Have you started your lawnmower since last year? Might be a good idea if it’s a petrol model to run it up – if it’s ‘no go’ book a service now in good time for when you need it.
Snowdrops, polyanthus and crocuses provide some much needed colour to the garden and even with all this rain, it is good to see the days getting longer again.
Daffodils will be blooming in succession if you’ve planted different varieties. If you have a gap in flowering, make a note to buy some to fill the season next year. Specialist catalogues always give information on when they flower so you can have a non-stop display.
Whatever you think of sowing direct into soil, be it flower or vegetable, make sure the soil temperature below 3’’ (75 mm) is at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit or certain failure awaits you.
Have you pruned your roses yet? Hybrid teas can be cut back hard but modern shrub roses need a lesser haircut – more of a shape and trim!
Wisteria shoots can be cut back to two buds to encourage flowering – my guess is that we will have a bumper flowering year again due to the wet weather.
Plants in the greenhouse that look like starting into growth will like being repotted in fresh compost. Geraniums in particular will repay a bit of attention. Any bits you cut off to shape a plant are worth popping in a pot to root to make another free plant.
You can start off dahlia tubers either in a greenhouse or indoors to provide shoots for cutting. Plant the tubers in a 6” (15cm) tray of moist compost, just covering the tubers. Once shoots appear give them plenty of light.
If you haven’t got yours yet, don’t leave it too late to get a ticket for Christine Walkden on 5 March – email us at [email protected] or speak to one of the committee members – Eddie Morris, Bob Teasdale, Angela Miller, Sue Ellis, or Lesley Miller.
Don’t forget our Spring Show on Wednesday April 2 – take a look at the website to see the categories and download a leaflet or contact one of the Committee to get a copy.
Pete Chamberlain
Snowdrops, polyanthus and crocuses provide some much needed colour to the garden and even with all this rain, it is good to see the days getting longer again.
Daffodils will be blooming in succession if you’ve planted different varieties. If you have a gap in flowering, make a note to buy some to fill the season next year. Specialist catalogues always give information on when they flower so you can have a non-stop display.
Whatever you think of sowing direct into soil, be it flower or vegetable, make sure the soil temperature below 3’’ (75 mm) is at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit or certain failure awaits you.
Have you pruned your roses yet? Hybrid teas can be cut back hard but modern shrub roses need a lesser haircut – more of a shape and trim!
Wisteria shoots can be cut back to two buds to encourage flowering – my guess is that we will have a bumper flowering year again due to the wet weather.
Plants in the greenhouse that look like starting into growth will like being repotted in fresh compost. Geraniums in particular will repay a bit of attention. Any bits you cut off to shape a plant are worth popping in a pot to root to make another free plant.
You can start off dahlia tubers either in a greenhouse or indoors to provide shoots for cutting. Plant the tubers in a 6” (15cm) tray of moist compost, just covering the tubers. Once shoots appear give them plenty of light.
If you haven’t got yours yet, don’t leave it too late to get a ticket for Christine Walkden on 5 March – email us at [email protected] or speak to one of the committee members – Eddie Morris, Bob Teasdale, Angela Miller, Sue Ellis, or Lesley Miller.
Don’t forget our Spring Show on Wednesday April 2 – take a look at the website to see the categories and download a leaflet or contact one of the Committee to get a copy.
Pete Chamberlain