Gardening: Horticulturist Morne Faulhammer on keeping your garden thriving

In this episode of Lunch with Pippa Hudson, horticulturist Morne Faulhammer joins to share expert gardening advice, covering everything from water choices to pest control and plant care. He emphasizes the benefits of using spring water over treated tap water, especially for indoor plants, and shares insights from his upcoming trip to China and Borneo, where he’ll explore natural habitats to better understand plant needs. The episode tackles listener questions on common garden pests like cabbage worms and hawkmoth caterpillars, advocating for mechanical removal and encouraging bird-friendly gardens. Faulhammer also explains the distinct growing conditions for garlic, ginger, and turmeric, stressing proper soil moisture and planting depth. He provides practical tips for dealing with mealybugs (including spraying soil and repeating treatments), transplanting ice cream bushes, and harvesting limes from double-grafted citrus trees. The episode concludes with advice for growing in deep shade and pruning basil, distinguishing between annual and perennial varieties. Throughout, Faulhammer’s passion for plants and ecological observation shines through. Key takeaways include: use spring water for indoor plants to avoid chlorine; remove pests manually or encourage birds; tailor soil and moisture to plant type—garlic needs dry, well-drained soil while ginger and turmeric thrive in moist, shaded environments; always spray soil when treating mealybugs and repeat treatments weekly; and prune perennial basil lightly in winter to encourage spring regrowth. The episode ends on a high note, celebrating the joy of gardening and the value of learning from nature.