Author Archives: Gaby Heagerty

What to do garden january

WHAT TO DO IN YOUR ENGLISH GARDEN IN JANUARY

January in the UK is typically one of the coldest months of the year, with shorter daylight hours, frost, and sometimes snow. For gardeners, this can seem like a quiet period where little can be done. However, with the right approach, January is an ideal time to prepare your garden for the year ahead, keep things in check, and even get started on some indoor projects. From maintaining your garden tools to planning for spring, there’s plenty to do during this chilly month.

Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of your garden in January.

Prepare for Cold Weather

Winter weather in the UK can be unpredictable, with frosts, snow, and icy winds. One of the most important tasks in January is to protect plants from the cold. If you haven’t already, now is the time to get your garden “winter ready.”

Practical Tips:

– Cover tender plants (tender is the opposite of hardy). Use horticultural fleece (available from our garden centre), cloches, or even old bed sheets to cover any plants that are vulnerable to frost.

– Mulch. Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of shrubs, plants, and trees. This will help insulate the soil, keeping roots warmer and reducing the risk of frost damage. You can use any bark product as a mulch; we have plenty of options in stock.

– Protect pots. Pots are particularly susceptible to freezing, which can damage roots. Move pots to a sheltered area or wrap them with bubble wrap or fleece. If you can, bring them into a garage or shed. Don’t forget to raise your pots off the ground too using pot feet.

Maintain Garden Tools

Now is a great time to tend to your garden tools, ensuring that they are ready for the busy months ahead. Taking care of your gardening equipment will make your tasks easier and more efficient when spring arrives.

Practical Tips:

– Clean and sharpen tools. After a long season of use, garden tools such as spades, shears, and hoes will need a good clean. Scrub off soil, sap, and rust using wire brushes, and then carefully sharpen the edges with a sharpening stone or file. Oiling metal parts will help protect them from rust.

– Check the shed. Take stock of your garden shed and ensure that everything is in good condition for the coming months. Check for any dampness or leaks and tidy up to make it easier to find tools in the spring.

Plan for the Growing Season

January is the perfect time to sit back, relax, and plan your garden for the coming year. It’s easy to get carried away when the weather is warmer, but January offers a quieter, calmer space to really think about your garden’s design and what you want to grow.

Practical Tips:

– Sketch your garden design. Consider changes you’d like to make. Do you want to add more flowers, edibles, or trees? How can you improve the layout or add colour?

– Plan your planting. January is an ideal time to start seed sowing and buying your summer-flowering bulbs for the upcoming season.

– Crop rotation for veg gardens. If you have a vegetable garden, it’s important to consider crop rotation to prevent soil depletion and reduce pests. Planning your rotation now will save time in the spring. Don’t forget to reflect on last year—what worked well and what didn’t?

Look After Indoor Plants

If you grow houseplants or have winter-flowering plants like cyclamen, poinsettias, or indoor bulbs, January is the perfect time to give them some attention.

Practical Tips:

– Water sparingly. With shorter daylight and colder conditions, most houseplants need less water during the winter months. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure that pots have good drainage, and let the top of the soil dry before rewatering.

– Maintain humidity levels. Winter heating can dry out the air in homes, which isn’t ideal for many houseplants. To combat this, you can increase humidity by placing plants on trays of pebbles filled with water, using a humidifier, or grouping plants together.

– Check for pests. Take time to inspect indoor plants for pests like aphids, scale insects, or mealybugs. If you spot any, treat the plant with insecticidal treatment or wipe the leaves down with a damp, soapy cloth.

Tidy Up the Garden

While it may seem like little is growing in January, there are still tasks you can tackle to keep your garden tidy and set up for success later in the year.

Practical Tips:

– Prune deciduous trees and shrubs. Many deciduous trees and shrubs are dormant during the winter, making it a good time to prune them. Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches and shape them as needed. Always ensure you use clean, sharp tools to make precise cuts

– Clear leaves and debris. Fallen leaves and plant debris can smother grass and plants, as well as create a hiding spot for pests. Collect any fallen leaves, and either compost them or use them as mulch on borders. Clear any branches, twigs, or other debris to prevent fungal growth

Feed Birds and Wildlife

Wildlife can struggle in the winter months due to the cold, so creating a welcoming environment for garden birds and other animals can be very rewarding.

Practical Tips:

– Set up bird feeders. Offer a variety of foods like peanuts, sunflower seeds, and suet. These will provide birds with the essential energy they need to survive the cold temperatures. Consider hanging a mixture of feeders at different heights to attract various bird species.

