WE had a week’s holiday away from home last month and the combination of (relative) summer warmth and thundery showers turned the garden into a jungle by the time we returned.
The lawns were lush, the beds a tangle, weeds were rampant and there were signs that pests and diseases had taken advantage of our short absence to make inroads into our plants.
Not only that, but we had forgotten to shape after a break net the currants and raspberries before we left and the blackbirds had tucked in with gusto!
So what tasks should you prioritise on your return from a much-needed holiday?
Pests and diseases are the obvious starting point, because left unchecked they will spread. Some of our greenhouse tomatoes are showing signs of virus so sadly they will have to go, and I’ve used an organic bug spray to deal with the infestations of blackfly on our beans.
Plant viruses
A devastating problem
Denne historien er fra August 07, 2021-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
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Denne historien er fra August 07, 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
