Tips
The sub-tropical climate that exists in Fuerteventura allows us to grow some beautiful, exotic plants that give joy all year round.
Whether you prefer a tropical jungle, a Mexican desert or a garden full of South African colour, there are hundreds of plants to choose from.
The important thing to bear in mind is to use plants that suit the individual local conditions.
If a site is very exposed and windy, it is best to use plants that can withstand the conditions (cacti, aloe, agave, strelitzia).
If there are more sheltered conditions, it is possible to grow plants with softer leaves and taller shrubs and trees (hibiscus, tulip tree, Cuban royal palm)
We would always recommend a visit to the Botanical Gardens in La Lajita (just past the zoo, travelling south) where you will get a full appreciation of what fantastic plant combinations are possible.
The first thing to bear in mind is that experience in gardening in Northern Europe has no bearing at all in Fuerteventura. Growing conditions are totally different, plants have different growing habits and requirements and gardening methods are totally different.
So, leave your wellies, lawn rakes, hormone rooting powder and border forks behind and read the few basic tips listed below:
- Don’t try to fight the local conditions – water is a valuable commodity. Grow plants that don’t need much of it.
- Avoid buying plants that have been “nursery” grown in coir or peat compost. The “ball” of compost that you plant dries out too quickly, placing stress on the plant. Plants are available that have been grown in “tierra de Fuerteventura” or a tierra / picon mix. These plants establish much better.
- Avoid using any “potting” compost, especially that which is peat based. Peat is a non-sustainable resource. Adapt to the conditions and help the planet at the same time.
- Use raised beds wherever possible. This gives the plants a good depth of root run. It is quite normal for new gardens to have several inches of picon over rubbish and rock. If you keep the planted areas at ground level, it is very difficult to get a decent sized planting hole.
- Never plant directly into picon. Picon is very useful because it acts as mulch, suppresses weeds and absorbs moisture from the air overnight but it cannot sustain plant growth.
- Resist buying plants before the garden is completed. They suffer quite badly if left unplanted for weeks. Room to Breathe Gardens can help you choose your plants, source them from reliable local suppliers and plant for you.
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