– Leave out water. Birds and other animals may struggle to find water during freezing conditions, so ensure you have a birdbath or shallow container filled with fresh water. Break the ice daily if necessary.

– Provide shelter. If you have a spare shed, log pile, or other secluded spots, leave them undisturbed. Hedgehogs, birds, and small mammals will benefit from sheltered spaces where they can seek refuge from the cold. You may also want to add a few bird boxes to trees in your garden.

Start Seeds Indoors

For the eager gardener, January can be the start of the planting season, especially if you want to get a head start on the spring growing season. Many vegetables and flowers can be sown indoors now.

Practical Tips:

– Start early vegetables. Crops like tomatoes, chillies, and peppers can be started indoors in seed trays. If you have a heated propagator or a warm, sunny windowsill, this will help your seeds germinate.

– Indoors flowers. Start sowing early flowers like marigolds, geraniums, sweet peas, or lobelia. Growing them indoors gives them a head start and will ensure they bloom earlier in the season.

Check Your Lawn

Your lawn might not look its best in January, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be neglected.

Practical Tips:

– Avoid walking on the lawn. If there’s frost, snow, or heavy rain, avoid walking on the grass as this can damage the turf. Frozen grass is brittle, and walking on it can cause it to break.

– Keep it clear. Remove any debris, like fallen branches, to prevent them from smothering the grass. If you see areas where moss is growing, you can treat them with moss killer or rake them out.

Keep an Eye on Winter Pests

Pests are less active during the winter, but that doesn’t mean they disappear completely. January is a good time to check for any signs of infestation in your garden.

Practical Tips:

– Check for aphids and slugs. Though fewer in winter, pests like aphids, slugs, and snails can still be found in sheltered spots. Inspect plants, especially those under covers or in greenhouses, for signs of pests.

– Inspect trees and shrubs. Look for signs of damage, such as bark damage or unusual growth, which could indicate the presence of pests or diseases.

Conclusion

January might be cold and quiet in the garden, but it’s a month brimming with opportunity. From protecting your plants and wildlife to planning your garden’s design and even starting seeds indoors, the steps you take now will set the stage for a successful year ahead. By tackling these tasks during the winter lull, you’ll ensure your garden is healthy, prepared, and ready to bloom beautifully when spring arrives. Embrace the slower pace of January to lay the groundwork for a productive and rewarding gardening season!

 

What to do garden december

WHAT TO DO IN YOUR ENGLISH GARDEN IN DECEMBER

As December arrives, many gardeners might think their work is done for the year, but in reality, the garden still requires attention. While the landscape is transitioning into winter dormancy, there are several essential tasks to carry out that will ensure your garden remains healthy through the cold months and is ready to thrive when spring comes. Here’s a guide to gardening in December, complete with practical tips to keep your outdoor space in shape during the winter chill.

Protecting Tender Plants from Frost

December can bring some of the coldest weather of the year in the UK, and frost can be particularly damaging to tender plants. If you have plants that are not frost-hardy – such as dahlias, fuchsias, or tender perennials – you’ll want to take steps to protect them from freezing temperatures.

Practical Tips:

– Cover plants with frost fleece or horticultural fabric to provide a layer of insulation. This can be draped directly over plants or used to cover plant pots.

– If you have pots of tender plants, bring them indoors or into a sheltered location like a shed, garage, or greenhouse. If moving them isn’t an option, group pots together in a sheltered corner, wrapping the pots in bubble wrap to insulate the roots.

– For more delicate plants, consider using cloches, or build temporary covers with clear plastic to trap heat during the day, but be sure to ventilate the plants during the day to avoid condensation build-up.

Tidy Up Fallen Leaves

Leaves may have finished falling by December, but they still need to be dealt with. While leaving fallen leaves can provide a natural mulch for the soil and a shelter for wildlife, a heavy layer of wet, matted leaves can smother grass and other plants, leading to rot

Practical Tips:

– Rake up fallen leaves regularly, especially if they’re in areas where you want to protect the grass or flowers. You can compost them or shred them to create leaf mould, which is a valuable soil conditioner.

– If you’re unsure about what to do with leaves, use them as mulch around shrubs or trees, where they will gradually break down and provide nutrients for the soil.

– Alternatively, leave some piles in quiet corners of your garden to offer shelter for insects and other wildlife, such as hedgehogs, who will hibernate in the layers of leaves.

Winter Lawn Care

While your lawn is likely dormant in December, it still benefits from a bit of winter care. Cold, wet weather combined with foot traffic can damage your grass, so it’s important to treat your lawn with care.

