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Listen up plant lovers! Here are 5 ways to keep your Maltese garden alive in autumn
Fake plants and succulents no more

Kristina Cassar Dowling

Disclaimer: This pro-tip list is based on the fictitious ideal climate of the Maltese islands. It in no way caters for the bouts of heat that sometimes arise nor the freakishly cold temperatures that sometimes descend.

Phew! Tending to plants in Malta is not an easy job. The gardeners and plant nurseries on the island have their work cut out for them throughout the year.  So, if your go-to plants are generally succulents, cacti or even plastic (shh!); this pro-tip list may be the answer to your plants' prayers.

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Step 1: Wet their whistle

Watering your plants in a consistent manner is vital to their survival. Firstly, you’ll need to find out how often to water your plants (it differs with whether you’re boasting an indoor garden or and outdoor garden.) And keep it consistent; your plants will be waiting.

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Step 2: Nourish their souls

A good fertiliser acts like food for your plants. No, science geeks, we know photosynthesis is what gives plants food, what we’re saying here is that fertiliser provides nutrients! Think of it as a morning booster after a heavy night; as the rain and heat wash away the good stuff in your plants, the fertiliser helps to perk them back up!

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Step 3: Eliminate their demons

It’s not unheard of for creepy crawlies to squat on your newly potted plants. Getting rid of bugs requires patience and consistency - once again! Usually tackled with a soapy solution diluted in water, generously sprayed onto the plant. Do your best to use a plant-based soap too; especially if your plant is an edible.

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Step 4: Trim their locks

Whether it’s your green babies' first trip to the barber or not, this is always a scary one. Especially if you’ve read Roald Dahl’s Sound Machine. Different plants need to be pruned at different times of the year; so ask Google or a plant nursery guru.

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Step 5: Broaden their minds

This is no joke! It’s scientifically proven that speaking to plants helps them grow. The only problem is when they start talking back to you (cue the Netflix Original Disjointed reference to communicative plants.)

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Please note that no plants were hurt in the writing of this post.


Kristina Cassar Dowling
Written by
Kristina Cassar Dowling
A local writer in love with the Maltese islands, Kristina is a hunter for all things cultural both in Malta and outside its shores. A curious foodie, music fanatic, art lover and keen traveller with an open mind and a passion for writing.

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