News & Gardening Tips

April weather usually heralds the return of sunshine and a few warm days but don’t be fooled into thinking that the cold weather has passed. Frosts often persist this month and in parts of northern Britain snow can still fall so wherever you are, listen carefully to the weather forecast and be prepared to cover up and protect any tender plants and blossom from adverse conditions.

Pace yourself

The grass is growing and lawns are ready for their first cut so act promptly: getting on top of jobs now and by doing a little each day you should avoid pulling muscle s you didn’t realise you had!

Lawns – step into your very own Green Gym

To stay healthy we all know the importance of regular exercise and a good, outdoor exercise - great, for relieving stress and cheaper than going to the gym could be on your doorstep!
A lawn is often the focal part of the garden but if it is neglected or in poor condition the rest of your garden can look untidy. Lawns are fairly easy, once you know what to do.

Step 1 - Get the height right

Mow at the right height. Keep the blades of your lawn mower set fairly high to begin with, gradually reducing the height of the cut as the season progresses? Avoid cutting lawns very low; especially during periods of drought and hot dry weather, otherwise you will need to water it on a regular basis to prevent it from turning brown!
Once the grass is growing vigorously, cut at least once if not twice a week, little and often is best. Try mowing the opposite way each time you cut as this encourages much stronger and even growth, which ultimately provides a much better appearance. Trimming lawn edges neatly after mowing creates a neat and crisp appearance.

Step 2 – Feed, Weed and Moss kill

A spring feed is essential and if your lawn has been invaded by moss and weeds, use an all-purpose, granular Feed Weed and Moss killer.
For medium and larger sized lawns the easiest way to treat your lawn is by using a granular product, as it is the quickest way to cover a large area, especially with a specific lawn spreader. It is critical that the product is applied evenly so try and avoid over lapping the application. It’s always wise to follow the instructions on the pack but if no rain falls within 3 days, water the area thoroughly to activate the ingredients. If you prefer to use liquids or soluble lawn foods these are just as easy to apply, and are perhaps more suited for smaller areas. A hose end dilutor, attached to a hose pipe can make feeding quick and simple

Step 3 - Deep breathing for Lawns - Spike and scarify

If you have already used a moss control product it may be necessary to rake out the dead moss. You can try using a spring tine rake but for larger areas it’s a good idea to consider using a mechanical lawn scarifier.Such machines quickly remove any “thatch” – the build up of dead grass. It’s important to get this is done before the weather warms up as late scarification can expose grass roots to drying winds and sun which in turn can damage the lawn.
Grass is very tough and most lawns recover fairly quickly following scarification so, if in doubt do it gently or wait until autumn. Any areas that are compacted or heavily infested with moss will benefit from spiking, to a depth of about 6-8 centimetres.Heavy duty mechanical lawn equipment is available for hire , should you wish to consider such an option.

Step 4 - Over the Top

Top dressing – this action will improve the health and appearance of the lawn. You can make your own top dressing by mixing soil and sand or you can buy a ready mixed preparation. Apply a good spade ful to every sq. metre or so and if you have spiked the lawn previously, the top dressing can be worked into the holes ,left by spiking by using a stiff broom. Aim to apply the top dressing to a depth of around 1-2 centimetres.

Step 5 – Summer Maintenance

Mow as often as you feel inclined, initially keeping the cutting height set fairly high. The more often you mow; the better the lawns appearance. If the grass begins to look dull and lifeless it probably needs feeding and watering (did you know that a sq metre of lawn can use up to 9 litres of water every day) When watering it’s best to do it thoroughly as light frequent watering is not effective. Apply a soluble lawn food, such a fast acting tonic to improve the lawns appearance, within days.

Lawn Food

What

The most important nutrients for plants (including lawns) are Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium and referred to on packets as the NPK content. Nitrogen promotes strong, vibrant green growth and is especially useful for the health of the lawn. Phosphorous encourages strong healthy roots so is particularly good for root crops, newly sown lawns and general strength building. Although nitrogen encourages the production of lush deep green leaves, the most important ingredient (especially in times of drought) is potassium or potash as this ingredient encourages drought resistance. Potassium or more commonly called potash also helps lawns fight stressful conditions such as pest and disease attack.
Other secondary nutrients are just as important and most good, well-balanced fertilisers contain all of the above in a choice of liquid, soluble or granular formulations.

