things that you can do in your gardens

In Bloom is about getting the most from your garden and creating something that you can enjoy and take pride. In order to have your garden in peak condition, it is important that you make sure you care for it properly. This involves sticking to a plan and preparing your garden to achieve the results you require.

Here is a quirk guide to help you through the months.

November

November is often one of the wettest months of the year, but like the previous month, relents slightly for a few days to give us a last glance of the summer sunshine. The general weather in November is like that in October, but the shorter days and weaker sun result in lower temperatures.

Good gardening days are rare, so full advantage should be taken of the few dry days we have. This is the best time to tidy up your gardens. Any fallen leaves should be removed, and diseased leaves should be burned, to prevent an outbreak in the summer.

Geraniums, fuchsias, begonias should be lifted and taken inside, and the empty spaces should be left rough for the frost to break down. Any areas where the soil is heavy should be covered in lime (1/2Ib of lime per square yard); this will help the break down process. Plants and trees arriving from nurseries should be planted, however if the weather is not fit for planting, heel them in Herbaceous plants can be cut down to 18cm above the ground level.

Dwarf shrubs, especially conifers, can be used with good effect. You can be carefully chosen as they could grow to be too large. The smaller the bed or garden, the more care is needed.

Here are a few things tips and hints.

·             Plan: make a list of materials required.

·             Continue making compost heaps (detailed in October column).

·             Carry on with winter digging.

·             Dig in the last year compost in the vegetable patch.