PEOPLE who aren’t gardeners sometimes surmise that winter is the ‘quiet’ time in the garden. That is so not the case, as there is always something to do whatever the season, but it has to be said that where we are now is probably the time when we wish for extra hours in the day, more hours of daylight.
Spring is called ‘spring’ for a reason: it is the time when everything leaps back to life and into growth. With this welcome surge comes an ever-lengthening list of things to do, and this week I have been tackling just a few of them.
Potting up summer flowering tubers, clearing pots, giving fuchsias their seasonal trim and making sure the pond water stays clear and healthy are all part and parcel of the spring gardener’s checklist.
Feeding and mulching is essential to encourage new growth and help it develop healthily and strongly.
The warmer weather also, of course, brings out the weeds and pests so deal with them immediately. I would rather weed by hand than use chemicals, and the same goes for controlling insect pests. If you are unable to do this and prefer to use a spray, try and use an organic one and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Don’t spray on windy days as the chemicals can travel and, in the case of weedkillers, kill your cultivated plants, and never use pesticides on flowering plants as you will kill pollinators.
Another job to tackle now is pruning your Group 2 and 3 clematis. Group 2 plants are renowned for their large flowers that bloom in May and June and varieties include ‘Nelly Moser’, ‘Barbara Jackman’, Jackmanii ‘Alba’ and J. ‘Rubra’ and ‘Burma Star’.
Bu hikaye Amateur Gardening dergisinin March 12, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Amateur Gardening dergisinin March 12, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
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