December - Before the weather gets too cold make some time to tidy the garden – wash down cloches, insulate outside taps, deadhead pansies and cut down dahlias.
Flowers
Tip:Keep frost at bay
The best way to protect plant roots from frost is to cover the soil with a thick layer of compost. Even hardy plants benefit from the protection. Now borders are clear of plants, it’s easier to spread on mulch. You could use home-made compost or buy it. Spread it on thickly and worms will get to work right away, pulling the organic matter deep down to improve your soil.
In the greenhouse
Tip: Hot house?
A good investment for the greenhouse is a max-min thermometer that records extremes each day. Check and re-set regularly to monitor what’s happening. If you do heat your greenhouse do check the thermometer each morning to ensure you are not overheating at night and wasting fuel.
Fruit and vegetables
Tip: Prepare for parsnips
It’s rewarding having a selection of fresh vegetables to harvest through the winter. Several root crops can be dug up now – parsnips last for months in the sail, getting sweeter once hit by frost. Swedes stand up well to cooler conditions and are great mashed with carrot or in winter stews. Both need a long growing season, so if you’d like crops next winter, then plan to sow in March or early April.
Around the garden
Tip: Clean Cloches
The glass of cold frames and cloches accumulate a surprising amount of grime and dirt both inside and out; reducing the amount of light reaching the plants. Take the opportunity to wash frames and cloches with warm soapy water, then rinsing with clean water. Greenhouse glazing may also need cleaning.
Woodlands Nurseries
Crooklands, Milnthorpe, Cumbria, LA7 7NJ
Telephone: 015395 67273
Email: sales@woodlandsgardencentre.com
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