Practical Tips:

– Avoid walking on your lawn when it’s frozen or waterlogged. Heavy foot traffic can damage the grass and compact the soil, making it harder for the grass to grow in spring.

– If your lawn is looking a little sparse or worn out, consider applying a winter lawn fertiliser with a high potassium content to help the grass survive winter and encourage stronger growth in the spring.

– Give your lawn a final mow before the frosts arrive. Set the mower blade to the highest setting, as cutting too short can expose the grass to frost damage.

Prune Dormant Trees and Shrubs

December is an excellent time to prune many deciduous trees and shrubs, particularly those that have already shed their leaves and are in a dormant state. Pruning now will help your plants conserve energy during winter and encourage healthy growth when the weather warms up.

Practical Tips:

– Focus on removing dead, diseased, or damaged wood to prevent the spread of disease. Cut back any crossing or inward-growing branches to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration.

– For fruit trees, such as apple and pear, prune to shape the tree and remove any branches that may rub against one another, which can cause injury.

– Avoid heavy pruning of spring-flowering shrubs like forsythia, lilac, and magnolia, as this could reduce the display of flowers next season.

Clean and Store Garden Tools

Winter is the perfect time to take care of your gardening tools, so they’re ready for action when the growing season begins again. Cleaning and sharpening tools now can extend their life and make them much easier to use in the spring.

Practical Tips:

– Clean your tools by removing soil, rust, and plant material. Use a wire brush to scrub off any stubborn dirt, then soak metal parts in a solution of warm water and vinegar to remove rust.

– Sharpen any cutting tools, such as secateurs, shears, and spades. You can use a sharpening stone or file for a fine edge, which will make your tools more efficient and safer to use.

– Once cleaned and sharpened, store your tools in a dry, frost-free shed or garage. You can also rub the metal parts with vegetable oil or petroleum jelly to prevent rusting over the winter.

Feed Birds and Wildlife

As natural food sources become scarce in winter, your garden can be a vital lifeline for wildlife, particularly birds. Helping them through the cold months ensures that they remain healthy and active, and can return to nesting in the spring.

Practical Tips:

– Put out high-energy foods such as sunflower seeds, suet cakes and fat balls. These foods are packed with calories that help birds stay warm and sustain their energy during cold snaps.

– Consider planting evergreen shrubs and trees, such as holly or ivy, which provide shelter and food in the form of berries through the winter months.

– Also, ensure that water is available for wildlife. In freezing temperatures, birdbaths can become frozen over, so check them regularly, and if they’re frozen, replace the water with fresh, non-frozen water.

Plan for Spring

December is a great time to plan for the next growing season. Take a moment to think about any changes you want to make to your garden, whether it’s new plantings, different garden layouts, or adding new structures like raised beds or a greenhouse. Maybe put them on your Christmas wish list?

Practical Tips:

– If you’re planning to add new plants or redesign parts of your garden, make sketches and jot down ideas to ensure you’re ready when the planting season begins in early spring.

– If you’re feeling inspired, start sowing some hardy seeds indoors—such as sweet peas or hardy annuals—so they’ll be ready to go outside in the spring.

Conclusion

While December might seem like a quiet month in the garden, there are many important tasks that will help prepare your space for the coming months. Whether it’s protecting tender plants, providing food and shelter for wildlife, or planning ahead for spring, the steps you take now will ensure that your garden remains healthy and thriving throughout the winter and ready for a fresh start in the new year. Take advantage of the winter lull to get your garden ready for the exciting growth that’s just around the corner!

 

Choosing the Perfect Christmas Tree

Choosing the Perfect Christmas Tree

Bringing home a Christmas tree is one of the most magical moments of the festive season. To make the experience enjoyable and ensure your tree looks its best throughout Christmas, a little preparation goes a long way. 

Step 1: Measure Your Space and Check Your Tree Stand

Before leaving home, take accurate measurements of the space where your tree will go. Be sure to consider both the height and width to avoid any surprises when you bring the tree home. Don’t forget to check your tree stand too – ensure it’s sturdy and the right size for your chosen tree.

Resist the temptation to go for a tree that’s too big for your space. A beautifully proportioned tree that fits perfectly will always have a greater impact than one that feels crammed into a corner.

Step 2: Choose the Right Tree for Your Home

Deciding on the type of Christmas tree is key to achieving the look and feel you want. In our previous blog, we highlighted the differences between popular varieties like the Nordmann Fir, Fraser Fir, and Norway Spruce. If you’re unsure which tree is right for you, check out our Christmas Tree Shop Blog for an in-depth look at their features, sizes, and benefits.

