by Albert Venter | Nov 8, 2020 | Compost & Fertilizers
3Sixty Organic Potting Mix
3Sixty Organic Potting Mix, growing beautiful plants has never been easier! The top-of-the-range potting mix for all types of plants and conditions helps you save water while ensuring strong healthy growth.
3Sixty premium organic potting mix is made from premium quality, renewable, and sustainable resources. 3Sixty potting mix will maintain peak condition without compaction providing good structure and aeration for strong root growth ensuring your potted plants have the best possible growing environment.
A premium organic potting mix developed to nourish indoor and outdoor plants in dry conditions. The top-of-the-range potting mix for all types of plants and conditions helps you save water while ensuring strong healthy growth.
Retains 100% more moisture than standard mixes. Feeds continuously for months. Trace, Macro, and microelements encourage strong roots and plant growth.
Premium Potting Mix provides the ideal moisture and nutrient environment for healthier, stronger, and better-quality plants.
- Use 3Sixty Premium Potting Mix straight from the bag – don’t mix it with other materials. Close the bag tightly after use.
- Choose a clean container with large drainage holes and partly fill it with the fresh mix out of the bag
- Carefully lift the plant to be potted up from its existing pot. Gently loosen the root ball without disturbing the roots too much and remove any damaged, dried out, or twisted roots
- Place the plant in the center of the pot (if potting up individually) or position it where you want it to grow in a larger container that will eventually hold several plants
- Fill in with Premium Potting Mix to within 2-3cm of the top rim of the pot and press lightly.
- Water the pot thoroughly (until water runs from the drainage holes) then allow it to drain freely. If necessary top the mix up again to the suggested level.
Key range features:
- Continuous feeding for months
- Promote strong root and shoot development
- Suitable for specialty plants
- Improved moisture penetration and water retention
by Albert Venter | Apr 7, 2020 | Pool
Swimming Pools are built for fun in the sun but they can also be dangerous. Drowning is one of the leading causes of death among children, it is quick and quiet. This can be prevented by making your pool safe for babies, children, and domestic animals.
When near a pool, remember these safety tips:
Invest in a pool cover or net. Always swim with someone else, and let someone know you’re in the water. Keep a watchful eye on your children and avoid running near the pool. To prevent injuries, use the deep end of the pool instead of jumping or diving into the shallow end.
It is important to encourage children to learn how to swim from a young age. Sadly, many children who drown in home pools were not out of sight for more than five minutes. Thus, if someone is missing, check the water first as every second counts in preventing death or disability. It is also essential to have appropriate safety equipment nearby, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets, and a first aid kit. Lastly, it is advisable not to allow an inexperienced swimmer near the deep end of a pool, but rather keep them in the shallow end where they can stand.
Having safety nets installed for swimming pools can provide several benefits. These nets can serve as a secure and safe barrier, which can maximize the available space in your backyard and maintain the aesthetic of the swimming pool area.
The safety potential of the net is based on the size of its squares. The squares are small enough that children cannot fall through, yet too large to walk or stand on. Additionally, one adult can easily remove or replace the net in just a few minutes.
Pulleys in the net release tension. Hooks and anchors secure it. Pool nets deter, but never leave children alone near the pool. They’re ideal for small pools, safer than fences, and easy to replace.
Ensuring pool safety is crucial in preventing accidents. Don’t let yourself become a statistic, make it a top priority!
by Albert Venter | Sep 18, 2019 | Gardens
(Get It September 2019)
Transforming a small garden patio into a retreat.
Transforming a small garden patio into a retreat. With the right accessories and plants, even the smallest garden patio can become an inviting, private escape. Try these ideas to transform your underused patio into a secluded oasis for lounging and entertaining. Garden screens add a stylish touch to your garden patio and beautifully define the space.
- Assessment and Planning:
- Evaluate the current state of your patio, considering its size, layout, and existing features.
- Identify the purpose of your retreat. Do you want a space for relaxation, entertaining, gardening, or a combination of these?
- Clear and Clean:
- Remove any clutter, old furniture, or unnecessary items from the patio.
- Clean the space thoroughly, including sweeping, power washing surfaces, and cleaning any outdoor furniture.
- Define Zones:
- Plan different zones within the patio based on your needs. For example, create a seating area, a dining space, and a greenery zone.
- Use outdoor rugs, planters, or low walls to visually separate these zones.
- Comfortable Seating:
- Invest in comfortable outdoor furniture. Consider weather-resistant materials like teak or metal with proper cushions.
- Arrange the seating to encourage conversation and relaxation.
