October Gardening News
That was the summer then and whilst the heat still lingers lightly, there is a real smell of autumn now. The night is sweeping in early and every day there is rubbish to clean up in the garden. The summer has been great for the gardener, with strong performances from so many things. The bedding has been stunning, and most vegetables have performed. Nature has of course repeatedly demonstrated it’s might, and we have had to wrestle with blackfly, caterpillars and a good raft of fungal issues, but on balance I thought things were good. The winter vegetables look promising too, with Sprouts and Purple Sprouting well on and Kale already being harvested. Where spaces appear in the vegetable plot we can be popping in over wintering onions and shallots, as well as garlic. Then towards the end of the month Aquadulce broad beans can be direct sown. They are worth the trouble and will bring an early crop to the table. If you have potted any potatoes for Christmas, bring them in against the side of the house. They will enjoy the shelter and the longer they grow the better the result. In the coming days there will be plenty of green waste, so tidy up your compost heap and if you feel particularly energetic strip it down to harvest this year’s compost and start again. Any recent garden waste can be introduced to the restart. The raking out of freshly made compost is very special and the material is perfect for digging into borders to give them a lift. The clearing and cleaning will also be happening in your flower borders too. Perennials want cutting back, tired bedding wants removing and overgrown plants can tied or tidied. Then you can commit to replanting. The winter bedding can all go in, so pansies, violas, wallflowers as well as sweet Williams, forget-me-nots and bellis daisies can all be planted. Make sure of some bulbs as well. There are some good bulbs to be found and as well as the usual daffodils and tulips, take a look at things like Alliums. The ornamental representatives of the onion family are very showy, offering border displays punctuated by bright drumstick heads of flower. And finally, as part of the big clean up, check fruit trees and consider greasing their stems to deter over wintering pests. Top fruit (apples, pears and plums) have all attracted the attention of pests this year and grease is the first step towards managing the 2021 visitor. Happy Gardening. Chris Evans www.dundrynurseries.co.uk www.thebutterflygarden.org
November Gardening News
October quietly slips away, a funny month really. Ahead of the changing clocks a prelude of dark shortened days, punctuated by just enough sunshine to keep the summer borders alive. Indeed I saw some magnificent baskets and borders well into the month. The ground moved quickly from dry to wet too, with some very soggy days. As the month closed we saw turning colour and leaves were jostled from position by boisterous winds. So there will be plenty to do in the weeks to come, with, I suspect some regular visits to tidying up the rubbish and pulling up the tired summer. Compost heaps will overflow with the weight of a bumper year of vegetation (so many leaves). The temperature has kept up and winter planting continues, with autumn bedding and bulbs being drafted in to bring new life and colour to the years close. Every season this year has been out of step and for many autumn planting is only just beginning. There are still some great plants about and most centres have plenty of bulbs. In the vegetable garden things look good, though the pigeons still need watching. Many winter greens are top heavy, so, as last month, do firm them back in. There is not a lot to plant, unless you want to do overwintering peas and broad beans (which are rather special). They will get rooted if sown now and will come quickly to harvest as the spring arrives. Just make sure that you select the right varieties for autumn planting. This month you are also going to be seeing fruit trees and this cusp of dormancy period is perfect for planting both soft fruit and the regular apples, pears and plums. Most centres will have new stock of a range and in particular, you should see plenty of raspberries. Here too consider your varieties, you could be eating soft fruit across the entire summer with a bit of planning. On the subject of planning, November is a good month for rearranging or redesigning, with most plants comfortable with being shifted. I am on the edge of a complete makeover at home, having snatched a little more ground. It is very satisfying. And finally, new lists are appearing, seed catalogues, bulb and potato lists all hot off the press. So this year why not reawaken the adventure, dip into the amazing palette offered by nature and share seeds for Christmas. Happy Gardening. Chris Evans www.dundrynurseries.co.uk www.thebutterflygarden.org