Step 3: Visit Our Christmas Tree Shop for the Perfect Selection

At our Christmas Tree Shop, choosing your tree is like walking through a magical forest. All our 4-6ft tall trees are displayed on pins after having a small hole drilled into the base. This unique setup allows you to see the tree standing as it would in your home, making it easier to visualise your choice.

Our helpful staff are always on hand to assist, lifting and spinning the trees so you can view them from every angle. Once you’ve found “the one,” we’ll net the tree for you.

Step 4: Transporting and Setting Up Your Tree

Netting your tree makes it easier to transport and manoeuvre into your home. Our biodegradable netting is eco-friendly and slides gently over the branches to keep them safe. Here’s a tip: leave the tree in its netting while placing it in your stand. It’s much easier to get it straight without being poked by branches!

Once positioned, fill the water reservoir in your stand to keep your tree hydrated. Then, cut the netting off from the base to the top, allowing the branches to fall naturally into place.

Step 5: Caring for Your Tree

To keep your Christmas tree fresh and beautiful throughout the festive season:

  • If you’re not decorating it immediately, keep it standing outside in a bucket of water. The cooler temperatures will help it stay fresher for longer.
  • Avoid placing your tree near heat sources like radiators or fireplaces.
  • Check the water reservoir daily and top it up as needed. Trees can absorb surprising amounts of water, so don’t let it dry out!

Step 6: Enjoy Decorating and the Magic of Christmas

With your tree set up and ready, it’s time to enjoy the best part – decorating it! Gather your family, put on some festive tunes, and let the magic of Christmastime fill your home.

Visit Our Christmas Tree Shop Today

Ready to find the perfect tree? Our Christmas Tree Shop has a TREEmendous selection waiting for you. Whether it’s the elegant Nordmann Fir, the slender Fraser Fir, or the traditional Norway Spruce, we’ve got something for everyone. Visit us and make this Christmas truly magical.

 

protecting plants from the cold

PROTECTING PLANTS FROM THE COLD

As winter approaches, protecting tender (not hardy) plants from harsh weather is essential to ensuring their survival through the cold months. Here are some effective ways to safeguard your garden’s most vulnerable plants:

Mulching: A thick layer of mulch—such as straw, leaves, or wood bark chips —around the base of plants helps insulate roots from freezing temperatures. Mulch also prevents soil erosion and maintains moisture levels, which is crucial during winter dormancy. A mulch can also suppress weed growth so it’s a win win!

Covering with Frost Fleece Cloth: Fleece cloths or garden fabric are breathable covers that trap heat and shield plants from frost. Make sure the fabric doesn’t touch the leaves directly, as it can cause damage. Support with stakes or canes to create an air pocket around the plant.

Potted Plant Protection: Bring potted plants indoors or into a conservatory where possible or place them in a sheltered area, such as a garage or porch. If that’s not possible, group pots together and wrap them in insulating materials like burlap or bubble wrap.

Wind Barriers: Winds can cause rapid temperature fluctuations, drying out plants. Erect a windbreak using fencing or wind break fabric (which we sell).

Lifting: Where soils become saturated in winter you should lift any tender bulbs, corms or tubers and store them in a frost free dark place (like a garage) before replanting them in the spring.

With these precautions, your tender plants will have a better chance of thriving when the spring thaw arrives!

 

WILDLIFE NOVEMBER

SUPPORT WILDLIFE IN NOVEMBER

November is a time when many of us start to wind down our gardening activities, but it’s also an important month for supporting local wildlife as they prepare for winter. By making a few simple adjustments, you can help create a welcoming habitat for birds, insects, and small mammals, even in the colder months.

Leave Some Leaves

Instead of clearing all the fallen leaves, leave some in corners of your garden. These provide shelter for wildlife which need a warm, protected space to overwinter. They also act as a natural mulch, enriching the soil.

Create a Winter Bird Buffet

Birds will begin to struggle with food sources as temperatures drop. Make your garden a haven for them by putting out high-energy foods like suet, sunflower seeds and fat balls. You can also plant berry-producing shrubs, such as holly or rowan, to provide natural food during the winter months.

Build a Bug Hotel

Insects like bees, butterflies, and beetles need places to hibernate over the winter. Build a simple bug hotel using materials like sticks, pine cones, bamboo, and bricks with holes. Place it in a sunny, sheltered spot to encourage wildlife to take up residence.

Provide Fresh Water

Even in the colder months, wildlife needs fresh water. Ensure your birdbaths or shallow dishes are topped up regularly, and consider adding a stone or two to allow birds to perch safely.

