TRELLIS CHECK

REPAIRS
I was out in the vegetable patch the other day clearing the hazel sticks out of the pea beds. The hazel probably won’t last for another year as it was quite rotted. It might be an idea if you went around your gardens and checked that the woodwork is in order. Fence posts need checking, especially near the ground where the worst of the rot usually occurs. Check fence panels for damage too, if they are rotted they could do with being replaced along with the posts- if strong winds come the damage could be made a lot worse.

Treat timber that is in good condition with a wood preservative. You can get environmentally sound products that aren’t harmful to wildlife or the soil- ask the staff at the hardware shops. Check trellis too, if you have climbers growing up the walls. Cut back the climbers so you can get to the trellis if it needs any maintenance. If the trellis is in good repair you might still consider trimming back the climber, this will ease the stress on the trellis and promote healthy new growth for the climber in spring.