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| Deep root soaking means allowing water to be available to all roots of a tree or shrub. |
After being lulled into warm spring like weather Tuesday morning threw us back into reality with the a heavy frost confusing the gardens I had watered the day before. Winter is normally the time to store away hoses but NOT this year. Deep root watering for all evergreens that you notice looking a bit limp, camellias, rhododendrons, azalea's, hydrangea, lavender, Hebe, fuchsia. Shallow rooted perennials will let you know when water is needed, you will notice plumpness has gone from them. Deep root soaking is very important for maples of all sizes, dry ground puts these trees under huge stress which is shown instantly in the leaves and fine branching, now that my maples are bare I have been clearing out dead branches from past dry damage. After a soaking mulch will hold moisture from frost drawing it up, compost, pea straw, leaf mulch, old lawn clippings any organic matter that will not blow away you have at hand is better than nothing.
Dry winters are kind to bugs, I am still cutting leaves from my many hellebore's (winter rose) the back of each leaf is smothered in green fly, these go onto my burning pile. Lets hope we have a few frosts now on the coast to give bugs that thought they could just cruise into spring a hurry up.
Sow seed under glass in a warm area sow seeds of antirrhinum (snap dragon), carnation, calendula (common marigold), sweet peas, verbena, cosmos and viola they should pop up and be ready to plant out in spring.
Planting new roses: Plant to below the graft section, at bud union to root stock , fill planting hole with water and let seep away, plant and firm in.
Dahlias will need cutting back and mulching for protection if left in the ground. Clumps can be dug now and reduced or split up, dahlias tubers will hold in a dry place until planting out when frosts are over. Peonies are divided in autumn and on offer now to be planted in good draining soil, if you think there is a chance they would sit in wet soggy soil over winter they may rot, planting can continue until September.
If young trees or shrubs need transplanting now is a good time to do it whilst they are at their most dormant stage.
Vegetables
On the coast start raising vegetable seeds in glass houses or under glass or plastic with ventilation spaces to circulate air and stop seeds going mouldy.
Plant seedling plants that are now on offer along with garlic cloves. In colder areas sit back and let frosts work on the soil.
Start sprouting seed potatoes, early varieties like Jersey benne, Cliffs kidney, Rocket, Ilam hardy, Maris Anchor should be sprouting now for an early planting.
Fruit
Look closely at the shape of your fruit trees and plan how pruning can improve them if needed. Pip fruit should be pruned during winter.
Cheers, Linda
On the coast start raising vegetable seeds in glass houses or under glass or plastic with ventilation spaces to circulate air and stop seeds going mouldy.
Plant seedling plants that are now on offer along with garlic cloves. In colder areas sit back and let frosts work on the soil.
Start sprouting seed potatoes, early varieties like Jersey benne, Cliffs kidney, Rocket, Ilam hardy, Maris Anchor should be sprouting now for an early planting.
Fruit
Look closely at the shape of your fruit trees and plan how pruning can improve them if needed. Pip fruit should be pruned during winter.
Cheers, Linda
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