The Gardener's Almanac

Overview ;

Happy New Year

 

This month is about preparation for the growing season ahead!

 

This means ensuring that heating and ventilation is suited to what is to be grown/sown.

 

Pots/Trays and containers are all cleaned and ready for use.

 

Seed composts are stored in a relatively warm place to warm up before eventual use.

 

 

Week No. 1 - 1st to 7th

 

• If not done previously insulate greehouse with bubble wrap or similar.

 

• Ensure that potted Azaleas have not dried out!

 

• Check over Begonia tubers, Pelargoniums, Winter lettuce,

 

• Prune indoor Grape vines.

 

Week No. 2 - 8th to 14th

 

• Check over stored dahlia tubers and cut out any diseased parts and discard.

 

• Inspect heaters and warming cables to ensure they are working properly.

 

• Fetch a few Convallaria into the warmth of the home or greenhouse.

 

Week No. 3 - 15th to 21st

 

• Ensure that the greenhouse is maintaing the desired temperatures and is well ventilated when necessary.

 

• Pot up Amaryllus if necessary.

 

• Keep budded Hippeastrum in a well lit position.

 

• Start up potted Osteospermum.

 

• Be on the look out for pests! In particular Red Spider mite.

 

Week No. 4 - 22nd to 28th

 

• Pot back stored Fuchsia plants, if not done prior to placing them in winter storage.

 

• Pot up Gardenia previous years seedlings.

 

• Untie Grape vine rods.

 

• Check over gladioli and discard any that are rotting / diseased.

 

• For an early crop fetch a few Strawberry plants into the greenhouse for forcing.

 

• Similarly; Pot up a few potatoes.