By taking these steps, you’re helping to sustain wildlife through the colder months while fostering a thriving, eco-friendly garden all year round.

 

What to do garden november

WHAT TO DO IN YOUR ENGLISH GARDEN IN NOVEMBER

As the days grow shorter and colder, we’re well on our way to winter. It’s the perfect time to wrap up your garden for the season while making preparations to ensure a healthy and vibrant space come spring. While much of the garden may be winding down, there are still essential tasks to keep it flourishing through the colder months. Here are the key tasks to focus on in your garden in November.

Tidy Up Fallen Leaves

As the last of the leaves fall from trees, it’s tempting to leave them for a natural mulch. However, a thick blanket of wet leaves can smother your grass and perennials, promoting rot and fungal diseases.

Practical Tip: Rake or mow leaves regularly to prevent them from accumulating. If you have a lot, you can shred them to create leaf mold—an excellent soil conditioner that can be added to your compost or used as mulch around plants next spring.

Protect Tender Plants from Frost

Frost can arrive any time now, so it’s essential to protect your tender plants, including plants in pots, tropicals and any half hardy perennials.

Practical Tip: Cover plants with frost fleece or horticultural fabric to provide extra warmth. For pots, either bring them indoors or group them together in a sheltered corner of the garden. Wrap the pots with bubble wrap or hessian sacks to keep the roots from freezing.

For larger plants, consider constructing a makeshift cloche using clear plastic or old garden hoops with plastic sheeting. Make sure to leave ventilation gaps to prevent condensation buildup, which can encourage mould growth.

Plant Spring Bulbs

November is the prime time to plant spring-flowering bulbs, including daffodils, tulips, crocuses, and hyacinths. Planting these bulbs now ensures you’ll have a vibrant spring display once the weather warms up. But hurry, we don’t have many left in stock.

Practical Tip: Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil for best results. Dig a hole that’s about three times as deep as the bulb, and space them out to allow for good air circulation. If you’re planting tulips, which prefer drier conditions, ensure that the drainage is particularly good. Adding grit or sand to the soil can help improve drainage if necessary.

If you’re planting in containers, make sure to choose large, deep pots and use a bag of bulb fibre (available from our garden centre). Bulbs need room to grow, and they’ll thrive better when they’re not overcrowded.

Prune Dead or Damaged Growth

November is the time to tidy up your plants, especially those that have finished blooming or have dead and damaged growth. This helps reduce the risk of pests and disease over the winter months.

Practical Tip: Cut back dead stems and foliage on perennials, but leave those that provide structure or interest through the winter. For deciduous shrubs and trees, remove any damaged or diseased wood. Avoid heavy pruning of healthy plants now, as this can encourage new growth that might be damaged by frost.

Be sure to clean your pruning tools after each use to avoid spreading disease between plants. A simple wipe with rubbing alcohol or a solution of bleach and water will help keep your tools in good condition.

Prepare the Soil for Winter

Preparing your soil for the colder months not only helps protect it from erosion but also ensures it’s nutrient-rich for next spring’s planting season.

Practical Tip: Add a layer of organic matter, such as well-rotted manure, compost, or leaf mould, to improve the soil structure. This helps maintain moisture levels and provides valuable nutrients for next year’s plants. In particular, apply compost or manure to vegetable plots and areas where you plan to plant flowers or shrubs next season.

Clean and Store Garden Tools

It’s essential to maintain your garden tools during the off-season to prolong their lifespan and ensure they’re ready for use come spring.

Practical Tip: Clean tools thoroughly to remove any soil, plant sap, and rust. Use a wire brush to remove dirt, then soak the metal parts in a solution of water and vinegar or a commercial rust remover. After drying, oil the metal surfaces with vegetable oil or a specialised tool oil to prevent further rusting.

Sharpen blades on secateurs, shears, and spade. Store tools in a dry, frost-free shed or garage to prevent damage.

Move Hardy Containers into Sheltered Areas

If you have containers with hardy plants, it’s a good idea to move them to more sheltered spots to protect them from the elements. In windy or exposed gardens, containers are more vulnerable to frost damage.

Practical Tip: Group your pots together in a corner near a wall or fence, ideally out of direct line of strong winds. You can also raise pots off the ground with pot feet to prevent frost from damaging the roots. Adding a layer of mulch to the top of the soil in containers can also help insulate the roots.

Harvest Late Crops and Vegetables

If you’ve planted late crops, such as Kale, Brussels sprouts, or Leeks; November is a great time to harvest them before the really cold weather sets in.

