UNITE Leisure Gardenwise
SEASON OF REFLECTION
Winter, be it long or short, is a slower time in the garden. A season of reflection, observation and pause, though not without work for the gardener.
Protect tender plants from the rigours of the weather using fleece or straw. Don’t wrap too tightly as you need to discourage rotting. Ponds need a small area of water to be ice free for pond life to stay healthy and garden wildlife benefit from somewhere to drink when it's freezing.
Look around for loose branches and dead wood in trees and larger shrubs. Cut these out and check other structures like fences, greenhouses, polytunnels and patios for anything that the winds can damage. We’ve already had several storms this year but more are likely so make all safe and secure.
Now is a good time to plan changes to the garden and
A garden shredder is a wise investment. If you have only small amounts of waste you can borrow, rent or buy one collectively. Purchase the best quality machine possible within your budget. Machines able to process both branches and soft materials are best. The resulting waste can be composted or, if it’s mainly woodchips, make paths or mulch directly onto beds. Mulches need to be at least one inch deep to be beneficial. More is generally better.
Moving into January next year sow vegetable and flower seed. It’s surprising the variety that can be raised from January and February sowings. Tomatoes, peppers, basil, aubergine and pelargoniums to name only some. If you find growing from seed difficult a wide range of plants are available as plugs or plantlets. You simply grow these on and pot into a larger container until it's time to plant out. Early potatoes can be sprouted ready for planting under cover later.
Winter is a perfect time to develop more knowledge and insight into the multitude of subjects we call gardening. Happy days are ahead.
37 uniteLANDWORKER Winter 2023/24
prepare for the new growing season. Calculating, organising and ordering for projects can be arranged. Seeds, plant, compost, fertilisers, machine parts and maintenance products are best obtained in advance.
Pruning of deciduous trees, shrubs and hedges can be done along with fruit trees and soft fruits like currants and raspberry canes. Wait till the spring for Yew, Box and Thuja hedges. Bring inside some of the branches for decoration.
I was given an electric secateur to test recently. Initially I was sceptical but soon enjoyed using it. If you keep your free hand away from the cutting area, it’s very safe and easy to use. Highly recommended for doing a lot of pruning or if you have difficulty using secateurs for whatever reason. Perhaps a good Christmas present.
n By Phil Saunders
Clifford Harper
Getty Images
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