Garden Checklist ...

Good Morning!
It seems this weekend the weather has changed to be a little milder compared to the start of the week! We were in low single figures early on but looking at the forecast we're set to reach double figures over the next few days, the weather can't seem to make it's mind up.
Here's a few things that you can be getting on with over the coming week ...

1. Sedums - Throughout winter I left the stems of my Sedum plants to provide some structure and also allow somewhere for over-wintering insects. However the flower stems are looking a little tired and the new growth has started forming at the base so it was time for me to cut them down to ground level. Other plants that can be cut down now are Willows and Dogwoods to promote strong new canes.

2. Hardwood Cuttings - If you have been planning to take some Hardwood Cuttings then now is the time to get this done. You can take Hardwood Cuttings from Shrubs, Tree's and Roses but the window to do this is closing in a few weeks.

3. Hellebores  - If you love Hellebores as much as I do it's always a good idea to remove any foliage showing signs of Black Spot which helps prevent the disease taking over. It also allows more light to the emerging flower buds! If you haven't removed them already then try to get it done asap.

4. Snowdrops - If you are in a milder area of the UK and your Snowdrops are already flowering, this is the ideal time to start thinking about dividing them if the clumps are congested. Snowdrops are best divided and planted when they are 'in the green', simply dig them up when they coming to the end of flowering, split them up into smaller clumps and re-plant.

5. Sowing - Salad crops can be sown now undercover to provide you with some early lettuce and salad leaves. 

6. Apple & Pear Tree's - If your Apple & Pear Tree's have congested, badly placed, damaged or diseased branches now is your chance to prune them out. 

Thanks for stopping by, don't forget you can find all the previous Checklists on the page tab above.

HAPPY GROWING!

XXX

Weekly Garden Checklist ...

Good Morning!

Here are just a few suggestions that you could be getting on with this week ...

1. Pruning - Now is the time to get on with pruning certain shrubs, such as Buddleja. Prune these hard down to the base to encourage fresh new growth this year. You can also prune Hardy Fuschia's and Bush Roses at this time.

2. Old Flower Stems - Along with pruning you can also remove the old flower stems from Sedum plants. Not only will it make the plant look much tidier but you'll also be able to see the fresh growth coming through.

3. Summer Bedding - I know it may seem early to think about it, but Garden Centre's are selling Summer Bedding Plug Plants now which not only are they cheaper to buy, but also you will be able to take cuttings from them to create even more by Summertime. This is what I did last year and it helps save the pennies!

4. Deadhead - Keep on with the deadheading, just removing a few discoloured petals can make a whole lot of difference and why not prolong Spring flowers as long as you can.

5. Temperatures - Finally just a tip that it's always good to keep an eye on temperatures and ventilation, my Greenhouse has been heating up during the day, regularly to 20-30c what with all the sunshine we've been having, so it's good to make sure that you as much ventilation available that you can. Even if it's just for an hour a day due to work, it's better than nothing. 

Don't forget to close it all up properly on a night though as we've also had plummeting temperatures too!

Thanks for stopping by, don't forget you can find all the previous Checklists on the page tab above.

HAPPY GROWING!

XXX