The Gardener's Almanac

Overview ;

This is the time for getting lots of stuff out of the greenhouse to harden off for planting outdoors.

 

Idealy place these plants in a well ventilated coldframe.

 

If a coldframe is unavailable move plants outdoors during the day and return them into the greenhouse each evening.

 

Week No. 18 - 30th Apr to 5th May

 

• Wash dust off indoor foliage plants in the shower or with a pump spray.

 

• If not already done; prepare greenhouse beds for future plantings.

 

• Similarly; Remove winter insulation and possibly consider fitting some shading.

 

• Ensure seedlings are out of direct sunlight, and regulary inspect them for pest / disease damage.

 

• Feed Aeonium, Ficus, Strelitzia, with a balanced water-soluble fertiliser.

 

• Place Berberis seedlings in coldframe to grow on.

 

• Re-pot Freesia, and divide if necessary.

 

• Pinch out grape fruiting laterals.

 

• Pot up Melons, Sweet Peppers, if necessary.

 

• Pot up new Pleione bulbs, or re-pot established plants.

 

Week No. 19 - 6th to 12th

 

• Plant out Tomatoes.

 

• Alternatively; plant tomatoes out into large containers or growbags ready for placing outdoors when all fear of frost has passed.

 

• Increase watering of Draceana.

 

Week No. 20 - 13th to 19th

 

• Plant out Aubergines. Sweet Potatoes,

 

• Deadhead Auricula and collect seeds if required.

 

• Check Auricula root system for root pests.

 

• Pot up previous seasons Calceolaria, Mimosa seedlings.

 

• Prepare bed / pots for Cucumber and Watermelon.

 

• Commence feeding Peach / Nectarine trees.

 

 

Week No. 21 - 20th to 26th

 

• Plant out year old Azaleas into coldframe, or nursery bed.

 

• Commence feeding Streptocarpus,

 

• Pot up Calceolaria.

 

• Place potted Camellia outdoors for the summer.

 

Week No. 22 - 27th to 2nd June

 

• Plant out Chilli, Cucumber, Melon, Sweet Peppers, Watermelon, seedlings.

 

• Commence feeding Aucuba, Bougainvillea, Zantedeschia plants.

 

• Re-pot Amaryllus and Calathea if required.

 

• Manually pollinate Peach / Nectarine trees.

 

• Place Cymbidium / Orchids in sunny position.

 

• Move pots of Figs outdoors for the summer.