- Greenery and Plants:
- Introduce plants and flowers to add color, texture, and a sense of nature. Choose plants that thrive in your climate and are suitable for the available sunlight.
- Use vertical gardening solutions like wall-mounted planters to maximize space.
- Install outdoor lighting to extend the usability of the space into the evening.
Think vertical! If you don’t have enough space for numerous pots, consider a vertical garden. Hang small containers filled with lovely greenery from a wall or screen.
Create a wonderful atmosphere with lanterns or string lights.
Add a small water feature to make a big impact. You can even combine it with a bird feeder for an even greater effect.
by Albert Venter | Jun 26, 2019 | Koi Pond
Basic Principles of Koi Pond Filtration
Basic Principles of Koi Pond Filtration. To keep Koi fish healthy, it is crucial to maintain an artificial environment that closely simulates their natural habitat. Filtration helps create a natural biological system that preserves the pond’s water quality. Koi’s well-being is tied to the water quality, which can be impacted by waste products. Good water quality shouldn’t be confused with clarity, but it’s possible to achieve both. There are many ways to filter pond water, and the methods outlined here have been tried and tested by Water Plant for over 25 years.
There are two main types of pond filter systems: Gravity Filter Systems and Pressurized Filter Systems. Gravity Filter Systems work by pumping water into the filter, which then flows through various layers or chambers before returning to the pond via gravity. These filters need to be positioned higher than the water level of the pond to allow the water to flow back.
Pressurized Filter Systems work just like a pool filter system. The water goes through a Sand Filter or Zeolite, then through a biological filter chamber and a UV pond sterilizer. The system is pressurized, allowing the filter to be positioned lower than the pond and pump water up through a water feature. Three types of filtration processes take place in a pond: mechanical, biological, and UV filtration. Mechanical filtration removes solid particles from the pond. In pressurized filter systems, the water passes through a sand filter. Biological filtration removes Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate through nitrification by colonies of aerobic bacteria. UV filtration clarifies pond water and controls algae growth.
Choosing the Right Filter for Your Pond
To select the right filter for your pond, consider the following factors:
– Pond size: Use the equation m3 x 1000 to calculate the pond size. Overestimate the size and factor in the required circulation.
– Fish stocking: The number of fish determines the filter size. We recommend 1 fish per 1000 liters of water.
Biofilters and UV lights have maximum flow rates for specific pond sizes. Make sure to check the ratings before purchasing.
There are various methods to enhance the quality of water
To ensure that fish thrive in your koi pond, it is essential that there is a sufficient oxygen concentration of at least 8 mg/l. Water without oxygen cannot support aquatic life, thus the exchange of carbon dioxide to oxygen at the water’s surface is not enough. To improve aeration and water quality, it’s recommended to use a Venturi on the return line to the pond.
Along with using a Venturi, it’s also important to regularly change 10% of your pond water every week. If you are adding municipal water, make sure to use a chlorine remover to remove any chlorine. Furthermore, debris and sludge can accumulate at the bottom of the pond, and it’s recommended to regularly remove them. This can be done by flushing debris through the bottom drain or by using a pond vacuum.
by Albert Venter | Jul 11, 2016 | Gardens
Tips for choosing the right garden furniture
Tips for choosing the right garden furniture. Choosing the right garden furniture can be a daunting task. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
1. Consider your space: Before buying any furniture, make sure you have enough space in your garden to accommodate it. Take measurements of the area where you want to place the furniture to ensure that it fits perfectly.
2. Think about the material: Garden furniture is available in a wide range of materials, including wood, metal, and plastic. Think about the climate in your area and the amount of maintenance you are willing to do before choosing the material.
3. Comfort is key: While it’s important to choose furniture that looks good, comfort should be your top priority. Test out different pieces before making a purchase to ensure that they are comfortable to sit on.
4. Look for durability: Garden furniture is exposed to the elements all year round, so it’s important to choose pieces that are durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions.
5. Consider your budget: Garden furniture can range from inexpensive to very expensive. Set a budget before you start shopping and stick to it to avoid overspending.
By following these tips, you can choose the right garden furniture that will not only look great but also last for many years. Your patio and garden areas are crucial parts of your home where you can unwind and entertain your loved ones. To make this space more inviting, it’s important to choose the right garden furniture that matches your requirements. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect garden furniture for your outdoor space.
Consider the purpose, color, space, durability, and comfort before buying garden furniture. Choose furniture that suits your needs, is made from high-quality materials, and is easy to maintain. Measure your outdoor space and ensure there’s enough room for people to move around freely. Before purchasing, take a seat to test the comfort level.
