Yes yes we’ve all heard the hilarious jokes about up hill gardening and friends dreadful impersonations of Kenneth Williams asking ‘Would you like a good fork?’ snigger snigger.
Well you should be answering yes. For now is the time to get the fork from the shed, attach your strongest boots and get digging. Below are my top tips for an easier start to the new year in the garden.
Number 1: A good forking (tee hee)
Turning the soil at this time of year will enable the frosts to break it down, giving a better softer soil for next year. You don’t have to be to concerned about how fine the earth is as nature will take over. If you dig up any bulbs then just re plant them.
Number 2: Another good forking (Well who’s ever satisfied with just the one?)
Whilst you have fork in hand take a moment to push it into your lawns every two paces. This aerates the lawn, giving a healthier grass growing season next year.
Number 3: Don’t get pricked!
Once the roses have finished blooming then cut the stems right back at 45 degree angles. You’ll see small buds or joint lines on the stems and you’ll want to cut just above them. Also take out any dead wood.
Number 4: Cut backs.
Now’s the time to look at the other shrubs in the garden and give them a good haircut. Shape them back from any long spindly growth to allow a fuller bushy shrub to develop. Again cut out any dead branches.
Number 5: Spread you fertilizers!
At this time of year we all need a little encouragement through the cold months and the garden is the same. Put down a good weed and feed on the lawn. If you have your own compost then give all the beds a good helping and gently fork it in. If not then you can usually pick up a few bargains like 4 bags for the price of 3. An organic manure will serve well in any bed!
So if it’s not raining and you have a spare moment then get out there and do some tidying. There’s nothing worse in the depths of winter than seeing a miserable sky and an untidy garden!
Seasons Greetings
The Garden Gnome
CAUTION: GARDENING USES A LOT OF MUSCLES WHICH AFTER A TIME WILL START TO SHOW AND ATTRACT ATTENTION FROM OTHERS LOOKING TO GERMINATE WITH YOU!
