I thought I’d break from my usual routine this week and actually talk about gardening. It’s all too easy to ignore the garden as the cold winter nights start to close in on us. Whether we like it or not though, the next couple of months are the best times to be doing any number of jobs, such as moving dormant trees and shrubs that have outgrown their places and planting new hedges (remember not to do these if there is the threat of frost as this will damage the plant roots) The vegetable patch can be prepared in readiness for next year, either do the heavy double digging and let the frost break the soil up or use the less laborious method of putting down cardboard then a thick layer of well rotted manure , the worms will then do all the hard work. You might like to sow a green manure such as field beans or winter rye; these will bring up valuable nutrients from deep in the soil and can be dug into the bed in spring.
It’s getting a bit late to sow new lawns with grass seed, as the plants may not be able to withstand the colder weather. The more expensive option of laying turf will still be all right as the grass is already established. Make sure the turf has a good root system and lay them as soon as they arrive. If all this sounds like hard work, then now is also an ideal time to sit in front of the fire with a pencil and paper and sketch out ideas for hard landscaping jobs such as the new patio or set of steps, this will give you chance to order the materials you need, there will be plenty of pleasant winter days to start these projects.
In the Greenhouse
If you have the use of a greenhouse or polythene tunnel, then you will probably be aware that this time of year brings plenty of problems for over wintering plants. Therefore some precautionary steps are needed to stop the fungal diseases or mould from destroying your prized specimens. On warmer days improve ventilation by opening doors and windows; this will reduce the humidity, one thing that mould thrives on. Keep what plants you have well spaced to let the air circulate and try not to let water sit on the plant leaves. I had a lot of trouble with mould in my tunnel last year and I must confess I was tempted to buy a chemical to spray on the plants to combat the problem. One thing that stopped me was the fact that I have recently constructed a pond in the tunnel to house my slug eating frog friends, any water that is in the tunnel will go to the pond as it has been built at the lowest point, so chemicals are out of the question. Luckily I was told recently that there is an organic method that can be used, this involves spraying the plants with one part skimmed milk and three parts water… Job done; I’ll let you know if it works.
As with most plants, when they are not actively growing, they generally require less water, so allow the surface of the compost or soil to dry out before watering.
Fruit garden
Now is a good time to plant fruit trees or all kinds. The soil is still warm so roots will have a chance to establish before next year. If you are planning to plant apples, check that the varieties are self-fertile which means that you will only need the one tree to produce fruit. Or that the trees rely on other trees to pollinate one another. This is important to ensure a good crop. As a general guide, trees that flower at the same time will cross-pollinate one another. I you are in any doubt then pick the brains of the garden centre staff before you pick the fruit!
Horticultural.
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