Practical Tip: Be sure to harvest leafy greens like kale and spinach before they’re damaged by frost. For crops like leeks and carrots, you can leave them in the ground but harvest them when needed, as they tend to taste better after a light frost.

Consider protecting remaining crops with fleece or cloches to extend the harvest season.

Check Your Greenhouse and Cold Frames

If you have a greenhouse or cold frames, make sure they are in good condition and ready for the winter. These structures can extend the growing season and provide protection for sensitive plants.

Practical Tip: Clean the glass or plastic panels to allow maximum sunlight during the darker months. Check for any cracks or gaps and repair them to avoid drafts. You can insulate greenhouses by using bubble wrap or horticultural fleece on the inside of the glass. Keep the space well-ventilated, as condensation can lead to mould and mildew.

Conclusion

While the garden may appear quiet in November, there are plenty of essential tasks to complete before winter settles in. By preparing your plants, soil, and tools now, you’re setting yourself up for a successful spring. We have all the tools you need for the above tasks in our garden centre.

 

What to do garden october

WHAT TO DO IN YOUR ENGLISH GARDEN IN OCTOBER

October is a pivotal month in the gardening calendar, marking the transition from the mild days of early autumn to the cooler, shorter days of late autumn and early winter. With the arrival of October, there’s a great deal of practical work to be done in your English garden to prepare for the winter months ahead, while also planting the seeds of next year’s success. Here are the key tasks to focus on in your garden this month.

Plant Spring Bulbs

October is the perfect time to plant spring-flowering bulbs like daffodils, tulips, crocuses and alliums. These bulbs need the cold winter months to establish their roots before bursting into colour when spring arrives.

Practical Tip: Plant bulbs at a depth about two to three times their size. For instance, if your tulip bulb is 5cm/2 inches tall, plant it 10-15cm / 4-6 inches deep. Ensure they are planted with the pointed end facing upwards. Choose a sunny, well-drained spot and ideally use bulb fibre as a planting media giving best results.

Tidy Up Perennials

As perennial plants start to die back in October, it’s essential to cut them down to encourage new growth next year. However, leave plants with seed heads, like echinacea or allium, standing for a while. Their seeds provide food for birds and their skeletal structure adds interest to the winter garden.

Practical Tip: Use clean, sharp secateurs to cut back perennials to about 2-3 inches from the soil. Compost the healthy clippings but avoid composting diseased plant clippings.

Prepare Beds for Winter

By October, many vegetable and flower beds will be finished for the year. Remove dead plants and debris, turning over the soil to expose pests to the cold. It’s also an ideal time to dig in organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure, improving the soil’s structure and fertility for next year.

Practical Tip: Mulch bare soil with a thick layer of organic material (about 2-3 inches). This helps suppress weeds and keeps the soil warm. Over time, the mulch will break down and enrich your beds.

Plant Trees, Shrubs, and Roses

October offers cooler, wetter conditions, making it the perfect time to plant trees, shrubs and roses. The roots will have time to establish before the ground freezes, giving them a good head start for next spring.

Practical Tip: When planting, dig a hole that’s twice the width of the root ball but no deeper than its height. Water thoroughly after planting, and mulch around the base to retain moisture and protect roots from frost.

Harvest Late Crops and Protect Tender Plants

Many vegetables such as Kale, Brussels Sprouts and Parsnips thrive in the cool autumn air. Make sure to harvest these late crops before the weather turns too cold. At the same time, protect tender plants like pelargoniums and fuchsias from frost by bringing them indoors or into a greenhouse.

Practical Tip: Use horticultural fleece or cloches to protect crops that are still growing. You can also dig up tender plants, pot them and move them to a more sheltered location like a conservatory.

Rake Fallen Leaves

Fallen leaves can be both a blessing and a curse. While they’re beautiful to look at, if left to pile up on your lawn, they can suffocate the grass and promote disease. Rake them up regularly and consider adding them to a compost heap where they can break down into leaf mould, a valuable soil conditioner.

Practical Tip: Make lighter work by using products like Darlac’s Big Hands. These simple scoops enable you to pick up more leaves with your hands

Feed the Birds

As natural food sources dwindle, October is a good time to start supplementing garden birds’ diets by putting out feeders filled with seeds, suet and peanuts. Not only will you help the local bird population, but they can also help control pests in your garden.

Practical Tip: Place feeders in a sheltered spot, away from predators like cats. Clean your feeders regularly to prevent the spread of disease among birds.