When

The best time to feed lawns is when they begin to show first signs of growth but it’s important to follow the pack instructions carefully. Take note of such instructions because it doesn’t matter whether you choose organic or inorganic fertilisers as both may damage and burn turf if they are applied carelessly or as most often happens, too generously!

How

Some of the soluble lawn fertilisers are really easy to apply using a hose end dilutor (when a hose pipe restriction is not in place), such a device can make to the job of feeding quick and easy. The more traditional granular slow release type fertilisers are a time saving method of feeding and once applied will slowly and gently release their nutrients over a period of around three months, leaving you with more time to spend doing other things. Don’t overlook the need to feed your lawn and plants on a regular basis throughout the growing season - the results will be proof enough.

Ten minutes to spare – Off with their heads!

Flowering and the production of seed drains plants energy levels so to encourage improved flowering, deadheading plants is essential. Collect the pickings in a bucket and compost them afterwards. If they are simply dropped on to the soil surface they will attract pests such as slugs and snails. Some plants are of course grown specifically for their decorative seed heads so things such as Honesty, and ornamental grasses should be left alone. Daffodils and other flowering bulbs will benefit greatly from dead heading and at this time of year will enjoy a good feed with a fertiliser that’s rich in potash.

Veggie Quick Tips

Given warmer weather you can now begin to plan outdoor planting and sowing. Covering the soil with cloches or polythene will warm up the soil before sowing and planting commences.

First early potatoes, second earlies and main crop varieties should be purchased as soon as possible and kept in a light, frost free environment to encourage them to “chit” or sprout. This is made easier if they are placed on empty egg trays. Once signs of frost have left the ground they can be planted outdoors or if preferred plant them in layers in large, well-drained containers, from the end of March. Chitting before planting encourages earlier and heavier cropping.

Onion sets are an easier alternative of raising onions than sowing tho sown from seed. Sets are simply tiny onion bulbs and are best planted from now on and as soon as the soil has been prepared. Onions prefer a firm soil so make sure it is well compacted before planting takes place Plant the sets firmly so that you can just see the growing tips through the soil, otherwise garden birds, in their curiosity, often pull them out before they’ve rooted!

Sow outdoor tomatoes, courgettes and cucumbers in gentle heat under glass. If you don’t have a heated glasshouse, a warm, bright windowsill will do. Its false economy to use garden soil as it may contain pests and diseases. Use clean seed sowing trays or pots and for best results use a specific seed sowing compost

Seasonal Advice and Top Tips for Easter gardening

Pest Alert - Beware the evil weevil

Whilst re-potting a few plants last week I noticed the roots of some varieties were being attacked by vine weevil grubs. It’s important to check for signs of vine weevil activity now–especially on potted plants in the home and in greenhouses. Notches seen on the edges of leaves provides a tell - tale sign that the adult beetle is active. Each female lays hundreds of eggs during a season (males have never been recorded) and white grubs hatch soon afterwards. These creatures somehow seem to target the roots of certain plants, especially fuchsias, pelargonium’s, begonias ,busy lizzies and ivies – in fact their isn’t much the evil Vine Weevil doesn’t like!

Stop the grubs by using a biological control or try the product, Vine Weevil Killer, a very quick simple and effective method of vine weevil control – just mix with water and apply to pots and containers with a watering can. Pravado provides up to four months protection against Vine Weevil and four weeks protection against most sap-sucking insects such as greenfly Pravado is not recommended for use on edible plants.

Always read the label: use pesticides safely.

Enjoy Easter and April in your garden, see you next month

It’s the season to get going!

Garden birds are busy nesting, frogspawn is appearing, plants, and trees are bursting into life: weeds are emerging and the grass is ready for its first cut, all true indicators that spring is on its way!

Get set

Don’t get left behind by overlooking important sowing and planting dates. The spring season is so short that if you leave things such as indoor sowings much longer you may miss out. March is perhaps the most important month to start gardening although it’s important to listen to the weather forecast and plan accordingly.

