in your garden to receive at least four hours of full sun a day, they should be fine. That said, even plants that are not placed where they’ll receive direct sunlight will still grow, so you can make the most of a small garden space.

How do I make my garden look modern?

Plants are amazing! They look good in almost any climate, from sunny gardens to shady ones, and provide beautiful color to your space all through the year. In fact, evergreens are the best plants for your small garden!

A rosemary plant will provide both an aromatic and long-lasting presence to any kitchen or your outdoor space. This hardy perennial evergreen has soft foliage, small blues to violet flowers and is attractive to bees and butterflies to a garden.

Plant it in beds, borders or pots that are in the sunshine. Set aside a little time for gardening, and find a place to relax create a laidback spot in your home. There are many good small garden ideas for outdoor furniture, and even a bit of outdoor living space is perfect for entertaining and relaxing for a social visit in an outdoor area.

Small gardens,

are just a small space in which you can grow beautiful plants and add in small garden ideas to create the illusion of more space and eye-catching.

The best small garden ideas are easy to create and use all the available space to make the most of your garden. Small gardens don’t need to be big or complex. These ideas can create the illusion of more space, make your garden more attractive and your outdoor space could feel bigger.

We can help your make you outdoor space your own with your small garden ideas you would like to add. Make your small garden the best in the  Pretoria neighbourhood and make it you!

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