Conclusion

October is a busy and rewarding time for gardeners in the UK. By planting spring bulbs, tidying perennials, protecting tender plants, and prepping your garden for the colder months, you’ll ensure a healthy, vibrant garden in the spring. So, grab your gardening gloves and make the most of this golden autumn month!

 

September gardening

WHAT TO DO IN YOUR ENGLISH GARDEN IN SEPTEMBER

September marks the start of autumn in the English garden, a time when the last of summer’s warmth meets the cooler breezes of autumn. It’s a crucial month for both enjoying the beauty of late blooms and preparing for the coming months. From harvesting crops to planting for next year, here are some key tasks to keep your garden looking its best in September.

Harvest the Last of Summer Crops

By September, many fruits and vegetables are ready for harvesting. Courgettes, beans, and sweetcorn will be ripening, while fruits like apples, pears, and plums are also reaching their peak.

Practical Tip: Pick fruits and vegetables as soon as they ripen to encourage the plants to keep producing for as long as possible. If frost is forecast, harvest any remaining tender crops like tomatoes and courgettes, as even a light frost can damage them.

Sow Hardy Vegetables for Winter

It’s not too late to sow hardy vegetables that will provide fresh produce over the winter months. Spinach, kale, and winter lettuce can be sown in September, and with a little protection from frost, they’ll provide fresh greens well into winter.

Practical Tip: Use cloches, fleece, or cold frames to protect these crops from colder weather. If you’re growing them in pots, consider moving them to a sheltered location, such as a greenhouse, as temperatures drop.

Divide Perennials

September is the ideal time to divide and transplant herbaceous perennials like hostas, daylilies, and asters. Dividing perennials rejuvenates the plants, encourages healthy growth, and provides extra plants to fill gaps in your garden or share with friends.

Practical Tip: Lift the clumps of perennials carefully using a garden fork, and gently pull apart the roots into smaller sections, ensuring each section has a good portion of root and shoots. Replant them at the same depth they were originally growing and water them in well.

Plant Spring Bulbs

September marks the beginning of bulb-planting season. Start planting daffodils, crocuses, and other spring bulbs now so they can establish roots over the winter. If you wait too long, they won’t have enough time to settle before the cold weather sets in.

Practical Tip: Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Plant bulbs at a depth roughly three times their height and space them out to allow for future growth. Make sure to plant with the pointed end facing up!

Deadhead Flowers

Many late-summer bloomers, such as dahlias, roses, and cosmos, will still be flowering in September. Deadheading—removing spent blooms—will encourage them to continue flowering for as long as possible.

Practical Tip: Use clean, sharp secateurs or scissors to cut off faded blooms, taking care not to damage surrounding buds. This will help your plants focus their energy on producing new flowers instead of seeds.

Lawn Care

With cooler weather and occasional rain, September is a good time to give your lawn some attention. You can scarify (rake out the thatch), aerate, and even overseed thin or bare patches. The soil is still warm enough for grass seed to germinate, but cool enough to prevent it from drying out too quickly.

Practical Tip: After aerating your lawn with a garden fork or aerator, spread a layer of lawn feed and grass seed over bare areas. Water the lawn thoroughly, especially if the weather remains dry, to help establish strong roots before winter.

Compost and Mulch

As you begin cutting back faded flowers and clearing vegetable beds, there will be plenty of plant material for composting. Fallen leaves and grass clippings can be added to your compost heap to break down over the coming months.

Practical Tip: To balance the nitrogen-rich “green” waste (like grass clippings), add some “brown” materials such as shredded cardboard or fallen leaves. This will help your compost decompose more efficiently and prevent it from becoming too wet.

Prepare for Frost

Although September is generally mild, frosts can occur later in the month. Prepare by bringing tender plants, such as pelargoniums and begonias, under cover. If you can’t bring plants indoors, consider covering them with horticultural fleece (available from our garden centre) on colder nights.

Practical Tip: Keep an eye on the weather forecast, and have some horticultural fleece or old sheets handy to protect plants in case of an unexpected frost. We sell fleece by the metre in our garden centre, near the tills.

Conclusion

September is a month of transition in the English garden, offering a mix of harvesting, planting, and tidying up. By taking care of tasks like dividing perennials, sowing hardy crops, and preparing for colder weather, you’ll set your garden up for success throughout the autumn and into next spring. Happy gardening!

 

how to plant spring bulbs

PLANTING SPRING FLOWERING BULBS

Planting spring bulbs is a simple yet rewarding task that ensures a beautiful garden once winter passes. With the right timing and technique, you can enjoy vibrant displays of daffodils, tulips, crocuses, and hyacinths as early as March. Here’s how to get started:

When to Plant

The best time to plant bulbs is between September and November, before the ground freezes. Bulbs need cooler temperatures to develop strong roots during the winter months. However, it’s essential to plant before heavy frost sets in, allowing the bulbs time to settle.