Cover up

As previously mentioned, covering the soil with polythene sheeting or cloches helps keep excessive rain off bare soil and also helps warm and dry out cold, wet soil until you are ready to start sowing and planting . Polythene, cloches and bell jars, well secured in the ground also provide protection against bird, animal and slug damage to any new, young growth and emerging seedlings.

Be prepared

Easter is the traditional time most gardeners get going but the sooner you begin the easier and more successful you will be. Seedbed preparation, seed sowing, tidying beds and borders, moving and planting new plants, thinning and pruning old ones are all important jobs to be done before the busy season gets underway.

Go

The secret of successful early gardening is to listen to the weather forecast and act accordingly, for example, in colder areas try not to be too hasty with seed sowings. As the days lengthen, the increasing warmth of the sun will help dry out the soil more quickly. Although cold March winds and late frosts can damage tender new growth and young seedlings, if you keep an eye on the weather forecast, you can take appropriate action and provide temporary protection against threatening conditions.

Waste not

Generally speaking, plants don’t tend to start absorbing nutrients from the soil until the weather gets a bit warmer and so it’s wasteful to apply feed until new growth appears. The timing of fertiliser application of course depends upon where in the UK you garden, in the south it’s about now and in the far north maybe in the next few weeks. Well-nourished plants make healthy specimens and regular feeding from now until late summer will benefit everything in the greenhouse, garden, home, including lawns.

30 minutes to spare? –feed your lawn and garden!

Roses have to be amongst the finest of all garden flowers and providing they get plenty of moisture and sunshine they should flourish. However they are hungry plants and to get the very best blooms from them, they demand a quality feed. Encourage a blooming great show this summer by treating them now with good dressing of granular, quality rose food. This type of fertiliser, which rich in flower boosting nutrients can be scattered onto the soil, around the root area. Lightly fork the fertiliser into the soil or if you prefer, use a hoe and repeat the application at six week intervals until July. Rose food contains an abundance of potash (the flower maker) and other essential, health promoting nutrients and can therefore be applied to good effect to most flowering trees, shrubs and border plants.

In store Lawn and Plant Food Menu now available!

You may prefer to consider using an all-purpose soluble feed that is also high in potash and examples include Tomato Food or Phostrogen, These fertilisers can be applied to all plants, providing them with an essential kick start to the growing season. Whichever type of plant food you chose to use it’s important to begin feeding as soon as it warms up and don’t forget the lawn .To get lovely, healthy, green grass its essential to begin feeding lawns now. Again, you may prefer to use a granular fertiliser that’s specifically blended for lawns and when applied with a lawn spreader, this type of application makes light work of feeding large lawns. Some gardeners prefer to use soluble feeds on their lawns and when these are applied with a watering can or why not choose a time saving hose - end dilutor, such devices are easy to use and highly effective.

All Cleaned Up

As plants start to emerge from their winter dormancy, inevitably, so will a vast array of pests and diseases. Prevention is always better than cure so make a clean start by clearing away any dead stems, foliage and rubbish from your garden, green house and containers. The careful and targeted use of insecticides and fungicides from now on will help prevent the spread of many pests and diseases. Roses have an unfair reputation for harbouring disease but it’s always wise to use a garden fungicide such as Fungus Fighter, as a preventative measure against rose black spot. Applied from now and at regular intervals throughout the season it will curb fungal outbreaks and lessen the risk of diseases attacking your roses later on in the season.

Stop It

If left uncontrolled, pests such as slugs, snails, vole’s shrews and mice will eat bulbs and garden plants. Take preventative action now by using slug control, carefully and as directed on the pack. When using traps to catch mice ensure they are hidden away from the attention of garden birds – you wouldn’t want to accidentally trap a little bird now would you.

For those gardeners whose plants are attacked by the dreaded Vine Weevil( evidence of an adult Vine Weevil presence is small, near perfect notches the adults eat away from the edges of plant leaves – they especially like fuchsias ,primroses, cyclamen, rhododendrons, camellias and Bay but Vine Weevil will attack most plants. The adult Vine Weevil lays eggs on the surface of compost from now until autumn. White grubs hatch and begin to feed, voraciously on plant roots, sometimes causing their demise with a matter of weeks. Whilst there is no chemical cure for the adults (which cannot fly) you can always try catching them by using sticky tape placed around the top of any pots, this should glue them to the spot allowing you with the opportunity to see what they look like!

