The following is with complements of www.gardeningeden.co.za

To grow plants successfully and have a thriving garden you need to understand the groundwork. For thriving plants certain tasks need to be repeated annually and some seasonally. Soil preparation is essential and an understanding of what soil type you have and how to change it will save you a lot of money! So can knowledge of propagation techniques. Additionally you need to understand what treatment different plants want in the form of pruning and feeding. To be prepared for pests and/or diseases is extremely valuable - often plants are killed and thrown out because a situation was left too long and what was initially a manageable pest-situation became a killer. Chemical warfare is not always the only solution so make sure you see our Alternative Gardening section for herbal remedies.