October Garden Checklist

Spring is in full swing, and as the temperatures rise, it’s the perfect time to plant your summer bulbs. Once nestled in the soil, their journey begins, leading to vibrant summer blooms that will bring you joy and a deep sense of appreciation.

Keep up your watering regime 

If your bulbs—like clivia, freesia, Ixia, or even amaryllis—are in bloom, be sure to maintain regular watering to encourage continuous flowering. Even after the blooms fade, watering remains crucial as the bulbs enter a vital phase of their lifecycle, storing the nutrients and energy they need for another spectacular show next season.

Summer bulb planting

Tuck these bulbs into your garden, be it in pots or beds, because they’re ready to get growing.

• Agapanthus

• Locally-grown dahlia

• Eucomis (pineapple lily)

• Galtonia (berg lily)

• Hemerocallis (daylily)

• Hippeastrum amaryllis

• Hymenocallis (spider lily)

• Nerine (Guernsey lily)

• Polianthes (tuberose)

• Tigridia (one day lily)

• Zephyranthes (rain lily)

Remember to give them a sunny position, in well-draining soil. After all, they’re summer bulbs and need the warm South African sunshine to grow optimally. Some bulbs can tolerate a bit of afternoon shade, but this may cause taller stems and potentially affect flowering. One thing you shouldn't skip is compost. Mulching with compost not only helps retain moisture but also enriches the soil with essential nutrients for healthier plants.

Container planting tips:

• Choose the correct sized container Make sure your pot has sufficient drainage holes
• Use well-draining potting soil
• Use a layer of clay pellets or broken pieces of terracotta at the bottom of the pot to aid with drainage and soil loss
• Position your pot in a sun-soaked spot
• Water more often than those planted in the ground — about every two to three days provided it hasn’t rained
• Overplant with pretty annuals that you can get from your local garden centre or nursery for heaps of colour that doubles as a living mulch

Check for pests

Warmer weather brings more than just mosquitoes—it's when all sorts of insects emerge in search of food. While your first instinct might be to get rid of them, it's important to recognise the difference between the helpful and harmful ones. Many creatures play a vital role in keeping your garden’s ecosystem balanced. If you do encounter harmful pests, visit your local garden center or nursery for a suitable solution, preferably organic, to handle the issue.

Read Grow Bulbs in Harmony with Nature here.

Up the care for your indoor plants

While the call of the outdoors may be loud and enticing, don’t forget to turn your attention to the greenery inside your home too. With warmer weather, your plants will need more water, feeding should begin, and you might need to adjust their positioning to shield them from direct sunlight. Some may even require repotting if they've outgrown their pots. No worries—Pokon has everything you need to ensure your plants thrive with premium care products designed to keep them happy and healthy.

Celebrate Garden Day on Sunday, 20 October

What is spring without a little fling? Host a garden fiesta with your flower-loving friends and family on Sunday, October 20, and celebrate the season with flower crowns and nature-inspired activities.

No garden? No worries! Head to a nearby park or botanical garden to soak up the outdoor beauty and fully embrace the season in bloom.

Wishing you a beautiful and blooming October!