SPRING is in the air – no, really, it is! It may not feel particularly warm and welcoming out there but January is almost out of the way and a thin green fuzz will be covering our gardens and beyond as buds break and leaves start to unfurl. You need to get a shimmy with pruning before trees do green up again, otherwise their sap will be flowing well and cutting wounds may bleed profusely, creating an entry point for diseases and pests.
At this time of year we are only tackling certain deciduous trees, as it is way too cold for evergreens as frosts damage and blacken cut shoots. Trees and shrubs that flower early, such as forsythia, should also be left as pruning now will remove their blossoming stems.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters