Gardening expert Reg Kidd says winter is an important time to tend your garden. Here's the first half of his A-Z guide on what you can do right now.
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A
Plant asparagus crowns (clumps of roots) in well-manured trenches. Also attend to pruning of apple trees.
B
It's a good time to purchase and plant bare-rooted trees and roses. And if you need some garden art try an old barrow.
C
Carnations can be propagated from cuttings. And cyclamen also go well in our climate and flower over an extended time.
D
Deciduous fruit trees and roses can be given a clean-up spray for various fungal diseases. Copper fungicide can be used after leaves fall and before new growth.
E
Empty vegetable beds can be dug over. Add some blood and bone or organic fertiliser to rest for spring plantings. Egg shells crushed-up are also good to spread around seedlings. They help to control snails and slugs.
F
Frost. Protect your vulnerable plants. Move them under cover, provide protective covers or use protecting sprays.
G
Plant some garlic cloves ready for harvesting in late summer. Plant some green manure crops for your vegetable garden. Use nitrogenous plants such as peas that will grow and then can be dug in to improve your soil.
H
Hellebores are known as winter roses because of their beautiful, cool season display. There are some great colours and varieties.
I
Indoor plants. It's a good time to re-pot them. Also remember they need less water now.
J
June and July are the best months to plant, or transplant, deciduous plants. Also consider planting Japanese maples, for autumn colour.
K
Keep cyclamen cool at night and out of heated rooms. Keep the tags of plants you buy. They contain excellent information on growing and care.
L
Lawn care is important. It is time to get rid of those persistent weeds. There is a lot of capeweed around at present. Also check your trees for any damage from langicorn beetles, tree borers.
(TO BE CONTINUED NEXT SUNDAY).
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