unite Leisure Gardenwise
For the gardener winter is a slow season. The new year signals starting preparations for the coming spring with lots of exciting projects ahead.
Pruning is a really absorbing gardening skill and the winter dormant period is the time to get on with it but avoid icy weather conditions if you can.
Learning to prune has never been easier. Internet videos are very instructive and guide you through the various stages. I also refer to my library for a more complete understanding.
Seed and plant catalogues are a great source of inspiration and education. Order early. Exchanges for plants and seeds may be available to you locally or online. If not create your own local exchange.
The study of horticulture embraces so many disciplines, practical skills and specialist knowledge. It’s vast. Online courses, day or evening classes are all available. Personally, having been through the academic system, I now prefer self-education. The amount of learning materials available is enormous.
Pests and diseases are the bugbear of the productive garden. Now is the time to prepare against problems in 2025. Clean up plant remains like stalks and old leaves. Dig out annual weeds and apply fresh mulches where needed. Try pulling away old mulch and allow wildlife to forage eating the insects and larvae exposed in the cleared area. After a few weeks the old mulch can be relayed or new material added. Choosing vegetable, flower and fruit varieties that are disease resistant is part of the battle so research your choices.
Like me you may want to limit use of bought fertiliser and chemicals. I have been using techniques and products used by a South Korean organisation using a method called Jadam. Simple, cheap products are used to raise the fertility of the garden including new approaches to pest and disease control. It really works.
Projects like path laying, irrigation systems, fruit cages, polytunnels and greenhouses can all be planned out and worked on as weather allows. A water feature is a good attraction for wildlife and these visitors will help with a more natural control of pests.
Tools and equipment can be readied for spring. It’s never too early to do this. Treat yourself to a new gardening tool. This doesn’t mean buying new. Some of the older tools are worth investing in because of the quality materials used in making them. Well used tools can be lovely to garden with.
37 uniteLANDWORKER Winter 2024
n By Phil Saunders
Clifford Harper
Adobe Stock
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