Provado, a liquid insecticide is the only garden insecticide available for use on container grown plants (not edibles) to kill the grubs and prevent further attack apply Pravado as directed on the pack and repeat again later in the season

Always read the label carefully- use pesticides as directed.

Top Tips

New Lawns from seed

Now is an excellent time to prepare a new lawn from seed or to over - sow areas of damaged or worn out grass. Before constructing new lawns from seed make sure the area is weed free, as level as possible, cultivated and firmed (to avoid the soil settling and hollows occurring.)To enable grass to flourish it must have good drainage. If the site is waterlogged it may be best to consider installing a drainage system first.

Sowing Lawn Seed: take your pick ; luxury or utility?

Chose a lawn seed type that will suit your situation. If you are unsure, visit your local Wilkinson store where you will find plenty of choice. Fine grass is generally grown for its appearance as it cannot withstand regular, heavy use. A hardwearing seed mixture, which contains dwarf perennial ryegrasses, is recommended for most gardens. Always follow the instructions on the grass seed packaging and don’t be tempted to apply more seed than is recommended, apart from such practices being wasteful, application of too much seed may encourage disease, causing the emerging new grass to collapse before it can get going. Do not be tempted to water newly sown areas until the grass is established and then only water if the soil show signs of drought.

Water features

March is the month when most garden ponds begin to show signs on new life. where fish are present and when water temperatures rise above 8 degrees centigrade the appetite of fish is automatically triggered.

Tip

Once fish feeding commences only use tiny amounts to begin with and then only give as much as the fish will take in two minutes. This action should prevent unwanted food falling to the bottom of the pond and fouling the water. Young children are naturally fascinated by water but you can prevent tragic accidents occurring by making every effort to fence off such areas. Never leave young children unsupervised near water, however shallow its depth may appear.

Time to Get your seed potatoes sprouting

First early potatoes, second early and main crop varieties are all best purchased as soon as possible. To encourage the tubers to "chit" (produce shoots) they must be kept in a light, frost free environment. This is made easier if they are placed on empty egg trays. Once signs of frost have passed they can be planted outdoors or if preferred, in large, well-drained containers from the end of March. Sprouting them before planting encourages earlier and heavier cropping.

Easy onions

Onion sets are an easy way to raise onions, and are an easier way than seed sowing. The sets are simply tiny onion bulbs and are best planted up and until next month. Onions prefer a firm soil so make sure it is firmed well before planting takes place. When planting ensure that you can just about see their tips showing through the soil otherwise you often find garden birds pull the sets up before they have had time to take root!

Under Cover

In the green house plants will soon be responding to the protected conditions by making lots of new growth but be sparing with any watering and avoid spillages as this can increase humidity that may encourage fungal troubles. On warm, dry, sunny days try opening the doors and windows to allow the air to circulate. Early sown tender plants such as sweet basil and tomatoes will need pricking out and potting on if they are to grow strongly without any damaging checks. Tender and "half hardy annuals" which cannot survive frost must be grown indoors and the seeds of tender vegetables like tomatoes, peppers cucumbers and courgettes should be sown this month. If for any reason you can’t manage to grow your own plants from seed then consider buying plants later on in the season.

The Good Life?

With all the talk about healthy diets and the need for us to adopt a "five a day" fruit and veg regime why not have a go at growing some of your own fruit and veg this year. Growing your own is quite easy and you don’t necessarily need a garden either. Most things can be grown in pots, containers and window boxes. Read the seed packets for guidance and some inspirational planting tips. And if you haven’t already tried growing seed potatoes in tubs or barrels – have a go, its really easy.

Sow and Sow

Outdoors and in milder regions, once the soil has been prepared, the sowing of outdoor vegetables can begin. Carrots, Parsnips, Broad Beans, Brussels sprouts, Summer Cabbage, Lettuce, Radish, Onions from seeds and sets and don’t forget to plant a few Shallots).

Unless you have already made a start indoors, leeks must be sown outdoors this month but as we don’t know what the weather has in store, here are a few tips.