Choosing the Right Location

Spring bulbs thrive in well-drained, sunny locations. If your soil tends to hold moisture, improve drainage by adding grit or compost. Bulbs like daffodils and crocuses are perfect for lawns, while tulips and hyacinths do well in flower beds and borders. Bulbs can also be planted in pots for patio displays.

How to Plant

For most bulbs, plant them at a depth roughly two to three times their height. For example, a 5cm tulip bulb should be planted about 15cm deep. Ensure the pointed end is facing upwards. Space bulbs according to the instructions on the packet, usually around 10-15cm apart, to give them room to grow. We also recommend using Empathy’s “Bulb Starter,” which contains mycorrhizal fungi that help your plants’ roots establish, promoting strong, healthy growth. Additionally, bulb fibre is recommended as a planting medium/compost.

Aftercare

Once planted, bulbs require little maintenance. Water them well after planting but avoid waterlogging. As the shoots emerge in early spring, lightly feed them with a balanced fertiliser to encourage strong blooms.

Conclusion

By planting bulbs in the autumn, you’ll be rewarded with a burst of colour when spring arrives. With minimal effort, you can enjoy the timeless beauty of flowering bulbs in your garden.

 

september gardening tips

SEPTEMBER GARDENING TIPS

As September ushers in cooler temperatures and shorter days, it marks the transition from summer to autumn in the garden. This is a busy time for gardeners, with harvests in full swing and preparations for the next season underway. It’s the perfect moment to plant spring-flowering bulbs, collect seeds for next summer, and begin repairing any damage from the summer months. Amidst the vibrant reds and golds of early autumn, take advantage of the lingering warmth to complete these essential gardening tasks and set the stage for a beautiful garden next year.

Here are our tips for making the most of the month ahead:

– Cut deciduous hedges such as hawthorn, hornbeam and beech now that birds have finished nesting.

– Sow green manure in your vegetable beds that are going to be left fallow over winter. Green manure will prevent the leaching of soluble nutrients from your soil, build soil organic matter and soil structure, supply nitrogen and other nutrients for a following crop as well as providing ground cover to prevent damage to soil structure and bringing crop nutrients up from lower soil profiles. So many benefits from just one packet of seed! Green manure mixes are available to buy from seed in our garden centre.

– Continue to water and feed your tomatoes as cropping in a greenhouse can continue into the autumn.

– Dahlias, Begonias and Impatiens can continue to flower into the autumn so continue to deadhead, water and feed your plants.

– If you are growing pumpkins, raise them onto straw, wood or bricks as they ripen.

– Apply a barrier glue or grease band to your fruit trees to deter winter moth.

– Plant new strawberry plants for fruiting next year.

– Choose and plant spring flowering bulbs now but hold off on planting tulips until November.

– Maintain your lawn by killing and removing moss. Scarify, aerate and feed for improved growth next year.

– Net your garden pond in preparation for autumn leaf fall and preventing leaves from falling in and gunking up your pond.

– If you need to lay a new lawn, start by removing all weeds by hand weeding or using a weedkiller. Remove the existing turf to create an even surface. Turn over the top 20-25cm (8-10 inches) of soil and remove any large stones as you go. Add a 2-3cm (1inch) layer of organic matter / soil conditioner and gently dig in. Add topsoil to raise the level where needed. Leave the site to settle for at least a week (ideally a month). Weed again then rake with a soil rake to get a nice flat surface. Then firm the surface using a wooden board and your weight. The soil needs to be level and firm but with a fine crumb on the surface. This preparation will result in a better lawn so it is worth the effort. Now simply lay turf or sow grass seed and then stay off the area for as long as possible.

– Clean birdbaths using a mild detergent to help prevent the spread of bird diseases.

– Replace summer bedding that has finished flowering with winter interest such as cyclamens and chysanths. We recommend replacing compost in pots to prevent the spread of disease and pests.

– Plant indoor “prepared” hyacinth bulbs for Christmas flowering gifts. Remember to protect your hand when handling hyacinths as most people find they irritate the skin.

– Plant evergreens now while the soil is still warm and they have time to establish before winter.

– Plant autumn onion sets.

–Dig up any remaining potatoes before late blight or slug damage gets them.

– Cut out any raspberry canes that fruited this year. Leave new green canes as these will be next year’s crop.