AT the time of writing (mid-April), this spring has been a tough one for the garden. Not only has it been unseasonably cold even here on the south coast, it has been worryingly dry with no rainfall of substance for several weeks.
We have already emptied one water butt and are starting to save grey water and recycle not-too-contaminated washing up water, which is unprecedented at this time of year.
The last few springs have been very dry, though not as cold as this one, and if this pattern continues we will need to start thinking more carefully about how we save and store water, and how carefully we use it. Millions of gallons are already lost each year through cracked and leaking pipes.
On these pages I’m going to look at ways of reusing and recycling water (which is less revolting than it sounds!), what to prioritise around the garden, and I’m going to introduce you to one of the newest remote controlled watering systems, which I will be trying out through the summer.
The first thing to look at is how and when to water – it may sound foolishly simple, but to optimise water supplies you need to get this right.
Denne historien er fra May 08, 2021-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
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Denne historien er fra May 08, 2021-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
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