The darkest days of the year find me in limbo land, because the garden’s largely hibernating. There are snowdrop tips everywhere, a promise of things to come. The witch hazel buds hang in the air, like tiny fists in snuff-brown gloves, but soon their marmalade strands will break free and flow. For now, I’m reduced […]
We heat greenhouses to keep tender plants safe through winter and start off outdoor plants earlier. In my last piece I noted how we could save on that heating by maintaining good air circulation with low humidity. These conditions reduce mould on our plants, something surer to kill than the low temperatures themselves. However keeping […]
Start Amaryllis bulbs into growth, watering sparingly at first; just trickle a little tepid water around the bulb, then increase the amount as growth appears. Once they are actively growing, keep them constantly moist but not waterlogged and take care not to get the growth tip wet. They need temperatures around 20C so move them […]
Plans to redevelop ‘redundant’ commercial greenhouses overlook the huge opportunity to redeploy them: the means to renewable ultra-local horticulture is standing right there. Big greenhouses mean bigger opportunities: I don’t know any gardener who wouldn’t upsize their undercover growing space if they could. In a greenhouse, bigger means more of everything: space, potential, food, flowers, […]
I spend a great deal of time in my study. Many a time I sit there wishing I was in the garden instead of being tied to my screen, metaphorically speaking. However, when I get a whole day in the garden the weather sometimes lets me down. A few days ago, it lashed down for […]
Don’t forget garden fruit this winter. Plant more fruit and fruit trees to provide natural food for nature and plenty of fruit for your family too As winter approaches, anyone that gardens and grows a little produce knows the incredible inherent value of homegrown fruit. It can be bottled, dried, frozen, jammed and stored for […]
Frosts really must be starting later, as I am sure that by this time in previous years I would have been forced to bring all of my tender plants into the greenhouse by increasing threats of icy nights and early mornings. Only in the last week or so has it felt cold and gloomy enough […]
Although none of us want to waste energy we’re also desperate not to lose our plants so then we may inadvertently set our thermostats rather high in order ‘to be safe’. Obviously we need to maintain a sufficiently high temperature so our greenhouse, i.e. not-hardy, plants do not sustain any damage. Now the old recommendations […]
Victorian gardeners ‘forced’ mint for Christmas for garnish, adding to roast vegetables during and after cooking and at the same time took the opportunity to repot their pots of mint. Pot grown mint should be divided and re-potted every couple of years. Growing in pots preferable because it can spread and become a weed; if […]
It’s that time of year. The garden’s winding down and most of my roses have finished for the year so there are very few to pick for the house. I’ve already reduced the top growth of most by a third, to prevent the wind from rocking the plant about and creating a gaping hole above […]
Mighty oaks from little acorns grow – as do hope, serenity and a sense of purpose amidst mounting political and ecological chaos. It’s time to step up and sow. Even the most sanguine gardener has their limit. I’ve just reached mine: a maelstrom of dispiriting, unsettling news – ecological, political, economic, the here and now, […]
Now that the greenhouse is emptied of summer tomatoes, it’s the perfect moment to move in some bulbs. With a bit of luck and the wind behind you, you can have them in flower for Christmas, but if you don’t manage to hit Christmas just see them as a boon, something spring-like and jolly for […]
