The latest news and gardening tips from Cape Contours, Cape Town. en-ZA http://www.capecontours.co.za/gardentips Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0200 Battling a swarm of fruit flies in your kitchen or bathroom? Get rid of them quickly with this simple, homemade trap:
What You Need:
·                        Apple cider vinegar
·                        Dish soap
·                        A jar or small bowl
·                        Plastic wrap
What You Do:
1. Pour a cup of apple cider vinegar...]]> http://www.capecontours.co.za/gardentips-30_getridoffruitflieshomemadeflytrap http://www.capecontours.co.za/media/thumbs/201003031267600771.jpg http://www.capecontours.co.za/media/news/201003031267600771.jpg Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0200 New seedlings and saplings need plenty of moisture. Lack of water is the main cause of severe stress to newly planted trees. It stands guard when you can't to keep a tree healthy.Mulch insulates soil, retains moisture, keeps out weeds, prevents soil compaction, reduces lawnmower damage, and adds an aesthetic touch to a yard or...]]> http://www.capecontours.co.za/gardentips-28_doireallyneedtomulchmynewtreeandhow http://www.capecontours.co.za/media/thumbs/201002041265264779.jpg http://www.capecontours.co.za/media/news/201002041265264779.jpg Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0200 Taking root cuttings is one of the most reliable and economical ways to produce many perennial and woody plants.It's also pathetically easy, so if you've ever had problems propagating some of your favorite plants, this may be the way for you to go.It's best done during the plant's dormant season, and is such a straightforward...]]> http://www.capecontours.co.za/gardentips-29_rootcuttings http://www.capecontours.co.za/media/thumbs/201002041265265043.jpg http://www.capecontours.co.za/media/news/201002041265265043.jpg Wed, 20 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0200 Mowing Height Directly Affects Plant Health
 
The most important piece of advice in the way of lawn care is simple. Mow the lawn high. Most lawns should be cut at a minimum mowing height of 2.5 inches, give or take a notch on your mower's adjustable wheels.
A longer lawn will have more surface...]]> http://www.capecontours.co.za/gardentips-16_whyyoushouldmowthelawnhigh http://www.capecontours.co.za/media/thumbs/201001201263987834.jpg http://www.capecontours.co.za/media/news/201001201263987834.jpg Wed, 20 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0200 There are two major methods of tree planting. One is planting a tree with an intact root ball. The trees can either be bound by fabric and string or potted in a plastic container. These trees are designed to plant in a hole large enough to accommodate the entire root and ball comfortably.
  http://www.capecontours.co.za/gardentips-22_howtoplantaseedlingorsapling http://www.capecontours.co.za/media/thumbs/201001201263987185.jpg http://www.capecontours.co.za/media/news/201001201263987185.jpg Thu, 07 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0200 Everyone recognizes lady beetles and welcomes them into their gardens. Unfortunately baby lady beetles look nothing like they do as adults. Ladybug nymphs resemble tiny black alligators, about ½ in length, with red, orange or white markings. In fact, their appearance can be quite alarming and tempt you to reach for the spray can. Don’t...]]> http://www.capecontours.co.za/gardentips-26_ladybugsthegoodguys http://www.capecontours.co.za/media/thumbs/201001071262857641.jpg http://www.capecontours.co.za/media/news/201001071262857641.jpg Thu, 07 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0200 It seems pretty straight forward, but it is one of the biggest problems gardeners have. It is such a widespread problem, so relax, because you're not alone. The good news is that with a few guidelines, you won't have to worry about how to water ever again.
 
A lot of times gardening books will...]]> http://www.capecontours.co.za/gardentips-27_wateringplantsproperly http://www.capecontours.co.za/media/thumbs/201001071262858272.jpg http://www.capecontours.co.za/media/news/201001071262858272.jpg Thu, 07 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0200 White grubs are the most widespread and destructive insect pests in the cool-season and transition zones of turf grass.
 
They have curled C-shape bodies that vary from 6.35 to 19 mm long. They are creamy white with a yellow or brown head and dark hind parts. Adults vary in appearance because white grubs are...]]> http://www.capecontours.co.za/gardentips-25_whitegrubsinlawn http://www.capecontours.co.za/media/thumbs/201001071262857408.jpg http://www.capecontours.co.za/media/news/201001071262857408.jpg Fri, 11 Dec 2009 08:00:00 +0200 Everyone recognizes lady beetles and welcomes them into their gardens. Unfortunately baby lady beetles look nothing like they do as adults. Ladybug nymphs resemble tiny black alligators, about ½ in length, with red, orange or white markings. In fact, their appearance can be quite alarming and tempt you to reach for the spray can. Don’t...]]> http://www.capecontours.co.za/gardentips-18_ladybug-andnymphsoneofthegoodbugs http://www.capecontours.co.za/media/thumbs/200912071260185837.jpg http://www.capecontours.co.za/media/news/200912071260185837.jpg Mon, 07 Dec 2009 08:00:00 +0200 If your plant leaves look like someone was doodling squiggly lines, you have leaf miners. Leafminers are the larvae of various beetles, flies, moths and sawflies. The adult lays their eggs on the leaf and the larvae burrow into the leaf and tunnel through it, feeding and leaving a transparent trail of where they've been...]]> http://www.capecontours.co.za/gardentips-19_leafminers http://www.capecontours.co.za/media/thumbs/200912071260186215.jpg http://www.capecontours.co.za/media/news/200912071260186215.jpg