🌱 What to Do in Your Garden This December – Western Cape
Sow & Plant
Last Chance to Sow Summer Crops
If you haven’t planted your main summer veggies yet, there’s still a small window left:
- Tomatoes
- Peppers & chillies
- Cucumbers
- Eggplants / brinjals
- Sweetcorn
- Squash & marrows
- Pumpkins
- Melons & watermelon
Plant now for late-summer, early autumn harvests.
Continue Sowing
These crops can still be sown throughout December:
- Basil
- Bush and climbing beans
- Beetroot
- Lettuce (heat-tolerant varieties recommended)
- Spinach & Swiss chard
- Most common herbs
Add Summer Colour
Refresh annual flower beds with heat-loving, fast-blooming favourites:
- Marigolds
- Zinnias
- Cosmos
These thrive in full sun and attract beneficial pollinators.
Feed & Water
- Water deeply early in the morning to reduce heat stress and evaporation.
- Add a layer of mulch (compost, woodchips or bark nuggets) to keep soil cool and retain moisture.
- Feed vegetables and flowering plants with a balanced organic fertiliser to support strong summer growth.
- Check pot plants daily — containers dry out faster in hot weather.
Pest Watch
Summer heat is ideal for common garden pests. Keep an eye out for:
- Aphids
- Whiteflies
- Red spider mites
Organic Control Options
- Neem Oil – effective for sucking insects and also acts as a mild fungicide.
- Diatomaceous Earth – ideal for crawling insects.
Be sure to check the underside of leaves weekly. Catching pests early prevents damage and helps your plants stay healthy.
General Garden Care
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
- Stake tomatoes, sunflowers, peppers and other tall growers to prevent heat or wind damage.
- Harvest regularly — it encourages new growth and reduces waste.
- Inspect your irrigation or dripper systems to ensure all plants are getting enough water.
Shop Our Gardening Essentials
Support your garden naturally with our range of organic mixes and products.
👉 Shop here: www.laylasorganics.co.za
🌞 Happy December Gardening, Western Cape!
With a little planning and consistent care, your garden can thrive through the heat. Enjoy the sunshine, the growth and the beautiful colours of summer.