August in your Tropical garden

For those who like chokoes, now's the time to plant a couple out. Make sure you plant them at a 45 degree angle, with the pointed end upwards, and place them beside a support post. A little Debco Debcote All Purpose Fertiliser after planting will help.

The drying westerly winds seriously reduce the yield of lettuce, cabbage and cauliflowers so keep the water up to those leafy vegetables - a drink of Phostrogen Plant Food won't go astray either.

Leaf miner may attack Citrus - spray with an appropriate insecticide at the first sign.

Deciduous fruit trees should be planted by the end of this month. If the soil isn't up to scratch use suitable organic compost in the planting site.

Work plenty of organic matter or compost into the soil to prepare for the planting of summer vegetables.

Hard prune Hibiscus and begin monthly applications of Debcote All Purpose Fertiliser once new growth appears.

As buds start forming on spring annuals, an application of Phostrogen Plant Food every couple of weeks will help them along.

Cut back Hydrangeas, divide Cannas and Gerberas. With the latter, strip off all the old leaves and dip the crowns in a fungicide before replanting.

Roses are starting to make new growth now so that's the signal to start feeding them with Phostrogen Rose Food & Tonic.

If the mower blades haven't been changed for a while, now is the time to get the mower up to scratch before the growing season starts in earnest. Progressively lower the mower height as the lawn starts to grow. It's still essential to continue with regular and deep watering. An application of Phostrogen Plant Food will benefit the lawn after the winter dormancy period.