The Gardener's Almanac

Overview ;

The priority in the fruit garden this month is to ensure that plants get off to a good start.

This will entail protecting them from wildlife, drying out and ensuring that they are well fed.

 

Week No. 14 - 2nd to 8th

 

• Protect flower buds on cherry trees from bird attack.

 

• Mulch Black / Red & White currants.

 

• If conditions allow, carefully remove weeds from around established Strawberry plants, following with a top dressing of high potash fertiliser.

 

• If not done the previous autumn, and if conditions allow; plant out new Strawberry plants.

 

Week No. 15 - 9th t0 15th

 

• Feed Raspberry canes.

 

• Sever rooted Blackberry layers.

 

Week No. 16 - 16th t0 22nd

 

• If not done earlier in the season; feed Blueberry, Billberry, Cranberry.

 

• Apply fungicide to Gooseberries at flower bud stage, to prevent mildew.

Choose a day when there is little or no wind to ensure that spray drift will not affect adjacent plants.

 

• Check fruit trees for aphids and treat accordingly.

 

• Encourage good Grape pollination.

 

• Mulch Raspberry canes.

 

Week No. 17 - 23rd to 29th

 

• Check rhubarb in forcing jars or under buckets to see if it is ready for harvesting.

 

• If not done previously; check fruit trees for aphids and treat accordingly.