Search - Articles

Spread a compost mulch around border plants to suppress weedsPut pond pumps and fountains back into pools, thoroughly cleaning filters firstLay turf or sow new lawns from seedClean out bird baths and top up with fresh waterCheck tree ties

Tie in young delphinium growth to plant supportsSow seeds of hardy annual flowers directly into beds where you would like them to bloomStart to regularly spray roses that are vulnerable to disease Lift and divide clumps of hemerocallis

clumps of primulas and polyanthusSow seeds of foxgloves, honesty and wallflowers

in the eveningSow seeds of marrows, courgettes, squashes and pumpkins in small pots, ready to plant outside later next month

Wash glazing inside and out to let in as much light as possibleBring potted camellias into unheated porches or conservatories to enjoy early displaysBuy chrysanthemum cuttings or take cuttings from your own plantsSow seed of hardy annuals

to encourage early fruitingStart sowing seed of summer bedding and crops that need a long growing season to mature, such as pelargonium, petunia, verbena, salvia, lobelia and begonia

Knock heavy snow off shrubs and conifers to prevent its weight damaging branchesPlace rabbit guards around trees to protect barkFirm down plants lifted by frost or wind rockCover areas needed for early seed sowing with polythene or cloches to warm

of seeds onto the surrounding soil.Of course I could collect the seeds, and sow them in pots to raise young plants, but self-seeding cuts out the legwork. I just let them 'do their thing'. Plants have a marvellous ability to flourish without us, much

Save seedsPerennial plants are often very generous in the amount of seed which they produce. Plants such as verbascum can produce thousands of seeds each year, and you can sow them to grow more plants for your garden or share them with friends

of tulipsSow hardy annual flowers directly into bedsFlowersSow sweetcorn in deep modular seed traysFeed fruit trees and bushesPlant out onion sets grown in pots under glassFruit & vegBuy plug plants and young bedding plantsThin out heavy fruit sets