Shorter days - but the jobs still pile up
JOBS IN THE GARDEN
Get digging
Digging the soil is essential for good plant growth. If the soil condition is poor organic matter can be added at the same time as digging.
The best time to dig is from October through to December, when the soil is free from frost and can be left to overwinter. From mid-winter until early spring, the ground is frequently wet or frozen and difficult to work with. Heavy soil must never be dug when it’s wet as this can damage the soil structure and lead to poor aeration and drainage.
Planting winter vegetables
Broad beans grow best in a sunny situation sheltered from winds and enjoy rich, moisture retentive, well-drained soil. You can sow broad beans from October onwards, but make sure the ground is not frozen. If it is, you may need to lay some polythene or other material down to warm it up.
Sow peas now for an early summer crop.
By sowing in autumn you can have beans as early as May, but watch out for frost as this can easily claim your hard work. Cloches, polytunnels or fleece are worth keeping on standby just in case the temperature drops.
From October well into the following year, winter and spring cabbage, Brussel sprouts, early and late varieties of broccoli, autumn and winter cauliflower, kale, kohl rabi, swede and turnips are all ready.
Begin harvesting Brussel sprouts when the sprouts at the base of the stem have reached the size of a small nut and are tightly closed. Cut them off with a sharp knife, disposing of any opened sprouts and yellow leaves.
With kale, start harvesting at the crown of the plant from November onwards, removing a few young leaves at a time. This stripping of the crown encourages the development of succulent side shoots to harvest between February and May.
Rhubarb
Rhubarb should be divided every five years or so - do it now! Once divided, replant in soil enriched with well-rotted manure. Cover the crowns with straw and an upturned dustbin to force an earlier crop.
Time to look after your trees
Annual pruning will ensure that your trees stay healthy and in good shape.
Most deciduous trees are best pruned when dormant, in late autumn or winter.
42 Clear borders of leaves
Fallen leaves within plants provide a great hiding place for slugs and snails. So if you don’t want your plants eaten by these critters remove leaves from the plant borders.
Country Gardener
The exceptions to the ‘deciduous tree’ rule are maple, horse chestnut, birch, walnut and cherry trees which all bleed extensively, even towards the end of their dormant season, so prune these in mid-summer after new growth has matured.
Greenhouses - the annual clean
A regular clean will help maintain the structure of your greenhouse, particularly if the frame is made from wood and therefore prone to rotting. Dirty windows affect sunlight levels - less light can lead to seedlings becoming straggly.
A must job for the winter – cleaning the greenhouse
The ideal time for cleaning is just before spring sowing as this will remove over-
wintering pests and diseases and the greenhouse is likely to be at its emptiest at this time of year.
Try to choose a mild day as you will have to open the doors and vents to clean them thoroughly. You don’t want icy winds damaging valuable specimens.
Bulb planting
Garden centres or specialist suppliers will stock a massive range of specially treated bulbs in many colours that will flower 10 weeks after being planted. Time your planting and you could make some lovely presents for Christmas or Mother’s Day. To get bulbs to flower, you need to use a technique called forcing. To do this, heat-treated hyacinth bulbs, which are more expensive than normal bulbs, need to be placed in a dark place for several weeks to allow flower buds to develop.
Roses
Collect and dispose of all fallen rose leaves, especially those that are diseased and infected with a fungus such as Black Spot. DO NOT place rose leaves on the compost heap. Bin them or burn them! Prune tall roses by one third to avoid wind rock damage.
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