"Early peas" are more cold tolerant. Parsnips are well known "slow starters" but they can be encouraged to "chit" or sprout indoors. This is easily done, simply sow the seeds on moist tissue paper and place them in a plastic sandwich box and keep the box at a normal room temperature. Don’t allow the seeds inside to dry out and as soon as you see the first signs of growth, plant them out carefully outdoors. To get long roots it’s preferable to make deep narrow planting holes by using an iron bar or a pole and filling the resulting holes with a mixture of sieved soil and compost.

How to sow out of doors

Prepare the soil surface to produce a fine, crumbly appearance.

The right sowing depth is important so always read the seed packet instructions. Make shallow grooves in the soil, using the edge of a rake, a hoe or a garden cane. Sow the seeds thinly and cover them over gently. Once finished, gently firm the soil surface, using the back of a rake and if the soil is very dry, water the seeds in gently.

When the first true leaves have appeared, start thinning. Reduce to about one seedling every 2 in. (5cm) – avoid disturbing the seedlings you wish to retain. Thin out ten days later, leaving smaller varieties about 4in (10cm) apart and larger ones at 6in. (15cm) intervals. Help them develop more quickly by watering them gently afterwards.

Inside know how

Always use a good quality seed sowing compost such as the Wilko brand.

Never be tempted to use garden soil; it’s usually full of weed seeds, pests and diseases. Old seed trays need to be washed thoroughly before use or buy a selection of new seed trays. Fill a tray or pot, lightly firming the compost into the corners using your fingers. Level the surface with the flat edge of a ruler or piece of wood. Water thoroughly by standing the seed tray in 3-5 cms of water to which copper sulphate or Cheshunt Compound has been added (this will guard against diseases such as damping off ). Allow the seed tray or pot to drain off before sowing takes place.

Sow the seeds thinly onto the compost surface – gently tapping the edge of the packet to loosen the seeds. If you prefer you can place the seeds onto the palm of your hand and scatter them onto the surface of the compost. Cover the seeds only when the packet instructs and only with finely sieved compost. Cover with glass and newspaper to prevent evaporation and keep at the recommended temperature (read seed packet for information) examine the seed trays daily and as soon as signs of growth appear, remove all covering and bring them into good light, avoiding hot sunshine.

15 minutes to spare?

Do your bit for the environment by making a commitment to do more in the way of recycling and composting. Make a start by collecting all household organic material such as kitchen and food preparation waste. Construct or buy and then install a compost bin.

Quick Check list for March

• Mow the grass little and often but avoid cutting it too low and apply a spring feed
• Grass seed can be sown from this month onwards
• Prepare outdoor areas making them ready for early flower and veg seed sowing
• Out of doors and under the protection of cloches, beetroot, carrots, early peas, cabbage, sprouts and lettuce. Parsnips are very hardy as can be sown directly out of doors without such protection
• In the greenhouse sow tender subjects such as tomatoes, peppers and aubergines
• Finish off any pruning that’s required on bush and climbing roses
• Finish off the planting of bare roots trees and shrubs, Transplanting or moving plants around is best completed this month- evergreens can be transplanted up to mid April
• Trim spent flowers on winter heathers with shears
• Many hardy border plants such as hostas, phlox and Michaelmas daisies can be divided and replanted this month and will often produce bigger, better plants
• Begin feeding garden, greenhouse and house plants
• Start feeding outdoor fish
• Remember to put up a few extra bird boxes this month
• Sprout seed potatoes tubers in a frost free, light place, placing the tubers upright in egg boxes
• As soon as weather conditions improve and the soil is ready, get on with any onion set and shallot planting
• Buy and start to plant summer flowering bulbs outside, things such as lilies and gladioli
• Dahlias and other tender tubers can be potted up and started into growth in a frost free place ready for planting out after the frosts have passed
• To ensure the best selection, buy your flower and vegetable seed varieties now

Always read the label – Use Pesticides Safely

Coming up next month – all the usual features including:

• The Vegetable garden – easy steps for improved results
• How to grow a better Lawn
• How to grow a colourful garden

Enjoy spring and the month of March in your garden!