What to Do in Your Johannesburg Garden This January

January brings classic Highveld summer conditions — scorching midday heat, dramatic thunderstorms, high humidity, and explosive plant growth. It’s a peak gardening month, and with the right care, your garden will thrive all through the festive season. Here’s your MFN-approved guide to keeping your outdoor space happy and healthy.

Follow our ASP PAUL videos on Facebook or Instagram for more advice.

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1. Water Deeply, Early & Consistently

Johannesburg’s hot summer days mean shallow watering won’t cut it. Water early in the morning so the soil absorbs moisture before the heat rises. Avoid evening watering after thunderstorms to prevent fungal issues.

Don’t skip mulch

A 5–7cm layer of mulch will reduce evaporation and keep roots cool — essential in December.

Pop into Monkey Fountain Nursery for premium bark mulch, compost, watering accessories and climate-specific advice from Paul on creating a water-smart garden built for Joburg heat.

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2. Feed Summer Plants for Maximum Growth

With plants growing at full speed, December is prime feeding season.

               •             Flowering annuals → potassium-rich booster

               •             Veggies → organic balanced feed every 2–3 weeks

               •             Lawns → slow-release summer fertiliser

We stock a full range of organic fertilisers, liquid feeds, lawn boosters and speciality nutrient blends. Ask Paul which product suits your specific beds or lawn type.

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3. Guard Against Pests After Storms

Heat + humidity = pest paradise. Expect aphids, mites, whitefly, fungus gnats and snails to appear overnight.

Use eco-friendly insecticidal soap, prune infected areas and improve airflow around plants.

Visit our organic pesticide corner, including pet-safe options. Paul can help identify pests on the spot — simply bring a leaf sample.

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4. Plant Heat-Loving Summer Colour

January is perfect for adding resilient, sun-loving plants such as:

Gaura, Portulaca, Vinca, Marigolds, Salvias, Agapanthus and drought-tolerant succulents.

Our nursery is fully stocked with fresh summer colour trays, hardy perennials and heat-proof favourites — all chosen for Joburg’s climate. Let Paul guide you to plants that thrive, not survive.

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5. Refresh Your Herb & Veg Patch

January’s long days create perfect growing conditions. Replant fast growers like:

basil, tomatoes, spinach, lettuce, beans, chillies and coriander.

Discover MFN’s seedlings, vegetable starters, organic soil mixes and slow-release food section. Paul will gladly help you plan a productive summer veg patch.

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6. Maintain Compost & Capture Stormwater

Turn compost weekly and channel storm runoff into storage buckets or rain tanks to minimise irrigation costs.

We offer compost bins, boosters, organic microbial activators and water collection solutions — ask Paul how to get your home compost performing its best.

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7. Get the Garden Entertaining-Ready

January is outdoor hosting season. Lightly prune, sweep pathways, and refresh patio areas with potted herbs, flowering bowls or heat-tolerant planters.

Visit Monkey Fountain for ready-to-go patio pots, statement planters, festive colour bowls and herb baskets — and get personalised styling input from Paul.

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